After establishing himself with a wealth of riveting releases these last few years, UK-based Nigerian artist Turph Kako is back once again to cement his legacy to date with his vibrant debut EP 'Heartbreak On A Full Moon'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'Hypnotize' and 'Come Down To My Place', this new five-track collection makes for an incredibly warm and inviting listen. With his rich and shimmering voice layered across a compelling production from start to finish, 'Heartbreak On A Full Moon' showcases him as one of the more passionate names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new EP 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?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the Piano. But I never learned to play it until much later. I learned to play the trumpet first in high school, as I wanted to be a part of the school band. I love the trumpet.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved a variety of music growing up, ranging from Hip-Hop, RnB, Reggae, Afrobeats, Soul to Dancehall, and even Gospel. If it has a good melody and rhythm, I’m on it.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I’d say Shaggy: Lucky Day. Actually, It was my brothers or my dad’s; I can’t remember. But I remember my brother playing the cassette tape back-to-back on our new sound system and I couldn’t get enough. There was this song in particular that I loved so much off the album; the song title is “Strength of a Woman”. When I was old enough to get my own music, I had a little mp3 player with quite a lot of songs programmed on it (so I wouldn’t say I owned them).
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I don’t think I’ve ever wished I had written someone else’s song. I believe music is supposed to be specific to a particular individual, even when it’s been written by someone else and performed by another individual. I take the same approach when writing for people, I imagine them on the song and that’s what makes it work perfectly.
I’ve written some really good songs, but I don’t think I’ve written my best song yet.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I honestly don’t know. For the past few years, a lot of my music has been freestyles. But I definitely miss putting a pen on a paper and intend to get back to the habit soon enough.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My favourites haven’t changed for a long time, but I’ve added a few names to my catalogue. To be honest, lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Lo-Fi beats. But, my favourite artists to listen to would be Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Burna Boy, Travis Scott, Wizkid, Swaelee to name a few.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Damn!! This is a difficult one, because I have quite a few artists I think are amazing performers and would like to open for them. But I’d say J. Cole, because I learned a lot from watching his performances on YouTube and his blueprint in general.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Performing. I absolutely love performing. It’s a different feeling sharing a piece of art that you made by yourself in a closed space with just a few people present, on stage and watching the reaction of the audience.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Lol!! I’d say not being able to share music that I think has potential, either due to producers not being satisfied, or the song not turning out how I have pictured it in my head.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Do it for the love, from the heart and the rest will follow”. I actually got that from the movie “Jerry Maguire”, where Tom Cruise was confronting Cuba Gooding Jr. about having the wrong motivation when he’s on the pitch and that stuck with me.
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Turph Kako's new EP 'Heartbreak On A Full Moon' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.