Exclusive Interview: KOUSS

The Los Angeles-based KOUSS is unique insofar as electronic dance music producers are concerned, in that his lived experience as a touring rock drummer signed to a major label informs how he approaches EDM as a songwriter and producer today.

With an uncanny knack for crafting irresistible songs that have a wide appeal to both radio programmers and consumers alike, KOUSS devotes around 100 hours into the making of each new original song before it’s ready for release. MagneticMag stole some quiet time on a sunny California day to sit and talk with KOUSS about his music, life, and the importance of remaining true to oneself. 

MagneticMag: As Oasis reunites for a whirlwind, sold-out, “Live ‘25” global tour, the timing of your release, “Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” was very well planned. What was the story behind your choosing to re-record this song?

Kouss: The timing is wild, but I actually started working on this cover before the reunion tour was announced! I was out running in Orlando in 2023 when “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” came on a playlist, and the second the chorus hit, I could already hear how I’d flip it. Oasis has always resonated with me and that song in particular has a cinematic, anthemic quality that fits perfectly with the music I’ve been making. The release timing just worked out. I didn’t initially plan it around their reunion, believe it or not.

MagneticMag: Your musical career includes years as the drummer of a commercially successful and critically acclaimed rock band, Stellar Revival, which was signed to Capitol Records until around five years ago. How did your lived experience as a touring rock drummer influence your approach on “Stop Crying Your Heart Out”?

Kouss: My time in Stellar Revival shaped a lot of how I approach music today. Touring as a drummer taught me how to control a listener’s energy, how to build tension and space, and how to use dynamics to tell a story. That instinct carried into this cover. With “Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” I wanted to keep the emotion of the original song and bring it into my own world, using a production style rooted in what I learned on-the-road as a rock drummer.

MagneticMag: Do you have a professional or personal relationship with Oasis or any of its band members, or anyone else on their team including record label executives? 

Kouss: I don’t have a personal relationship with the band or anyone on their team, but Oasis has been a massive influence on me for over two decades. Their music was always in-the-mix, growing up. Those songs were everywhere and for good reason. The band had this rare ability to write music that felt massive and personal at the same time. Even though we’ve never crossed paths, their sound and attitude definitely helped shape how I approach songwriting and production.

MagneticMag: Let’s talk about some of the dance music releases of yours that are currently out. How is it that you seem to have a sort of “magic touch” when it comes to radio? Your releases – particularly “Can’t Go Back,” “Lifeline” and “The Moment” –  accomplished the breathtaking feat of being added to rotation on various iHeartRadio FM stations as well as to SiriusXM. What’s your secret sauce?

Kouss: There’s no secret formula! For me, it’s about making music that feels like the most unfiltered and honest version of me. I’m not chasing trends. I’m looking for that feeling I get from the artists I admire. Whether that’s David Bowie or Zedd or anyone who isn’t afraid to do their own thing.

MagneticMag: A lot of producers attempt to emulate the artists they admire, but not many of them have enjoyed the immediate and consistent success at commercial radio as you have.

Kouss: I think my songs have connected at radio because they hit on topics that people can relate to. “Can’t Go Back” deals with possible regret; “Lifeline” looks at isolation and hope; “The Moment” is about embracing the present. I pour a ton of myself into the productions. It’s not uncommon for me to clock over a hundred hours-per-track. I think listeners and radio programmers can feel when something’s genuine.

MagneticMag: Are you intentionally trying to make music that will appeal to FM radio programmers? Are you trying to write music to appeal to specific demographics or consumers?

Kouss: Not really. I don’t write with radio or demographics in mind. I just try to make the best pop song I can. I’ve always been drawn to great pop music, and producers like Max Martin have shaped my ear for what makes a song timeless and important. That love for a great pop tune is what guides this whole project. I love nothing more than when one of my songs connects at radio or with a wider audience, and that’s truly amazing; but the initial goal when writing is always to make something that feels genuine and infectious.

