Andreas Bakketeig, aka BAKKIS, is a rising force in the world of house music. From hosting a radio show at the age of 10 to spinning tunes at renowned venues like Destino Pacha and Hard Rock Ibiza, his journey has been electrifying. Now, delving into music production, BAKKIS is poised to unleash his signature beats, fueled by his passion for hardware and driven by infectious grooves.
His debut single Larry is warped, chunky, idiosyncratic deep house backed up with killer remixes from Timmy P and Beat Mongrel. With the single out now, we caught up with Bakkis for a chat.
You started hosting a radio show at the age of 10. How did that early experience shape your journey into house music?
The radio has shaped me in many ways. I’ve always loved music. Before starting in radio in 1989, my exposure to music came from my family, the radio, or television. Streaming services didn’t exist, but we had a satellite dish, and I discovered MTV. As an audiovisual person, music videos captivated me.
MTV introduced me to new music and steered me toward a path in radio. I started by helping out at the local station, Radio Os, which led to co-hosting and eventually my own show every Saturday night. A highlight was interviewing MC Hammer in Oslo in 1991.
A mentor, DJPCMCPAY, taught me a lot about music and radio production using his Amiga computer. Hosting my show, I managed everything myself—from technical production to playing music, conducting interviews, running competitions, and taking listener calls.
This experience sparked my interest in DJing. Having my own show led me to crate-digging in local music stores, constantly searching for new music. I remember joining the DMC promo service, receiving 12” vinyls every month, and feeling like it was Christmas Eve when I picked them up. Although I didn’t play very underground music then, these experiences directed me towards house and electronic music and instilled a deep passion for discovering new music.
You’ve played at iconic venues like Destino Pacha and Hard Rock Ibiza. What have been some of the most memorable moments from those gigs?
Playing in Ibiza is special. The venues and the island’s vibe enhance the music experience. Coming from Norway, where outdoor performances are limited, Ibiza’s open-air venues offer a refreshing change.
Playing with friends in Ibiza has been incredibly rewarding, creating unforgettable moments. The crowd in Ibiza is another highlight; everyone seems united in escaping everyday life and immersing themselves in the music. Connecting with these people has led to lasting friendships.
I first fell in love with Ibiza during a visit with my brother in 2001, and since then, the island has become a regular destination for me. Even though things have changed, Ibiza continues to inspire and fuel my creativity.
You’re now delving into music production. What inspired you to make this transition, and how has your approach to creating music evolved?
I’ve always dreamed of making music but never thought it was possible. After a turbulent time in my life, I decided to follow my passion. I love the process of creating music—from starting with silence to ending up with something unique. It’s like Forrest Gump’s “box of chocolates”; you never know what you’re going to get. That feels like magic to me.
My approach has evolved, especially with better technical skills and more experience. Learning production takes time, and there are moments when everything falls into place. I’ve had these eureka moments, especially with synths and sound design. I still haven’t found one approach that works every time, but different methods keep it fresh and exciting. I enjoy working outside when the weather allows.
Your debut single “Larry” has a unique deep house sound with remixes by Timmy P and Beat Mongrel. Can you tell us about the creative process behind “Larry” and how the remixes came about?
“Larry” started on my laptop at my mom’s summer house by the sea in Norway. I decided to explore Serum, a soft synth, and quickly had a bassline going with several layers of Serum working together. After laying down the bassline, I remembered a male vocal I wanted to use. It worked great.
I also used field recordings from a playground, tweaking them to create different background elements and “vocals.” There’s also a chopped Amen break sample that adds flavor to the groove. The process was fun!
The Timmy P remix came about through one of my mentors, and the Beat Mongrel remix traces back to a Mixmasters production retreat in Ibiza. I’m thrilled to have both remixes on the release, each bringing a unique flavor to “Larry.”
It’s being released on Huxley’s Dumb Safari label. How did this collaboration come about, and what does it mean to you to be part of this label?
