Man…or machine? That's the question that listeners, show-goers, and critics ask themselves about Seattle drummer Kevin Sawka. His music is a study in what EDM has the potential to be, particularly with his adeptness in acoustic sounds, jazz, and rock techniques. His music isn't your typical drum and bass affair; instead, the listener is presented with a sweaty, rhythmic expedition into realms situated between contemporary breakbeat, intense drum and bass, and new glitch, inspired by Dieselboy and Amon Tobin.

KJ Sawka's live performances are an unforgettable event largely because of the unique extravagance of his drum kit. It consists of 3 snares, 2 kick drums (acoustic, electronic), cymbals, saw blades, Electribe sampler, SPD-20 drum pad, Korg Kaoss pad, and a loop station. He also employs custom MIDI drum lights that react to his complex dance beats as well as specialized visuals pulled from in-the-drumset surveillance cameras (!).

Kevin Sawka didn't invent the drum kit. He didn't invent jungle beats, and he didn't invent drum and bass. But by pairing these elements with his innovative approach to creating and performing, he is inventing something newer, more intricate, and downright eye-opening.

In addition to his solo work, Sawka performs in the groups Destroid and Pendulum.