KillaWattz stands as a prominent figure in the dynamic landscape of the Texas electronic music scene. His passion for electronic music knows no bounds, with a repertoire that effortlessly spans genres from house to dubstep to melodic techno. As we had a chance to chat with KillaWattz himself, he is a driving force for change as he is tirelessly working on expanding the reach of EDM culture across Texas, bridging communities, and creating unforgettable experiences for music lovers statewide.
EDM Texas: Can you take us back to your early days as a raver and how those experiences shaped your journey as a DJ and influenced your career in electronic music?
KillaWattz: I started raving young when I was around 16 or 17. I attended a few raves in Abilene where a group brought Dallas artists. I also attended EDC Dallas back in the day! When I was 24, I started organizing events in my hometown since no one else was doing it. With connections from the Texas rave scene and attending festivals, I began booking artists. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic halted gatherings, it led me to pursue becoming an artist myself as I was inspired by the artists I brought home to Abilene.
EDM Texas: Who are some of your key musical inspirations that shape your unique sound?
KillaWattz: I appreciate a wide range of genres! I’m inspired by old-school Tiësto, which influenced my electronic style. PhaseOne is also a major inspiration, but I also draw inspiration from hip-hop, like $uicideboy$ and various other artists.
EDM Texas: Your journey as a DJ is tremendous, as you’re signed with the renowned DFW label, Sounds From Below! Have there been some pivotal moments with your time there and what does it mean to you to be a part of such a prominent Texas label?
KillaWattz: It’s great because people already know my DJ name and associate it with Sounds From Below. They recognize me and say “Oh, you’re one of the guys from Sounds From Below! We’ve heard about you and follow you on social media!” One of my favorite experiences with them was working at the Nova Music & Art Festival. I collaborated with the team behind it and through the label’s support, I involved my collective, Zodiac Vibez, in curating the Nova Music & Art festival. It’s been a fantastic opportunity!
EDM Texas: Your mixing style is often praised for its eclectic blend of genres, transitioning from house music to dubstep and melodic techno! How did you develop this unique approach to mixing and what do you believe sets your live sets apart from others in the scene?
KillaWattz: I deeply appreciate the entire spectrum of electronic music, from Detroit house to techno! I want to share my inspiration with the audience through selected songs when I'm on stage for an hour. I use Ableton to create remixes and add unique sounds to different tracks. This way, when I mix live, the audience hears something exclusive. It’s exhilarating, especially having the right equipment like CDJs and a controller board. My favorite part is reading the crowd and tuning into the venue's vibe. Whether it’s a large festival or an intimate gathering, I love getting people moving with the music.
EDM Texas: You’ve been dedicated to hosting shows in Abilene and fostering collaboration between artists from DFW and other parts of Texas! Can you tell us more about the importance of these local events and how you believe they contribute to bridging the gap between different music scenes in the state?
KillaWattz: I’m passionate about providing a platform for artists to showcase their original sound and music, especially those from our region. Here in Abilene, with three B1 colleges and an Air Force base, there is a vibrant community hungry for diverse and original music. The local scene is currently dominated by country music, but I aim to change that by introducing electronic music to my hometown. It’s my way of giving back to the community where I was born and ensuring that the culture thrives even after I’m gone. So far, the response has been incredible, with people of all ages attending our shows and expressing appreciation for bringing something new to Abilene. Despite the city’s heavy metal scene, I’ve introduced dubstep and other genres and slowly expanded people’s musical horizons.
EDM Texas: What is your vision for expanding your reach within the state, and what do you hope to achieve to influence the Texas EDM community?
KillaWattz: Primarily focused on Abilene, we’re now connecting with West Texas and collaborating with collectives like Sound Culture Entertainment in Midland. In Texas, everything is spread out with distances of four to five hours between cities, which makes it challenging for some to attend events. That’s why we’re dedicated to bringing the music closer to home. In Abilene, there is a mindset of traveling to Dallas or Houston for music events, but I believe we can create the same experience here. We shouldn’t have to travel when we can bring the music to our doorstep. The key is finding the right venue, and we’re working on acquiring our own space. With Zodiac Vibez, we want to establish a home base in Abilene while collaborating with other areas. As an artist, I work with Sounds From Below and expand beyond Texas, however, I recognize that it’s not just about me - it’s about the entire team. They contribute ideas, inspiration, and the drive to realize our vision. Together, we’re not just talking about making a difference - we’re actively pursuing it!
KillaWatt’z contributions to the local community represent a powerful force for cultural enrichment and artistic collaboration. By organizing events in Abilene and bridging a gap between different Texas cities, he is nurturing a vibrant local music scene and fostering unity and creativity among artists. As KillaWattz continues to break new ground and expand his musical horizons, we encourage you all to stay tuned for his upcoming performances and follow his social outlets below where you can experience firsthand the energetic creativity that defines his artistry.