Tim Kari was born in Uzbekistan, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and unique traditions. As a ghost producer, Tim has had the opportunity to work with a variety of artists from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. During this time, he honed his skills as a producer and gained a deep understanding of the musical traditions of the region.
Today, Tim has shifted his focus to his own career as a DJ and producer of electronic music. He is dedicated to creating a fusion of folk instruments and electronic sounds in his live performances, which gives his music a distinct, organic feel. Tim’s incorporation of traditional instruments into his electronic beats sets him apart from other producers in the genre and has earned him recognition for his innovative approach to music-making. Through his unique sound, Tim continues to celebrate and bring attention to the rich musical traditions of Uzbekistan and the surrounding regions.
Tim Kari “Huma”
The latest continuation of this is his release on the acclaimed record label Cafe De Anatolia, the imprint responsible for championing and pioneering the Organic House genre. The driving bass line and world-influenced melodies toe the line between club-ready progressive hit and easy-listening Organic House tune, getting the best of both worlds in this masterfully-worked production.
Our Interview With Tim Kari
We had a chance to catch up with Tim to learn a bit more about what he’s been up to, how the past few years has affected him, and the importance of music’s effects on society across the world.
Tell us more about yourself & your music career.
I am a dj, musician, and producer born in Tashkent Uzbekistan, the vibrant and culturally unique heart of Central Asia.
My love to music began when I was 13, I tried to compose melodies with piano and later with my first keyboards.
I have worked with many Uzbek, Kazakh and Russian artists as a ghost producer in the past. Today my focus lies on my own career as a Dj and producer of electronic music, where I create a fusion of folk instruments during my live performances, which gives a more organic face to my recent work.
How would you describe your style of music?
I experiment with different tones and textures of Folk instruments and electronic sounds. I enjoy combining them and try to enrich my music with emotions. This unique combination highlights my taste and develops my original style.
Where do you find inspiration?
As I mentioned before, my inspiration often comes from emotions. I try to transform that into the sound. I am not using reference tracks or templates. I really like to see where emotions and feelings can drive me.
Describe how music is important to society.
Music is the source of emotions and life energy. It exaggerates good feelings and at the same time, it can take bad emotions away. For centuries, people used folk music as a way to share and communicate their emotions. Along these lines, my music is aimed to create new breath to this precious ancient type of art.
What is your best time of the day to create?
I don’t think there is perfect time to create music. The main elements are a fresh mind and fresh ear. It is also to have plenty of time.
Who are your musical influences?
My main musical influence was my father. He used to play guitar and sing songs. That influenced me to become a musician and composer. It is also important to mention that I grew up listening to the music of my favorite artist Dj Piligrim (IY). Because of that it was a huge event for me that we released a collaborative album “Moon taxi Ram” with him in 2021 ))).
What is the most difficult thing about being a musician?
Lack of stability and a wide range of things that we have to do, such as composing music, recordings, mixing&mastering, as well as looking for opportunities to make music video, promote my music, plan gigs, and work in collaborations with other musicians.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
In summer of 2022 we held a gala concert with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Kyrgyzstan and the Liberty Choir in Bishkek. There were about 4k people and we performed a 3 hours concert based on my own tracks and exclusive remixes. At the same time, I released a collaborative track with Pandhora on the Art Vibes label.
What is your connection with Cafe De Anatolia?
“Huma” is one of my favorite tracks that has an amazing solo on a folk instrument Sato, an Arabian flavor created by orchestra strings, and catchy electronic beats. I named it “Huma” because it gives a listener the feeling of flying and euphoria.
I wished to release it on one of those labels, which had introduced me to the world of ethnic deep, and organic house music. I was very glad to get a reply from Cafe De Anatolia that they like my track.
Are you working on something new?
I have two new EPs coming out in near future.
I have time to think about my future music development. I am focused on something new and bigger, maybe a full album or a new concert program with folk instruments.
Where and when is your next performance?
This year I am aiming to travel with a gig to neighboring countries. At the same time, I am hoping to organize a Festival in my hometown.
What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
One of my friends, a good violin player from Iran, Payman Molayee, told me a while ago that, at the beginning of their music careers people create simple melodies. Then they start developing their skills, and try to make difficult and over-produced melodies and arrangements. It takes a long time to understand all concepts and philosophies of music. After all, they come back to create simple, but at the same time perfect melodies. “The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple”.
What’s your process for dealing with performance anxiety?
I face it often, especially when I have many instruments and equipment connected to my live shows. I forget it all as soon as my first track starts playing. It takes some time to feel the crowd and get comfortable.
How Covid19 changed the terms of the music industry? How did affect you?
People started listening to different types of music. It brought special value to ethnic music and helped it to gain popularity. At that time I finished my debut album “Gate of Ishtar” and I was waiting for its release on the German label Monada.
For me, it was a good time to develop skills in other areas.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
There is no magic thing, piece of equipment, or strategy that will simply bring you to your goal. The only thing that can support you in a difficult times is believing in yourself. “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard”.
More About The Label: Cafe De Anatolia
Cafe De Anatolia is a music label that specializes in releasing world and lounge music, with a focus on traditional Turkish and Middle Eastern sounds. The label is known for its high-quality recordings, which feature authentic instrumentation, rich melodies, and captivating rhythms. Cafe De Anatolia aims to showcase the beauty of the musical traditions of the region to a global audience and to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Whether you’re a fan of world music, lounge music, or just looking for something new and exciting, Cafe De Anatolia offers a diverse range of albums that are sure to satisfy you.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