MagneticMag: Is it you singing on “Lifeline” and “The Moment”? If so, you have a kick-ass singing voice! Do you have more plans to release songs in the near future where you’re also singing the lead? 

Kouss: [laughs] I wish I could sing that well! But no, that’s not me. I focus on writing, producing, and building the sonic identity of KOUSS, which for now includes collaborating with amazing vocalists who can help bring the songs to life. Never say never, but for now I’m staying behind the boards.

MagneticMag: Who’s singing vocals?

Kouss: Singing on “Lifeline” and “The Moment” is my incredibly talented friend and collaborator, Josh Nichols. I always joke that if I’d met Josh in high school, I would’ve forced him to start a band with me. His voice brings so much emotion and soul to the songs. We have a great creative chemistry and I’m lucky to have worked with him. A few more tracks with Josh are coming in 2026, for sure. 

MagneticMag: Do you ever have vocalists perform your songs out live? What’s your live performance like, just DJing?

Kouss: My shows will definitely be more than “just” DJ sets. I’ve been a touring drummer for most of my life, so I bring that background into the KOUSS live experience. KOUSS performances will include me playing live drums, guitar, and keyboards alongside DJing, which will hopefully give the sets a unique energy.

MagneticMag: Your electronic dance music releases – thus far all songs as opposed to tracks – would be great in music beds for TV and film. They have that cinematic atmosphere to them. They’re not simply bangin’ club tracks. With your live music and touring experience, do you think you started your EDM production career with more maturity than most, as an artist and producer?

Kouss: Coming from a live music background definitely gave me a head start in terms of knowing what makes a song connect. I’ve been lucky to see what works, what burns-out fast and what actually sticks with people. That gave me a more mature perspective when I started producing dance music, for sure. I’m not trying to force every song into a club format. I always start with the song itself. Melody, emotion, story, then build production around that. If it works stripped down, I know I’ve got one on-the-hook.

MagneticMag: Sounds like you’re a songwriter first, and a producer second.

Kouss: This approach works best for me, and it naturally leads to songs that lean more cinematic or emotional. I’m good with that. Not every record needs to be a banger. That said, I love making club records, too! There’s a place for both. I’m still learning every day, but I think having that foundation helped me find my voice faster.

MagneticMag: Getting a bit more technical, what is your approach to crafting a new song? What are the elements you begin with, and then how do you build those elements until you get the final product? Are you very tough on yourself as a songwriter?

Kouss: I usually start with a melody and a chord progression. Once I have that foundation, I start building the arrangement and slowly adding drums, bass, effects and vocals. I take a very hands-on approach to my productions. I’ll keep refining a track until every detail feels dialed-in, mixing as I go, until every sound has earned its place. I’m definitely tough on myself, but that’s part of the process. It’s also why I’m not releasing a new song every two weeks. I’m not interested in putting out more content for the sake of it. I want every release to have a real impact and be something I’m truly proud of. If it doesn’t hit the mark, it doesn’t go out. Simple as that.

MagneticMag: During the writing and production process, do you seek a lot of feedback on your music – for example, sharing it with friends or colleagues in the music industry while still in the “demo” phase – or do you tune-out everyone else’s opinion and just trust your gut when making the finished song?

Kouss: I have a small circle of collaborators, friends and old bandmates whose opinions I highly value, so I do share demos with them for feedback. However, I mostly rely on my instincts, these days. If something feels right or wrong to me, no amount of external opinion will change that. 

MagneticMag: Finally, after “Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” what other upcoming KOUSS releases can music-lovers look forward to?

Kouss: The next release is a song titled, “Vividly,” that blends dance, pop and future-bass elements with some rock and country influences. That single is planned for release this autumn. I’m also excited about the response to “The Moment,” which is out now and continuing to get picked-up by radio stations across the country. Things are building, and there’s a lot more KOUSS on the way.

Follow KOUSS on social media: @KoussMusic