by Portland-based producer Kaiyo first landed on our radar back in 2023 with a killer collaboration alongside FUXWITHIT fam smalltalk. While we’ve been keeping up his work since, 2025 has really seen him ascend to new heights. His output has increased massively, but so too has the quality of his works. Drawing inspiration from hip-hop, film, and psychedelic rock, Kaiyo has crafted a bass-heavy sound built around contrast that is truly his own. As of late, he’s been on a tear, dropping a song a week, with standout remixes of classics like ‘Habits (Stay High),’ ‘Swimming Pools,’ ‘Clarity,’ plus some stellar originals. With a massive 2025 almost in the books, and even bigger 2026 on the horizon, it’s perfect timing for us to connect with Kaiyo for a Guest Mix + Interview.
The mix is 40 minutes of blistering bass that’s jam-packed with own works, including unreleased IDs, flips, and originals. He’s also included bangers from his artist homies, including Jawnsin x veng, Ryan Tapalaga, FEELSUITE, smalltalk, and more. As for the interview, we discuss what makes his music special, how putting out more music has impacted his workflow, tips for up-and-coming producers, what inspires him to remix certain tracks, and much more.
What should we expect from the mix? Where are you taking us when we press play?
When you press play, you’re getting a clear picture of what the Kaiyo project represents. The mix showcases my sound, my influences, and the direction I’m taking as an artist.
I’ve included unreleased tracks, remixes, collaborations, and a few songs that I’ve really been into lately. For those first-time listeners who find this mix, I really wanted them to get a grasp on what I bring to the table as an artist.
I used to chase what I thought I was supposed to sound like. The second I let go of that expectation and just started having fun again, everything clicked.
What do you feel makes your music special or unique?
I don’t think I’ve ever had a hard time sticking out from the crowd when it comes to my production. I’ve always made what I felt like making, drawing inspiration from hip-hop, indie dance, and psychedelic rock. Those influences have always been there, but how they showed up in my music has changed a lot over the years. Before I found my lane in bass music, my sound actually lived in a different world—I used to make melodic UK Garage and House. Shoutout Space Yacht and LOVE CLVB for believing in those early records. People who’ve been following since day one know how drastically my sound has shifted. I used to chase what I thought I was supposed to sound like. The second I let go of that expectation and just started having fun again, everything clicked. My music finally felt like me. And ironically, the less I tried to please people, the more the project started to resonate.
You’ve been dropping new music on a weekly basis. What prompted the frequency of releases? Has it been hard to keep up, or did you have it already all mapped out? Has the frequency had a big impact?
I know a lot of producers that struggle with finishing ideas and will go six months to a year between releases. I used to be that producer. Always waiting on the “right time” to drop your music. Tweaking the song for weeks or months to the point where you don’t even like what you made anymore. Now I just try to move quickly getting ideas out while they are still exciting to me. I never set out to follow a ‘track-a-week’ routine—my workflow just evolved into that naturally. Lately, I’ve been finishing one or two full pieces every week, and it felt wasteful to let all these remixes sit on a hard drive instead of seeing the light of day
It’s definitely strengthened my confidence, sharpened my decision-making, and pushed my work ethic. Plus, the consistency means there’s always something new to share on social media. Remixes are a powerful way to cast a wider net—people might show up for the remix, but they stick around for the originals. Shoutout to Know Good as well for encouraging me to lean into releasing remixes.
You’ve been flipping a lot of 2010’s tracks as of late, from Avelloo & Adventure Club to Tove Lo, Zedd, NGHTMRE, and Kendrick Lamar. What makes that period special to you? What draws you to remixing it?
I have a hard time remixing a song unless I genuinely love the original. That initial spark is what lets me create something special. All of my recent remixes started as songs I already had on repeat—at the gym, in the car, or at work. There’s always that lightbulb moment where I think, “Wait, I can really do something with this.” And when that inspiration hits, I move fast. I usually finish the remix—or at least the core idea—within 48 hours of that moment.
That probably explains why I’m so drawn to music from 2010–2016. For a lot of people my age (I’m 30), that era was something special. It was when I graduated high school, went to my first rave, and eventually dropped out of college to chase music. There’s so much raw emotion and so many memories wrapped up in that period of my life, so it makes sense that those sounds still pull me in.
Making decisions based purely on your own artistic taste will always take you further than chasing trends.
Are there any production techniques or concepts that drastically changed the way you make music? Any major lightbulb moments along your journey as a producer?
This is something every producer hears at some point in their journey: trust your ears. If it sounds good, then it is good. Making decisions based purely on your own artistic taste will always take you further than chasing trends.
Another big one which I can’t stress this enough is staying organized and working smarter, not harder. Build a template project with your groups already organized, basic arrangement markers laid out, and the plug-ins you use on every track ready to go. That way when you get that lightbulb moment, you’re not wasting energy setting up the basics—you’re creating.
