An ever-discerning DJ whose mixes and sets channel a classic Detroit and Chicago loyalty with an ear still cast keenly on the contemporary, K-HAND keeps a close eye on artists emerging from Motor City at all times. “Close enough,” she says. “Currently the priority is to focus on The K-HAND Brand.”
“Yes Detroit Techno City is always vital and rapidly evolving with new artists, although some have not been acknowledged. Some wish to, some don't. It’s just a Detroit thing.”
As such, when it comes to readying her vast collection of music for a tour, her methodology has a precision and professionalism that only someone with her experience could wield.
“On tours I have a nice self-management system I use where I can play any venue at any moment’s notice,” she explains. “Constant digging is all part of the process. New producers are evolving everyday – Too many to mention.”
As for the future, K-HAND is tight lipped but keen for us to know that there is a lot to look forward to. When pushed about the possibility of news EPs or even a new LP (her last was nearly two decades ago) she simply says, “Yes. And No further comment.”
That said, the past year has been rich in new material with her 'Project 6' EP being released toward the end of 2017 and a recent decision to repress and redistribute the Acacia back catalog herself via her website.
Back when she released one of her seminal LPs on K7 ‘On A Journey’ in 1996, she played live PA. Since, when she takes the stage it has been almost exclusively to DJ but now, she says that, yes, she could be making a return to a more “live” setting in the future.
“Today, yes. Work in progress is always a factor”
For her DJ Mag Podcast mix, K-Hand has delivered 75 minutes of impeccable dancefloor toughness with a feast of agile, harsh techno heft and irresistible groove , the mix is a superb example of everything that makes K-HAND one of the most essential DJs to have ever come out of Detroit. Perhaps the world.
And what should we do while listening to it?
“Pump up the volume!”
Keep up to date with all things K-Hand via her website, Soundcloud or at [email protected]
Press photos credit: Marie Staggat
Live photos credit: Claudio Caprai