FEATURE INTERVIEW – Luckykat – Issue 051 – Zone Magazine –

Once in awhile an artist comes along who shakes things up a bit. Usually, this is down to them bringing something new to the performance and production table. However, it is unusual that they do both so boldly right from the start. LUCKYKAT is certainly diving headlong into the scene providing both an unrivalled audio experience, as well as fun visuals. Yes, there are some obvious electronic influences, and we are familiar with acts wearing masks (yawn), but this looks, sounds and feels somewhat different!

We welcome LUCKYKAT (aka David Lowe) to Zone Magazine, to find out more.

Photos By Dave Lowe

We’ll start with the obvious question, where did your artist name come from?

I lived in Tokyo, Japan for 6 months and was an English teacher. When I explored the city, I noticed these gold lucky cats in almost every shop, restaurant & business. The Japanese name is “maneki-neko” which means “beckoning cat”. They bring fortune to the shop owners. I had this idea to create the human embodiment of the lucky cat that would bring fortune to the people who listened to my music & watch me perform live.

You have a strong visual identity. How important is that within the current EDM scene?

With the barrier to creating electronic music being so low following the introduction of technology like Ableton, it is vital that you stick in people’s heads after they have heard your music or seen you play live. I have lost count of the number of average DJs I’ve seen in a club who I enjoyed but had forgotten about them by the next day. Their music might have been perfect but they were instantly forgettable. As AI generated music floods streaming platforms, we have to be more human to survive as music producers & artists.

You’ve recently just signed to Krafted. What made you choose to be signed to a label based in the UK?

I am originally from Blackpool in England & consider the country to have the best music in the world. Ever since I moved to the US in 2012, I religiously listen to BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix, Dance Anthems & Pete Tong. What is great is that with the time difference, it means the shows start around 6pm which is a perfect way to start the weekend!

We are loving your debut Krafted single The Dash. How did it come about?

I came across the idea that the short line between the two years on a gravestone is known as “The Dash”. So much can happen in a life and all of that boils down to a dash. So it was the catalyst for this question: what are you going to fill your dash with?

How would you describe your sound to someone who’s not heard any of your tracks?

When I released music on my own label (Katnap Music) for the first few years, I tried to describe it as “tech house” or “melodic techno” but it was really a fusion of multiple sub-genres. That was the reason for creating my own genre called “High Contrast” – a blend of minimal techno, progressive house & deep house. The focus is on broad dynamic range, fusing analog and digital sounds, and a cinematic feel.

Tell us about the “Kat Klaw”?

The v1 is currently being built by students in the engineering school of a local university. The idea is that the Kat Klaw (a wearable glove & sleeve) will have lights that flash in time with the music & change color depending on the frequency (example – blue for kick drum). I want it to be an immersive experience & combine this with the visuals on a projection screen to further connect people to my music.

Have you any plans on playing in Europe in 2026, or are you sticking with the US scene?

Is that an invitation?! 😉 I would love to play in Europe. Europe is so easy to get around by train or plane that I am very keen to tour there. My dream is to play Fabric London, Berghain in Berlin & Pacha in Ibiza. I also heard Cologne is great so would love to play there. My favorite cities are Barcelona, Copenhagen & Budapest so the chance to play there would be immensely satisfying.

Have you got any plans for collaborations in the future? If so, who would you like to release a track with?

Yes. I have collaborated with a local singer called Monti Korbelle on two upcoming releases. I really love his rich vocal style. I’d love to collaborate with Lulu James who teamed up with Lane 8 on ‘Loving You’. The Moon Boots Remix is one of my fave songs. Beth Gibbons (Portishead) & Thom Yorke (Radiohead) are my two other favourite singers.

Who has been the most influential artist in shaping the sound of your productions?

There have been so many in the last 5 years but I would say recently Stimming. His attention to detail when it comes to sound design is mind blowing. The way he performs is also intriguing & pushing me to create a new way of playing live. He uses analog synths, sequencers, samplers & FX units to create unique, one of a kind sets. No two shows can be the same.

What’s next for LUCKYKAT?

The Dash is out on Krafted Records in March. This will be followed by a few other singles & a new release called ‘Percestra’ which will be on the Sunset Garden compilation album on Krafted too. Kat Klaw v1 is coming in June 2026. Once the Kat Klaw is ready, I want to play my first official shows. After the rooftop set on top of the old Stapleton Airport air traffic control tower here in Denver, I am looking to do more sets for the “Elevated Series”. New York, Dubai, London & Berlin are places with skyscrapers & strong electronic music scenes so watch this space!

Thanks for chatting with Zone Magazine. Best of luck for 2026.

LUCKYKAT Top Five

Stimming – Lucky Me

He’s one of my fave minimal techno producers and I have learned a lot from him about sound design and minimalism. This song isn’t his usual style and I love how he experiments with different timings for his beats.

bLiNd – Gondwana

He’s a mate & mentor and has just released this fiery melodic techno track. I’m also remixing it.

Four Tet – Into Dust (Still Falling)

I love the beat, vocals & guitar. Very organic production that lifts your spirit. It has a deeply intimate feel yet could work in any club in the world.

Paul Kalkbrenner x Depeche Mode – Dreaming On

He’s another minimal techno producer who has massively influenced me. I love the way his drums always sound live. This colab is a really strong fusion of two very different styles.

Oliver Huntemann – Crank

One of the filthiest basslines you will hear that is created using an analog synth & a beautifully modulated LFO. The drums are also brilliant.