I met Huxley in Ibiza at a Mixmasters retreat, where he was one of the coaches. We hit it off and stayed in touch. I sent him “Larry” for feedback, and at his label night at ADE in Amsterdam, he asked if we should release it on Dumb Safari. I wasn’t sure if he was serious, but he confirmed it later.
I can’t speak highly enough about Huxley as a person, producer, and mentor. I’m honored to release on his label. It means a lot to have someone support your work. Huxley has been incredibly supportive and honest in his feedback, which I greatly appreciate.
You have a passion for hardware in your music production. How does using hardware influence the sound and feel of your tracks?
My passion for hardware traces back to my radio days. Sitting in my studio today feels like being back in that radio studio as a kid. It’s the joy and fun of using hardware that translates into the sound and feel of a track. While I don’t make music solely on hardware, it feels different using a hardware synth or drum machine.
I recently finished a track that started as a live jam on several pieces of hardware, which I couldn’t have made purely “in the box.” It’s not about one way being better; it’s just a different process and workflow. Twisting actual knobs and faders is more inspiring than clicking a mouse. Hardware can lead to happy accidents that wouldn’t happen in the box, but it can also be the other way around.
Hardware is more hassle, though. A producer friend said, “the more hardware you have, the less music you make,” which I understand because sometimes you spend too much time fiddling and troubleshooting.
What can fans expect from BAKKIS in the coming months? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?
Fans can expect more social presence and to get to know me better. I’ve been focused on production lately, and the DJing side has suffered, but I plan to get back to gigs soon.
My next release is also on Dumb Safari, including an edit by Berlin-based Marco Resmann. I’m excited about it! There’s a label interested in an EP, but I need at least one more track. I take my time and don’t want to force it. I have several tracks in the pipeline and am curious to see where they end up. Huxley and I have a collaboration brewing, and Dennis De Laat from Amsterdam is working on a remix for an unsigned track of mine. All very exciting!
How do you see the current state of the house music scene, and what trends do you think will shape its future?
The house music scene is vibrant and diverse but constantly evolving. Social media has changed how people consume music and behave. One thing I don’t grasp is why everything needs to be so compartmentalized by genre. I respect artists regardless of genre. We connect and support each other because of our shared love and passion for music.
I relate to Maceo Plex’s quote: “PEOPLE ASK ME IF I’M HOUSE, OR TECHNO, OR ELECTRO, ETC. I SAY I’M CONFUSED AND I LIKE IT.” Trends go in waves, and old stuff often comes back with a new twist. With AI emerging, it’s interesting to see where it goes. AI can bring new possibilities for creativity, but fully AI-generated tracks don’t appeal to me.
I think live acts and performances will become more prevalent. Uniqueness and authenticity will be even more important. Artists who stay true to themselves and their creative flow will stand out. I hope we don’t lose creative innovation to generic AI-generated music.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers looking to make their mark in the music industry?
Do it for the right reasons and have patience. Keep grinding and never give up. Give yourself time to learn the basics, even if mastering them is a never-ending story. Enjoy the journey; that’s where the magic lies.
Support others and connect with good people who don’t put you down. Find mentors who can guide and teach you. Many artists, producers, and DJs are available for teaching and have a lot of knowledge to share. Be yourself and stay true to who you are; don’t just follow the herd.
One of my mentors said, “Follow the vibe.” For my upcoming release, that was my only focus, and it’s the track I spent the least time making. My new motto is: Don’t be lazy and follow the vibe!
Don’t get too hung up on hardware. If you do, take it step by step and learn your gear before expanding. I didn’t, and I’ve learned the hard way.
If you could collaborate with any fictional character on a track, who would it be and why?
That has to be Austin Powers. It would be a fun process, and the track would turn out real groovy, baby! Maybe even with some Foxxy Cleopatra vocals on it.
Thanks for the questions!
Larry is out now on Dumb Safari
