Emerging on the electronic scene in 2018, Kousto quickly gained attention for his unique style, merging deep house rhythms with the sunlit nostalgia of the South of France. Supported by icons such as The Shapeshifters, Honey Dijon, and Folamour, Kousto’s sound has earned critical acclaim and endorsements from BBC 1 Dance, DJ Mag, and Mixmag. With a reputation for unforgettable sets across iconic European venues—from Paradiso in Amsterdam to KOKO in London—Kousto has captivated audiences with his high-energy, globally-inspired electronic music. Following his recent signing with Folamour’s House of Love label, Kousto has continued to ascend in the electronic music scene, delivering performances that merge infectious beats with a uniquely reflective, almost cinematic approach to sound. “Forza Bruta” exemplifies this style, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in music that resonates deeply with melodic surprises.

Off the back of his new release ‘Forza Bruta’ we talk to Kousto about this winter warmer, his love of sampling, and his relationship with Folamour amongst other things…

WWD: Hi Kousto, Great to meet you! What’s happening in your world at the minute?

Great to meet you guys, too! I’m doing great, still based in London, and absolutely buzzing to be releasing my latest track, ‘Forza Bruta’. I’ve also been busy in the studio working on some new music, so it’s a really exciting time right now.

WWD: Congratulations on releasing ‘Forza Bruta’ on your own Little Foot Records label. Talk us through the release? 

‘Forza Bruta’ is my 13th release—crazy to think about! I had to double-check my catalogue to make sure. And I’m far from done—there are still about 60 demos waiting to be polished and released, be that on Little Foot Records or other labels.

The title ‘Forza Bruta’ is Italian for ‘Brute Force’, which reflects the track’s core theme: the power and relentless impact of memory in shaping our lives. Deep beats and a driving bassline capture the essence of the track, balancing the warmth of summer with an unyielding intensity that creates an experience that’s both uplifting and evocative.

The idea for ‘Forza Bruta’ first came to me while I was travelling in Corsica. Once I returned to London, I brought the concept into the studio and worked to blend a variety of analogue sounds—bass guitar, drums, percussion, and synths—with dreamy vocals that create a soundscape full of nostalgia. For me, music is all about evoking memories, and this track really taps into that feeling of wistful, halcyon days.

WWD: Tell us more about the label and what made you want to start your own imprint?

I created my own label, Little Foot Records, to have the freedom to make my own music choices. While collaborating with labels is fantastic, there’s something truly fulfilling about driving the creative vision entirely on your own.

I believe every artist has the tools to start their own label, and sometimes you achieve even better results when you fully control and own the outcome. It’s also an interesting challenge to push yourself and see what can be achieved when you’re the sole driving force.

Time is the biggest challenge. I’d love to begin releasing other artists on the label and organising events that truly reflect the vision I’m working towards while growing deeper connections with other creatives that share my passion for music.

WWD: For those who are just discovering your music, what do you hope they feel or experience when they listen to your productions?

When people listen to my music, they’ll hear a blend of summer vibes, emotional depth, and nostalgia, set against cinematic landscapes that evoke warmth and a sense of longing. It’s music that makes you want to dance and celebrate, while also giving you space to reflect and dream.

WWD: Can you share some insight into your creative process when producing music? Do you have any particular rituals or methods that help you stay inspired? 

I listen to a wide range of genres and bring those influences into my house and electronic music, especially the summer vibes. If “seaside” were a music genre, I’d imagine that’s what you’d label my sound as.

When it comes to production, I usually start with the drums. I believe in building a solid rhythmic foundation before adding any melodies. Next, I lay down the chords, followed by the bass. The lead theme comes later, and that’s where I like to improvise. I often sing the melodies out loud to discover unique harmonics, always searching for that unexpected sound or note.

I’ve never been formally trained in music composition, so everything I create is by ear. While that’s meant I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting the right chords and melodies, it’s also allowed me to break free from traditional music theory and focus more on the emotions I want to convey. For me, the more I produce, the more I want to produce. It’s addictive, and I love that about it.

WWD: We see you’re a fan of sampling…where do you tend to find cool samples?

90% of the music I listen to was made before the ’70s. I’m drawn to unique instrumentation, unusual vocals, and sounds I’ve never heard before. I’m especially in love with ’60s Italian easy-listening and old-school Doo Wop bands—their vocal harmonies are so satisfying, and when blended with house music, they open up the mix in a way that feels fresh and exciting.

WWD: What has been the highlight of your career so far? Can you talk about a specific moment or accomplishment that stands out as particularly meaningful to you? The highlight of my career so far has definitely been joining Folamour on tour across Europe. The first gig was in London at Koko, and I have to admit, I was a bit nervous as it was sold out! But, the energy and love from the crowd made it an unforgettable experience. 

Playing in these big iconic clubs around Europe is something I’ve always aspired to, so I’m beyond grateful to have had the chance, especially alongside an artist I enjoy working with so much. It’s an amazing feeling to share my music with people, some of whom probably didn’t know who I was, and the response was incredible. It’s definitely something I look forward to doing again!

WWD: Last year, you signed to Folamour’s label and also collaborated on some music. How did that come about?

Folamour and I first met a long time ago when he was living in London. Our shared love of house and electronic music sparked our initial connection, and from there, we began collaborating on music. We always knew we’d eventually release something together. He has a clear vision and is incredibly dedicated to getting things just right.

With When We Were There, he really pushed me to elevate the tracks and get the very best results. We also had the chance to collaborate on the track ‘Jungle Bird’ from the same EP. I’m still so proud of what we were able to achieve with this release.

WWD: As someone deeply rooted in the house music scene, what state is it in right now? What notable artists are emerging?

There’s been a huge resurgence of rave music, heavily influenced by electronic elements like 808s, robotic sounds, and drum machines, and it’s having a big impact on house music. For me, though, I really value live instrumentation and the richness it brings to the sound. I love what artists like Antoine Bourachot are doing—pushing French Touch forward in a way that feels both contemporary and nostalgic, which is something I really connect with.

WWD: When you are not busy with music, what might we find you doing? 

I’m also a graphic designer, working with some of the UK’s biggest music festivals, which gives me a cool behind-the-scenes perspective on the industry. I love experiencing music from all angles—it broadens my understanding of the industry and gives me the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of creatives across different fields and specialisms.

WWD: Finally, feel free to plug anything else…

I’m also really happy to see some of my mates from school days releasing music now. You should check them out—Djomood and California Disco Suicide—they’re doing some great stuff. Back when we were kids, we used to collaborate on tracks, so it’s awesome to see us all now following our passion and sharing our music with the world!

WWD: Amazing! Thanks for the chat, Kousto 😉 

‘Forza Bruta’ is available here