And if you can, find a mentor. Ask questions. If you’re curious about how someone made something, ask them. When I was starting out, I was stubborn and thought I had it all figured out—meanwhile my music wasn’t good. Things only started to improve when I reached out to online communities for feedback. If you’re looking for an incredible group of producers who will push you to grow, join the Tails Discord server. Tails (Spencer Reid) and that community pushed me constantly, and I owe so much to him and his mentorship.
What are your go-to plugins/vsts? What makes them crucial to your workflow?
Must haves are Ableton stock multiband compressor, Fab Filter Pro Q3, RC-20, L2 Maximizer, Ozone, and drumroll………SERUM 2.
I keep things simple, and I’m a big believer in keeping your tool belt small. It ties directly into the whole ‘work smarter, not harder’ mindset—too many options can slow your production down more than they help.
The truth is, everything starts with high-quality sounds. If your samples, presets, or patches are solid from the beginning, the post-production stage should only need to push things that last ten percent. You can make just about anything you want with the built-in tools inside Ableton Live. I can’t speak for the other DAWs, but you don’t need a massive toolbox to make great music.
Do you play any instruments? Do you incorporate live instrumentation into your music? Does that change the way you create at all?
I like to say I play guitar—though if you asked my wife, she’d probably tell you I just know how to hold one.
All jokes aside, I actually use my Fender Stratocaster in a lot of my productions. Whenever I get to record guitar, it’s a guaranteed fun day in the studio. The track that ended up winning me the chance to open the MainStage at Beyond Wonderland SoCal even had me playing guitar on it.
I’d love to work it into my music even more, and honestly, it would be a dream to incorporate it into a live set someday.
Your music often possesses an eerie cinematic feel. Do you draw a lot of inspiration from film? How to determine what samples you want to use in your tracks?
Much of that eerie feeling in my music comes from my focus on creating impact. Especially in a live setting. I’ll even close my eyes while producing and imagine myself in the crowd. I want every track to evoke a feeling or emotion, to make the listener experience something.
That’s why I’m very deliberate about sample selection. I always strive for high-quality sounds that match the vibe. Even the wrong downsweep or impact can throw a track off course. My goal is always to find samples that elevate the experience, never suppress it.
What’s the last piece of art that really resonated with you on a powerful level? What made it so impactful?
Lately, I’ve been diving into the archives of ’90s hip-hop, and one of my favorite groups is the duo Gang Starr. I recently listened to an interview with DJ Premier, the group’s producer, and it was really inspiring to hear him talk about the challenges they face. Striving to stay original, pushing past judgment from the outside, and dealing with Guru’s struggles with alcoholism. The music Gang Starr created didn’t just sound good, it represented their emotions, their struggles, and the world they lived in. Stories like that inspire me because I hope that one day my music will authentically represent my own story and life in the same way.
What brings you happiness outside of music?
I love spending time with my family. I’m happily married and have a two-year-old son—and a stinky dog to keep things interesting. If I’m not making music, you can bet I’m hanging out with my crew. My family is the most important part of my life; I’d quit music tomorrow if it meant they’d be happier. Fortunately, they love and support what I do.
I also have a lifelong passion for skateboarding. I’ve been riding since I was a kid, and it’s always been a positive outlet for me—something that keeps me grounded and inspired outside the studio.
At the end of the day, all I really want is to be back where I’m happiest—on stage, performing music I created on my computer.
What are you excited about in 2026?
At the start of 2025, I set a goal of playing three shows—I never imagined I’d triple that number. I also never expected to be hand-selected by What So Not to open on his Motions Tour, chosen by AC Slater as the Discovery Project winner for Beyond Wonderland, or to play my first direct support slot on Know Good’s U.S. tour.
I don’t know exactly what 2026 will bring, but I’m confident it will exceed my expectations.
At the end of the day, all I really want is to be back where I’m happiest—on stage, performing music I created on my computer.
Kaiyo FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist
Fred again.., Skepta, PlaqueBoy – Victory Lap (KAIYO REMIX)
Kaiyo and Ryan Tapalaga – ID
Run – Alison Wonderland (KAIYO REMIX)
Kaiyo – ID
Kaiyo – ID
Wu Tang Clan – C.R.E.A.M (KAIYO FLIP) (unreleased)
JAWNSIN & VENG – CHURCH
Kaiyo – ID
Olivia Dean – Man I Need (NILL FLIP)
Kendrick Lamar – Swimming Pools (KAIYO REMIX)
NGHTMRE – STREET (KAIYO REMIX)
Avello, Adventure Club – CRY (KAIYO REMIX)
Ryan Tapalaga – ID
FEEL SUITE x smalltalk. – RUN THE BLOCK
FOSSILS – PRETTY BOI SWAG
Clams Casino – I’m God (KAIYO FLIP)
Kaiyo – ID
World Is Yours – INZO, Blookah, ProbCause (KAIYO REMIX)
Tove Lo – HABITS (KAIYO REMIX)
