Kobe Motmans’ love for music and nature can only be described as one thing: extreme. The Swiss-Belgian producer known as Paradoks resides between Barcelona and Zurich but draws inspiration from environments the world over. Motmans’ unique and fresh perspective on life helps him to express his energetic self through music while remaining grounded by life’s simpler offerings.
Paradoks has performed a variety of incredible sets out in the wilderness, including a location deep in the mountains of Switzerland. He recently returned to Purified Records—Nora En Pure’s imprint—with a stunning track entitled “Flourish”.
Both beautiful and powerful, the music of Paradoks creates a rhythm and vibe that keeps listeners dancing and has garnished the support of artists such as Tale of Us, Lost Frequencies, Pete Tong, Tiesto, Lane 8, and Nora En Pure.
Face the Current connected with Kobe Motmans to discover more about his background and experience in music, and to highlight his thoughts on planetary and personal health.
Ty Johnson: Music is an art form that is universally enjoyable. When did you first become interested in the development and creation of music, and how has it impacted your life since?
Kobe Motmans: It started when my parents wanted to sell our unused piano. The day they were going for it, I asked them to wait: I wanted to give it a try. Then I started watching YouTube tutorials on how to play songs which later evolved into teaching myself how to read sheet music, and then composing and playing my songs in a few concerts further along the line. Then I had a particular interest in electronic music, and realized the infinite creation potential of these software on the computer.
I have been making music ever since. A few years later, I realized that this is really what I want to do and have since been focusing almost solely on making a living out of music. I think of it every day and every night. Needless to say, music has definitely impacted my life a lot.
TJ: With your most recent release, “Flourish”, you have returned to Purified Records with Nora En Pure. What can you tell us about your experience working with this imprint and community?
KM: Nora En Pure not only makes and plays great music, but she is also an amazing human. I’m very happy to work with her as she is very available and puts a lot of care in the music she releases and the people she works with. I had met a lot of “difficult” people in the music industry, therefore getting to know Nora was special and it’s good to work with such professional people.
TJ: You have a very strong connection with nature and have streamed sets from deep in the mountains and a variety of other scenic settings. How would you describe the feelings and emotions you get while playing your music in such beautiful and natural environments?
KM: I do have a deep connection with nature, absolutely.
As a musician, my mind is either very often occupied by future plans and “what could be if I do this…”, or by musical ideas and inspiration. On the one hand, this helped me a lot to get where I am today, but sometimes these constant thoughts can get tiring. Therefore, nature is one of those remedies to let go a bit.
When doing my set from the mountains in Switzerland, I had accumulated a lot of stress: preparing a good set that was 100% my music, setting everything up on the day, and a lot of other necessary things to think of. But once I started playing and really realized the scenery I was immersed in—playing only my own music—I let go and really enjoyed it.
KM: Of course, this affects me a lot. I have a feeling that we are going through a very difficult moment in history, both regarding climate change and COVID. Recently, I also saw some footage of how the world has changed in fifty years, and it’s scary. But instead of being terrified, I prefer to choose hope. After all, we are smart beings and have incredible potential, so I have faith in technological discoveries that could solve these climate issues.
TJ: Since the pandemic, there has been a significant drop in the number of live shows and events that are taking place around the world. You and many other musicians have adapted by performing virtually, including the use of live streams. Do you think that it is necessary to perform in person, or are the online substitutes enough to connect with your fans?
KM: Online substitutes will never be enough. This would directly contradict what I said just above: the feeling of unity and community on a dance floor. I can’t wait for things to get back to a certain degree of normality; I can’t wait to play in real life with people not having to worry about social distancing. Live streams were a good way for us to show that we are still here and are still doing what we love.
I think people appreciate that we continue doing this in a way, and this is also why I still release dance music in times where there are no dance floors. That way, fans also have new content to listen to and dance to at home. But no, this won’t replace the real thing and I can’t wait for this pandemic to be over.
TJ: Your music is very melodic and powerful, instantly making the listener want to dance along and feel the beat. What are you trying to portray to your audience with your music, and how do you hope to impact the people who experience it?
KM: The idea is to maintain a certain energy to keep you dancing but combine that with beautiful moments. I love the feeling of powerful music creating that rush of adrenaline that gets you to let go and just dance, but I also love emotional music that gives meaning to our days. It’s not easy to find a balance between both, but that’s what I’m trying to transmit—dance music that is musically appealing, that you could both feel in a loud club or festival, but also that you could just listen to whenever.
TJ: With healthy living at the forefront of many peoples’ minds, there is much debate about how best to go about living a holistic lifestyle. Are there any specific routines/tasks that help you take care of your body and mind, or to stay at optimal energy levels?
KM: I try to do sports around three to four times a week, and I meditate regularly. I should also try to eat healthier, but that is my biggest weakness and a point I have to improve on. I think what is also important is to take time off every day to go for a walk. But most importantly, see or call important friends.
We are social beings and the feeling of loneliness can be very destructive to your mind. It’s a feeling I have sometimes on my path as a musician, because I do everything myself. I have no team and am alone in my endeavor. Therefore, seeing or calling good friends or family that actually understand what I am going through is really important to take care of my mind.
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