FLAWS, the project of Kai Hickinson, is a rhythm-led techno DJ, producer and label owner whose sound is defined by clarity, pressure and movement. Punchy kicks, pressurised basslines, swinging polyrhythmic percussion, icy bleeps, levitating pads and staccato hi-hats form the core of his focused, physical and emotionally deep approach to techno.

Born and raised outside Peterborough, England, Kai grew up around his father’s record collection. Early influences included Kerri Chandler, DJ Deep, Steve Bug, Roni Size and DJ EZ, before the productions of Jeff Mills and Robert Hood deepened his attraction to futuristic rhythms and sound design.

He began producing in 2018. At college, he discovered a practice room with CDJs and a mixer; after that, DJing became a constant obsession. A college tutor encouraged him to focus on feeling over formula. That advice, together with Kai’s belief that imperfection is essential to art, gave rise to the FLAWS moniker.

In 2019, Kai began sending tracks to DVS1. After receiving positive feedback, he travelled to Berlin for his first night on a dance floor, hearing a DVS1 closing set at Berghain. Experiencing that sound system gave context to the kind of music he had been building in private.

He went on to connect with Rene Wise, MARRØN and the Eerste Communie collective in the Netherlands. Eerste Communie invited him to play several times and later made him a resident.

Also in 2019, Kai founded Platform 22. The label released his debut EP, Motion, in August 2019. FLOAT Records label boss TWR72 later reached out and released three FLAWS EPs on FLOAT in 2020.

FLAWS’ touring and gig development has included London, Marrakech, Manchester, Berlin, New York, Detroit, Chicago and beyond. He is currently based in the Netherlands.