Where Music Meets Visual Art: Derek Kamm Expands His Creative World Through “Mad Motel 004”

Derek Kamm presents four distinctive house productions, combining elements of deep, minimal and micro house with the multidisciplinary approach behind his Mad Motel imprint.

DJ, producer, visual artist and founder of Mad Motel, Derek Kamm, professionally recognized as KidIsLive, returns with “Mad Motel 004,” a four-track EP released on vinyl and digital on October 2, 2026.

With more than 20 years of experience in electronic music, Kamm has cultivated an original sound influenced by deep, minimal and micro house, while retaining a musical identity entirely his own. His productions have appeared on labels such as Visionquest and 8 Head Records, and his performances around the globe have contributed to an artistic direction that cannot easily be defined by one particular sound or environment.

Mad Motel, the independent imprint at the heart of his current artistic endeavors, combines Kamm’s musical output with his work in visual art. Instead of approaching artwork as a secondary element of the music, he designs and paints the visuals for the label’s releases himself, establishing a cohesive identity in which both creative disciplines complement one another.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Kamm’s background includes a deep-rooted personal and professional relationship with Brazil.

Originally from Ipiaú, Bahia, his mother met his father during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in 1976. Although Kamm was born in San Diego in 1981 and grew up on Long Island, he has maintained strong connections with Brazil throughout his life, including family members and friends across the country. His wife is Brazilian as well, having originally come from Curitiba.

Over time, these personal connections also became intertwined with his professional career. In 2010, Kamm resided in Rio de Janeiro, where he participated in the city’s underground electronic music community and performed as a DJ at local events. During this period, he also secured an appearance at Burn Intense Music Festival in Goiânia, sharing the lineup with performers including Gustavo Bravetti and Toca Disco.

Drawing upon more than two decades in the industry, Kamm now presents “Mad Motel 004,” a collection of four tracks, each offering its own distinctive musical character.

The opening production, “DSCR,” combines vibrant melodies and swirling synthesizer textures with a relaxed, shuffling house rhythm. On “ETA ETC,” manipulated and distorted vocals blend into an atmospheric arrangement accompanied by dub-influenced beats reminiscent of early French touch. Intricate percussion, rhythmic fills and an uplifting energy contribute to the track’s playful feel.

Taking a darker, late-night direction, “Jacks Feedback” layers driving grooves with luminous synth elements and spacious, cosmic textures. The EP concludes with “He’s Too Tough,” which introduces punchy drums, rich female vocals, a propulsive bassline and carefully constructed synthesizer arrangements, ending the four-track release on an energetic note.

Throughout the EP, KidIsLive transitions between contrasting moods while preserving the raw, expressive quality that characterizes his productions. Collectively, the tracks highlight the breadth of Kamm’s musical experience and the independent artistic principles that define Mad Motel.

Through “Mad Motel 004,” KidIsLive further develops a creative identity where electronic music, visual expression and over twenty years of international experience intersect, continuing a journey shaped by connections spanning the United States, Brazil and beyond.

KidIsLive – “Mad Motel 004”

Save / Stream: https://ffm.to/madmotel004

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