Kurei, an electrifying force in the music industry whose journey from classical piano to the electronic scene is marked by bold experimentation and unwavering determination. Fascinated by the rise of EDM trap in 2013 and inspired by trailblazers like Alison Wonderland, Kurei’s transition into crafting “Bad B*tch Type Beats” reflects a fearless exploration of diverse genres and sonic landscapes. As a founding member of the Kyra Collective, she spearheads a movement for inclusivity and empowerment, providing a supportive platform for women in a male-dominated industry.
With releases on esteemed labels such as Street Ritual and Bassrush, Kurei’s music showcases her versatility, ranging from heavy-hitting 140 to ethereal UKG, captivating audiences worldwide with her dynamic soundscapes. Through her electrifying performances and commitment to fostering a community of empowerment, Kurei continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, inspiring others to embrace their creativity and authenticity. She just dropped a new banger of an EP called Divinity on Street Ritual. Check out our interview with her below:
Classic Entourage Magazine: Cece, Can you tell us about your journey into music production and DJing? What inspired you to start creating your own music?
Kurei: I grew up playing piano since I was 5 years old but I didn’t get into the electronic music scene until 2013 when edm trap started to become a thing. I was super big into hip hop and R&B before that and when electronic trap started to come up I instantly fell in love. In 2014 I attended my first festival at Coachella and I was OBSESSED. The crowd, the music, and vibes all felt so perfect, and I felt so at home. By 2015 I was a certified soundcloud girl, constantly digging for new music and creating playlists for me and all my friends. Then I saw Alison Wonderland at EDC that year and I was so inspired by her energy and the emotions she brought to that stage. I knew that’s what I was meant to be doing and seeing her up there gave me the confidence I needed to get into DJ’ing.
After about 2 years of spinning at local bars and parties I was craving more. I knew I needed to create my own music, so I downloaded ableton and started watching every YouTube tutorial I could find. A few months later I started attending a music production school in Los Angles to sharpen my skills and dive headfirst into the industry. While it was so intimidating at times, I kept pushing to learn everything I could to continue to grow as an artist. Over the past 5 years since graduating, I’ve continued to grow and shape my sound and style into what it is today, all while making amazing connections and friends along the way that have helped my journey tremendously.
CE Mag: Your style is described as “Bad B*tch Type Beats.” How did you develop this signature sound, and what elements do you feel define it?
Kurei: Bad b*tch type beats is a phrase I came up with to describe my music because I never felt like I fully fit into one box as far as genre or style goes. It’s music for bad b*tches. I’m a multifaceted girl and I never felt like confining myself to one genre was right for my creative vision. As long as it’s sexy, slutty, emotional, or all of the above it’s a bad b*tch type beat.
CE Mag: As a founding member of Kyra Collective, could you elaborate on the mission and goals of the collective, and how it has impacted your career and the broader music industry?
Kurei: Kyra Collective is a girl group that myself and a few other girls in the music scene started together to help each other grow and support women in the music industry. It’s there for the girls to feel like they have a safe place in a male dominated industry. It’s there for us to learn from each other, keep each other safe and thrive together. The industry so desperately needed this as many of us have often felt so alone on this journey. I’m endlessly grateful for every girl involved in Kyra and all we do for each other.
CE Mag: You’ve released music on labels like Street Ritual, Bassrush, and Wormhole Music Group. What has been the most significant milestone in your career so far, and why?
Kurei: I’m so blessed to have been able to work with all of these labels and I’m just honored to have those opportunities, but to me the most significant milestone so far has been my most recent EP on Street Ritual. It holds so much weight for me emotionally because I wrote it in such a dark time in my life and that project truly helped me heal from so much trauma. It also really felt like the first step into a new level of my artistry and production that I had never reached before.
CE Mag: Your style ranges from heavy hitting, deep 140 to ethereal, fairy-like UKG. How do you navigate between these diverse genres, and do you have a favorite style to produce or perform?
Kurei: I’ve never been good at sticking with one thing, I love having the freedom to express a full range of emotions through different sounds and styles. I feel like I keep them cohesive by always adding signature techniques or writing styles that I’ve developed over the years. As far as a favorite goes it’s all dependent on my mood, it can vary constantly, but my heart is definitely extremely attached to the euphoric UKG vibes.
“Remember it’s a marathon not a sprint and trust yourself to know what’s right for you. Everything that is meant for you is already yours.”
Kurei
CE Mag: You’ve performed at notable shows and festivals such as The Untz, Elements, and Space Yacht. Can you share a standout moment or memory from one of these performances?
Kurei: All of these shows were such incredible experiences so it’s so hard to pick but I think one of my favorite moments ever during a set was at the Untz last year when I got to bring my friend Daizy up to b2b with me for her first ever festival in the US. She’s the sweetest girl ever and I’m so grateful I got to share that experience with her.
CE Mag: How do you approach preparing for a live performance or DJ set? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get in the zone?
Kurei: I always do a lot of crate digging before each set and am constantly asking my friends for new ID’s to play out. I also love doing a meditation and taking some time to journal my feelings before each show to help me calm my nerves and to document these experiences as they happen.
CE Mag: In the male-dominated music industry, what challenges have you faced as a woman, and how have you overcome them?
Kurei: Oh god. The challenges feel endless at times, it’s felt like such a constant uphill battle. From assault and harassment to not being taken seriously as an artist to being overlooked by the industry it truly feels like a fight for my life at times. Being surrounded by other like-minded women in the scene who understand these struggles and can lean on each other for support has been so important for me to be able to keep going. This is a big part of why we started Kyra Collective, to be there for each other through all of these things and to uplift and keep each other safe.
CE Mag: Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and artistic vision?
Kurei: My influences range so vastly because my taste in what I listen to is all over the place, some of my favorite artists ever that constantly inspire me are Alison Wonderland, Mija, Sonorous, Osyris and Auracle. I also have to give a shout out to my incredible roommates who motivate me daily, Bunny G and Baby Kush. All of these women have not only inspired my sound but helped me grow as an artist and a person in so many ways beyond my music career.
CE Mag: What advice would you give to aspiring female producers and DJs who are looking to break into the industry and make their mark?
Kurei: Follow your heart and trust your intuition. It will take you so far and believe in yourself and your vision no matter what anyone says. And on top of that be safe and stick with girls that care for you both as an artist and a human, those connections are so important to keep doing this. Remember it’s a marathon not a sprint and trust yourself to know what’s right for you. Everything that is meant for you is already yours.
Follow her on Instagram and Soundcloud
Make sure to Like, share and subscribe to our magazine!
Classic Entourage Magazine 
Leave a comment