Kai Mercer approaches trumpet like a builder—layering tones, textures, and rhythms into intricate musical architecture. Influenced by hip hop producers, ambient beatmakers, and electronic jazz, Kai merges analog grit with digital polish.
His live sets involve looping trumpet lines, tapping out rhythms on pads, and manipulating tone in real time. His work Phase Rituals explores texture as melody, and silence as rhythm. It’s groove-based, but deeply emotional.
Kai believes groove is the foundation of all expressive playing. In his classes, students learn to compose loops, construct beats, and develop timing through experimental play.
He empowers players to shape their own sound worlds—from ambient meditations to glitchy hip-hop jams.