Koffee + Kandee dropped into the Nexus Lounge Miami, hosted at the iconic Goodtime Hotel. Comprising international remixer Sisco Kennedy and accomplished defense attorney John Calcagni, Koffee + Kandee are taking the electronic dance scene by storm with high-energy originals and remixes. Both hailing from Rhode Island, they pride themselves on bringing the festival vibe to local communities through block parties and nightlife events.
The duo exuded excitement as they spoke about their experiences, challenges, and passions. When asked about what they looked forward to the most during Miami Music Week, they eagerly anticipated the Ultra festival and expressed a shared joy in being surrounded by fellow talented artists. “Life could be worse,” they mused, setting a positive tone for our engaging conversation.
Recounting their early challenges, Koffee + Kandee opened up about the hurdles they faced in mastering their craft. “I was not a natural musician with no classical training,” one of them recalled, highlighting the determination and effort it took to learn DJing basics like beats, bars, and beat-matching. They also acknowledged the ever-evolving technology in the industry, illustrating the fine line between innovation and preserving innate skill sets.
Fast forward to their current projects, the duo is excited about their new single, “Hide from Love,” now available on all major streaming platforms. Their passion doesn’t stop at producing music; they also focus on bringing high-energy festival experiences to Rhode Island’s local communities through block parties. “It’s all about celebrating our home state and giving back,” they shared, emphasizing their commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for those who might not have easy access to them.
In a lighter moment, we dived into some playful rapid-fire questions. When asked which animal would be the rudest if it could talk, the duo humorously disagreed, suggesting birds and elephants. As for swapping lives with a cartoon character, the choices were just as entertaining: Mickey Mouse and Gargamel from the Smurfs— the latter for the thrill of being “the evil one” without consequences.
Throughout the interview, the duo expressed a commitment to staying authentic to their sound while embracing evolution within the industry. As they put it, “Developing a unique sound is paramount for anybody that really wants to break through.” This resonated with their approach to criticism, which they take in stride, using it as fuel for greater heights.
As wewrapped up our chat with Koffee + Kandee, the feeling of a family reunion was palpable. These two Rhode Island natives might be in the international spotlight, but they remain deeply connected to their roots. Their music, adventures, and energy are a testament to their belief in pushing boundaries and celebrating life through the universal language of music.
