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United States KJ Sawka is a Grammy-nominated drummer, producer, and DJ, recognized for his contributions to electronic music with groups like Pendulum and Destroid, and for his innovative approach to drum performance and production.
Drummer for the electronic music supergroup, contributing to albums like 'Immersion' and 'Inertia'.
Drummer and co-founder of the electronic music supergroup with Excision and Downlink.
Founder and owner of the independent record label.
Released singles "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" and "Cali Girls" with The Private Language.
Collaborated on extensive work.
Collaborated on extensive work.
Collaborated on extensive work.
Collaborated on extensive work.
Collaborated with as a drummer.
Reunited to form the group 'The Private Language' in 2021.
Released singles, remixes, and worldwide platinum records with.
Released singles, remixes, and worldwide platinum records with.
Released singles, remixes, and worldwide platinum records with.
Released singles, remixes, and worldwide platinum records with.
Featured artist, showcasing him as a drummer, record producer, and DJ.
Kevin Joseph “KJ” Sawka, born on October 10, 1977, in Seattle, Washington, began his musical journey at the age of twelve. His interest expanded into electronic music production by age eighteen, influenced by drummers like Phil Collins. Sawka developed a customized drumkit to integrate improvisation with electronic soundscapes, aiming to replicate drum machine beats using an acoustic setup and an array of electronic devices. This unique approach allowed him to create an electronic sound while performing with live drums, effectively “becoming the machine” in his performances. He has been active in the music industry since 2005, releasing solo albums, teaching, and mentoring.
In 2010, KJ Sawka joined the acclaimed drum and bass band Pendulum as their sole American member, contributing to their album “Immersion.” He reunited with the group for a live show at Ultra Music Festival in Miami in 2016 and participated in a subsequent tour in 2017. In 2012, Sawka co-founded the electronic music supergroup Destroid alongside producers Excision and Downlink, where he serves as the drummer. He expanded his entrepreneurial efforts in 2015 by establishing his independent record label, Impossible Records, which has released multiple successful records. Sawka also formed “The Private Language” in 2021 with Blake Lewis, releasing singles like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Cali Girls” on Black Hole Recordings.
Throughout his career, KJ Sawka has worked with numerous artists, including BT, Amon Tobin, Illenium, Andy Summers of The Police, and Michael Shrieve of Santana. He has performed on various television shows such as Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel, and Ellen DeGeneres. With nearly 100 releases and multiple number-one records and sample packs, he has consistently been at the forefront of music production and drum technology. His “Unity of Purpose” EP, released after five years, showcased his live drum breaks and international influences, featuring collaborations with artists like Jason Camiolo and Emilia Sosa, and integrating producer-friendly formats like NI STEM and Ableton sessions.
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