K-rAd - Seed 004 - Migrashun Promo Mix - Jan 2010

Biography of K-rAd

Bad-boy brainiacs and techno-chic ladies can figure out this pseudonym with relative ease…for the rest, think “K” = 1,000 and “rAd” = well, radical, to say the least. Known for using “outmoded” tech toys, computer gear, and instruments for samples and inspiration, K-rAd’s brand of minimal sound is well-crafted, dj-friendly, and super-fresh (yet somehow familiar). Since its conception in 1996, Chicago’s K-rAd has reverberated throughout the music scene, garnering acclaim (three critic’s choice awards from the Chicago Reader), compilation features (Select, Tarpop, Lumptronica, the Salvo Beta Remix Project, and Illuminance Records), and commissions (Burton Snowboards, General Motors, Nike, and VH1). Recently, K-rAd reunited with tech-artist James Paterson for his gallery installation, “Harvest”, at Bitforms Gallery, New York. K-rAd has long been known as a collaborative work with partners that have added their own unique touches over the years; the most recent partner to break off for solo work is Mark Hardy. Hardy’s new cd, Precursor, pays homage to the elements of classic rock that make the listener react passionately and remember fondly. With Hardy’s departure, K-rAd has once again slimmed down to the work of founding member, Christopher Grabowski. Sound engineer, producer, and musician, Grabowski’s newest work, T12CD, was recently released in 2009 and has continued to build momentum throughout the music community. Featuring a playful range of sounds, a palate of beats-per-minute ranging from 64 to 128, and that certain magic something Grabowski adds, T12CD compels listeners to get up and hit the dance floor.

Seldom satisfied with sound quality or audio gear, Grabowski recently completed building his own midi-controller from scratch. This year-and-half long project is just another rung on the ladder toward his ultimate goal: full, beautiful, encompassing sound that is portable and controllable. From custom-making cables to mastering on Dunlavy speakers, his work as a sound engineer highly influences his work as an artist. Admittedly, Grabowski’s mission in life is to, “just make the sound perfect every place I hear music”—no small task, but for a man whose sole purpose in life is sculpting air, Grabowski is indeed K-rAd.