Following on from a string of wondrous delights these last few years, multinational outfit Kikimora are back to their best once again as they deliver their vibrant new single 'You Don't Know (Disco)'.
Conjuring more of that rich and shimmering neo-funk aesthetic they have earned a reputation for, 'You Don't Know (Disco)' makes for a warm and lively addition to their ever-evolving catalogue. With its broad and emotive textures, breezy atmosphere, and stellar hooks layered throughout, they remain one of the more exciting names on the rise with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Hayley: The guitar
Edd: Guitar
Eric: The Saxophone
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Hayley: I loved the Beatles and Patsy Cline.
Edd: Rock, Blues.
Eric: I loved Motown. The Jackson 5, Temptations, Stevie Wonder. I was all about the soul music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Hayley: The first album I ever owned was No Doubt’s “Rock Steady”.
Edd: Black Sabbath, Black Sabbath
Eric: I think the first record I can remember having was The Little Engine That Could. But I think the first album I remember, owning was Earth, Wind and Fire’s “In the Stone”.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Hayley: Dream Brother by Jeff Buckley
Eric: There is a song by a duo known as The Civil Wars called Poison and Wine. I think that song is absolutely brilliantly written. It manages to take some fairly complex feelings and express them a way I think anybody could relate to.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Hayley: I like to go on walks (preferably in the mountains here in the desert) to ruminate on ideas.
Edd: Listen to music, coffee, vamp over chords.
Eric: No, I don’t really have any rituals or habits. I sometimes sit down at the keyboard, grab my guitar, pick up my journal or sing something into my Voice Memo app. I am still pretty new to that world so still trying to figure out what works for me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Hayley: I’ve been listening to a lot of Jamiroquai again and recently discovered Durrand Bernarr from his latest release. Otherwise, I’m usually listening to some kind of jazz.
Edd: Julian Lage
Eric: Right now, I find myself moving back in time and rediscovering some of my favorite jazz artist like Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett. And if I had to pick a pop artist, I’m really into at the moment it would be John Mayer. I think he’s a brilliant writer and a great guitar player.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Hayley: Of the artists still touring, I would probably say Thievery Corporation.
Edd: WAR
Eric: Dave Chappelle
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Hayley: The most rewarding part is evoking emotion in others and witnessing that power in real time.
Edd: Growth, change.
Eric: I think the most rewarding part about being a musician is when you write, performer record, something that really connects to someone else. It enables them to see themselves or their life or their situation and their song and it touches them. It’s even more rewarding if the way that it touches them is able to bring some type of hope, healing or joy.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Hayley: The only frustration I experience is that I always want to be more proficient at my instrument than what I am currently capable of.
Eric: I think the most frustrating part about being a musician is the music industry and how many non-musical things that it requires from you.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Hayley: That you are never done learning and should always be open to educating yourself to further your craft.
Eric: It’s not about you. Serve the music, the song, your fellow musicians and your audiences. Find your freedom in serving.
-
Kikimora's new single 'You Don't Know (Disco)' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.