After the huge success of his previous singles 'Red River' and 'Sanctuary', which landed him on Clash Magazine, Earmilk, Gay Times, and many others, London-based artist KYRI has recently returned to share his new EP 'Waves'.
Led up by the new lead single 'Internet', 'Waves' makes for an incredibly expressive and adventurous listen. With bold and experimental production, all layered upon a sweetly-played piano and his own soaring voice, this new collection looks to cement him as one of the more noticeable names emerging from the capital right now.
So with his new EP out and about, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The voice, which I consider an instrument, quickly followed by the piano. I was absolutely fascinated by different voices and choral arrangements from a young age and was involved in choirs. Similarly, I learnt classical piano as a child playing the likes of Debussy, which sounded very melancholic and perfect to me. I fell out of love with classical piano as I reached my teens but fell back in love with the instrument when I discovered jazz fusion harmony and voicings. I learnt songs by Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, D’angelo, Nina Simone… I was mesmerised by the emotive magic and journey you can create with just one voice and the piano.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Higher consciousness. I’d say I had many ‘aha’ moments when discovering the author Eckharte Tolle and his books ‘The Power of Now’ and ‘A New Earth’. My whole outlook on life shifted. I think energy and intention is so important. I believe to some degree that our thoughts do create our reality.
I’m all about positive growth, evolving, changing and I’m fascinated by the idea of rebirth. I grew up just off the edge of a forest in the countryside before moving to London. The natural world and how every living thing is connected in some way continues to provide infinite inspiration to me.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
R&B, like most 90’s babies. I couldn’t get enough of it. That and gospel music. I’m not religious, but I was involved in a gospel choir in my teens and fell in love with the honest, vulnerable, unashamedly expressive and emotional elements. Plus I love a big, soaring vocal. I was into anyone who sang their face off and had a beautiful voice from Smokie Norful to Mariah Carey to Lauryn Hill. I think I also just lived for the drama.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I have to choose two - Joni Mitchell’s ‘All I Want’ and Amel Larrieux’s ‘Gills & Tails’. I came across them at two different points in my life and was so moved. They both still take my breath away to this day. They’re actual perfection. Timeless, emotive, authentic, intelligent, moving storytelling with beautiful vocals over chord sequences that really take you on a journey. Something inside me was just like ‘you need to strive to do that, because that’s the sh*t’.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I’m really fangirling L.A based artist Vōx. I love the delicate, ethereal, artsy, electronic and experimental vibe she has going. I’m also loving Duendita, who I got to see at Brianchild festival last year - she’s totally spellbinding. Billie Marten is another one I’m loving. Three very special music makers!
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
I’d say they’re all in some small way influenced by my relationships with family, friends, lovers, the world, but none so far about specific people. Songwriting is a very personal and inward process for me, it’s something I do alone. It’s a way of exploring my thoughts, feelings, emotions and my own identity. It’s very cathartic. Sometimes the meaning of a song reveals itself much later after I’ve written it. It can be kinda subliminal to begin with.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Last year I was offered a record deal from an American indie label. It was very much in their favour business wise and would have really affected my career long term in ways I wasn’t willing to agree to. Especially creatively. I never thought I would have found myself in that position.
I also received an email from a real A&R of a major label complimenting me on my voice. That just blew my mind!
I’m still completely independent, but It’s important to remember the power you have as an artist. For me, the art has to come first.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Visual art. I love it! I’m a huge Kilmt and Shiele fan and I love to go to galleries. I just recently went to the ‘Among The Trees’ exhibition at the Southbank centre. It has some truly amazing pieces. Trees and Art, two of my favourite things.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Something just as creative I reckon, whether that be a novel or script writer, visual artist, designer of some sort… I couldn’t imagine living a life without creativity and storytelling. I’ve actually got a couple of side projects on the go at the moment outside of music which I’m excited about.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
I feel I’m very much at the early stages in my career, so I definitely don’t have it all figured out, but I have learnt five very valuable things so far:
1. If music is something you just simply HAVE to do, and by that I mean you literally can’t see yourself doing anything else, then it’s for you. They are the people who succeed in this industry.
2. Network sideways. It’s very easy to get caught up in trying to climb, reaching for people who appear higher up the ladder. If you network with your peers and those at the same career stage as you, you’re building relationships with the music industry professionals of tomorrow. Before you know it, you’ll have connections in great places.
3. Stay in your lane and stay focused on your journey. Whilst it’s useful to know the lay of the land and what works or doesn’t for others, your journey is your journey. There’s no set route. Learn what works for you & don’t compare yourself. There’s enough room for everyone so support others.
4. Work hard and stay informed. Keep your ear to the ground. You have to make your own opportunities. Nobody owes you anything and there are millions just like me and you who want this career. Every moment you’re procrastinating there’ll be somebody else who’s putting the work in. It takes much more than just natural talent.
5. Remember to enjoy it! We can get so bogged down in trying to succeed that we forget to have a good time along the way. Make sure you celebrate the little wins, rest often and keep it pushing. Keep that energy fresh and positive!
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KYRI's new EP 'Waves' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to the new single 'Internet' in the player below.