Derek Kamm is a San Diego-born, Long Island-raised artist who heads up the Mad Motel label. The 20-year veteran is known for an inventive sound that draws on deep, minimal and micro house and imbues it with his own unique personality. He has landed on top labels like Visionquest and 8 Head Records, always expands his musical universe and is impossible to pin down while playing across the world. Mad Motel brings together his music and visual-art practice, with Kamm designing and painting artwork for the releases himself, and this latest EP is another fine example.
The magnificent ‘DSCR’ kicks off with a blend of swirling synth colours and bright melodies that dance over a loose, shuffling house groove full of joy. ‘ETA ETC’ then smears and smudges vocals into an atmospheric collage with dusty beats that echo early French touch. It’s a sound that is full of fills, percussive details and celebratory energy before ‘Jacks Feedback’ gets more heads down, with late-night grooves layered up with neon synths and expansive cosmic energy. Closer ‘He’s Too Tough’ is a classy party jam with punchy drums and lush female vocals, a driving bassline and more well-crafted synth work.
KidIsLive’s ‘Mad Motel 004’ comes on vinyl and digital via Mad Motel on 2nd October 2026.
Tracklist
1. DSCR
2. ETA ETC
3. Jacks Feedback
4. He’s Too Tough
Kidislive: Instagram – Soundcloud – Spoti