Getting To Know... Tino Kamal

Following on from a string of impactful offerings throughout last year, West London's Tino Kamal recently capped off his 2024 with the immersive new single 'Puff Love'.

Capturing more of that rich and inventive aesthetic he has been growing lately, 'Puff Love' makes for a dazzling addition to his ever-evolving catalogue of late. With its broad and emotive textures set to his progressive vocal flow throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.

So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

I would say the violin, I feel like it’s a very versatile instrument, as it’s something I’ve heard across many genres from an early age.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I liked a lot of 80s/90s pop and R&B but other than that I think I heard everything from drum and bass to Sean Paul ran through the house! Was madness.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Sisqó - Enter the Dragon.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

Rose Royce – Wishing on a Star

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Yes, I’m pretty impulsive when it comes to my thoughts, so I tend to just hear what I hear and go in with a blank canvas. I feel that that’s the main habit to have when creating anything.

Ritual wise I’d say I just burn some essential oils and don’t think too much.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

Currently I’m listening to a young lady who goes by the name of HER. Other than that, I’m in my own head most of the time so I’d say to myself.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Micheal Jackson. But he’s passed now so I’d say Superbowl Rainbow edition. My fans.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

You constantly get to shape shift. There's no book on how things must go. You can make your own movie every day.

And what is the most frustrating part?

I don’t get frustrated. If you are naturally a creative person, it just comes with adversities so just go to war and have more careless energy to things.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

That there are no rules, or way to do anything. Just be yourself and stay in your lane. There is no traffic there.

‘I also heard that great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds’ - Albert Einstein

So, I was basically reminded to embrace the hate because the love doesn’t live where I live and the people who love me the most turn out to be strangers who don’t even know me.

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Tino Kamal's new single 'Puff Love' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.