We had the good fortune of connecting with KataraK and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi KataraK, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to the music industry in general, risk is something that can definitely go both ways. But without risk, you’re probably going to stay pretty stagnant. Whether it’s jumping on stage for the first time, or trying something out of your comfort zone in the studio, you gotta risk a little to gain a lot. This applies to my come-up for sure. It’s funny because at the beginning of my musical journey, I had pretty bad stage fright, plus I was always scared of making a fool out of myself. But as time went on, I realized that without putting myself out there, I wouldn’t have experienced half of the amazing opportunities that came my way.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
KataraK is an American recording artist, producer, and audio engineer based out of Westminster, CO specializing in Boom Bap rap, RNB and Hip Hop instrumentals, and professional mixing and mastering services. KataraK has worked with many local and national artists including Fortune in Fallacy, Austin Brown Band, Wyse, Mark Battles, Bella Carlson, Vinnie T, Lil Debbie, Black Pegasus, and many more.
As a recording artist, I pride myself on the meticulously placed lyrics and original compositions incorporated in my songs. I try and add a level of complexity when writing lyrics down, while also keeping the flow easy to follow and fun to listen to. Now a days, hip hop has been flooded with a lot of very autotune based music, where as the KataraK style veers more toward the: “Golden Age” of hip hop music. A lot of my style comes from the music I’ve always listened. I guess I’ve found my sound by learning from the best.
As a producer, I’m a little more loose when it comes to genre. I specialize in Hip Hop/Trap and RnB songs, yet I’ve definitely done some weird experimental instrumentals as well. Unlike writing and recording, producing instrumentals is an everyday thing. I only write and record when I find a beat I can’t live without. I literally have thousands of unused instrumentals in my hard drives, which is why I decided to start selling beats to other musicians. If I spent that much time creating them, it would be a shame to let them go to waste. Most of my production style is self taught. I mean, I’ve definitely binge watched YouTube channels like Mass Appeal’s Rhythm Roulette or Maschine Master’s On The Spot, just to see other people’s work flows, but most of what I do within the DAW is all me.
As an audio engineer, all genres are welcome. I’ve had the opportunity to record and mix everything from Trap to Punk Rock to Bluegrass, the list goes on. There’s just something about the things that happen inside a recording studio that infatuates me. The energy inside a place like that is baffling. Most of what I’ve learned in the audio engineer world is due to the awesome professors that taught at The Art Institute. We as students were lucky enough to have a industry standard recording studio as a classroom. This place was crazy, it had like 30 different microphones, outboard gear out the wazoo, guitars, drum sets, pianos, the thing was amazing and to add to that, we also had a smaller studio up on the 6th floor where most of us would go to make beats. These studios were free to use, we just had to check it out like it was a book in a library. During my time as an audio engineer, I’ve learned worked both in studio, and in live music venues, working with people including Rittz, Apathy and Celph Titled, Mark Battles, LSP, Twisted, Lil Debbie, Mr Criminal, etc. I’ve had an absolute blast throughout my career and I’m super excited to see what the future holds.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s actually a really good question. There’s so much to experience out here. I think first, I’d have to say a Red Rocks concert would be toward the top of the list, followed closely by a trip to Black Hawk, Garden of the Gods, and The Stanley Hotel. As for food and drink, I’d probably hit Amicis or Los Arcos for sure followed by nights out downtown. I’m actually not originally from colorado so even after my 10ish years as a resident, I’m still finding hidden gems myself.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to issue a big shout out to my manager/Label CEO Chris Ellis (Aka Wyse). Chris is one of the hardest working individuals I know and is always looking for bigger and better ways to elevate not only his artists but his company. You can catch both of us performing on June 26th and the “Like-Minds Event” in Denver, Co.
Instagram: @KataraKOfficial
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/joshua-fejerang-871371173
Twitter: twitter.com/KataraKOfficial
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/KataraKOfficial/?tsid=0.3847251838053174&source=result
Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCaUe4up1BPMo0jyzasxMG7Q
Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1SSCaAkZ5j0wESNZJolQ4g?si=XX8D9ug9TMKZ0pGHBtPJ9w
Image Credits
Photos by Dane Pearce