Breakdancer, Pastry Critic, Funk Protege – a mere facet of the many descriptors that could be used for Martin Reeves, AKA, Krafty Kuts. The critically acclaimed UK-based DJ/Producer has a story defined by adventure, turmoil, and triumph. Deeply immersed in the late 80s beat scene, Reeves was infatuated with dance music from its inception. Before taking on the Krafty Kuts moniker, Reeves was performing in his band Wicked City alongside legends by the likes of The Rolling Stones, and The Prodigy. Thriving in the world of creation, Reeves’ passions were muddied by an odd-job tragedy. The record spinning riot was working as machinist building fireplaces when he sawed off the left side tips of his most precious gift- his fingers. Years of dedication and success halted in the blink of an eye.
Krafty Kuts – ‘4Gee$'
Not to any surprise, the electro-funk producer’s fireplace catastrophe actually fed his appetite for success. As the accident healed at an exponential rate, Reeves was more inspired than ever to share his craft with the world, exceeding expectations when he went on to conceptualize Krafty Kuts- the bass-centric, break beat phenomenon that shines at the apex of contemporary future funk. With a personal story of epic proportions, it only makes sense that his tracks align with that notion. Krafty Kuts’ latest drop, “4Gee$” is a shuffle-ready, mid tempo, collision of deep house and funk. Unfettered and unbound, this joint is 1 of 4 of the unreleased tracks on Westwood Recordings’ 100th release. This celebratory milestone is a benchmark in the label’s history. Founded in 2013 by Nick Middleton (½ of the Funk Hunters) Westwood has released music from pioneers as notable as Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na. Rooted in the idea that artist’s needs come first, Westwood has become a monument in a slew of artists careers. The 100th release features 20 tracks previously released tracks from the label’s history, boasting tracks from The Funk Hunters, OPIUO, and Moontricks.
“I started Westwood 5 years ago as an outlet to release not just my own music, but some of my best friends. It still amazes me where we are today, now releasing music and helping steer the careers of artists that inspired me as a fan, long before I ever dreamed of being in the music business. I grew up listening to records from Chali 2na, and have watched Krafty Kuts DJ since I was a teenager before I’d ever even touched a pair of turntables myself. Many of the acts we are working with today I’m such a personal fan of that if we weren’t working together I’d still be there on the dance floor buying tickets to their shows. And I think that’s at the heart of this label, the feeling of community, the love of music, and the way each of our artists support each other, remix each other, tour with each other, and play each others tunes on stages around the world weekend after weekend. It’s grown into something so much more than I could have ever imagined and I’m honoured to be working with such an amazing team.”
