Having already made a huge impression off the back of his first two releases, Singapore-based singer and songwriter KHAi now returns with his next loveable ode 'Victoria'.
With a rich and diverse array of influencers including Lewis Watson, Bruno Major and Damien Rice, 'Victoria' is one of those rare records that skirts the commercial world while still remaining heartfelt and honest throughout. With its bright and glossy production, sweeping vocals, and a wonderfully catchy hook, be prepared for this one to enter your ear and not leave your mind for at least a week.
So with his new offering bringing us so much joy, we sat down with him to find out more about his earliest beginnings and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Growing up, my brother was a large influence in my discovery of early 2000s music. He used to play the drums and I would tag along in his jamming sessions with his buddies. So naturally, I wanted to be a drummer too. For one of my birthdays, he got me a pair of drumsticks and I’d go around the house hitting things with it. I didn’t stick to it, but I guess having an interest in the drums allowed me to appreciate music from a young age.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
I draw ideas from real-life experiences - TV shows, conversations, memories etc, but the one thing that inspires me more than anything is the feeling I get after listening to a song I wish I wrote.
It excites me so much. I’d have that song on repeat the whole day. I’d dissect it all in my head, from the lyrics to the mix and production. Then I’d try to understand how all of that fits in the context of that particular artist. It’s so fulfilling.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
This might come as a surprise but I used to listen to a lot of metal bands. My first ever concert was a British band called Asking Alexandria. I remember spending a ton of money on their merchandise. They were the first band I was genuinely obsessed with. Everything about their music was so cool to me at the age of 15. The music I make now is totally different, but I think the music I make and the music I love listening to should be totally separate.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
'Stan' - Eminem, Dido. I first heard this song at a very young age. I think I was in pre-school. But, I remembered the moment I was listening to it again at the age of 17. It hits differently. And that’s really the beauty of music. Somehow, a lyrically chaotic rap song about an obsessed fan made me want to pursue music for some reason. It’s hard to explain how or why this song was so pivotal in that decision. I think it has to do with the realisation that music has so much power.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
I’m going to be honest and say that the first thing I’d listen to is my own demos that I’ve made the night before. If it weren’t my music, I’d start my day off with something chill and easy to listen to like Eloise’s “Subside”. When I listen to music I try to dissect everything, so I’d usually steer clear of intricate songs til’ I’m a little bit more awake.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Just one song. Ironically, it isn’t ‘Victoria’. It’s a song called ‘Wanderlust’. I was going through a rough break up and I guess that was the product of my own introspection.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
I was playing a gig once and after I was done with my set, a girl came up to me and told me she flew over from Indonesia to watch me play. I was so flattered because I never thought anyone would do that especially since I am a pretty small artist. That moment was really important to me because I have a lot of my own self-doubts doing what I do and having that as a reminder really gave me more of a reason to keep doing it.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I was really passionate about doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I did it for about 1.5 years or so back in 2012. I stopped because I knew that I'm the kind of person that can only truly focus on one thing at a time. Back when I was practicing, it was all I was thinking about every second of the day. I was obsessed with it. I’d watch videos on YouTube even when I wasn’t training and that was all I talked about with my friends. My decision to stop practicing it and to focus on music was with the consideration that I will be coming back to the sport again after I’ve solidified my music career. Heck, I’m still watching videos and thinking about the different techniques today!
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I’d probably start my own business. I know for a fact that I love the idea of being my own boss. That’s one thing I’ve learnt about myself.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
I think anyone who wants a career in music should really know why they want it. It’s such a tough industry and there will be a lot of shit thrown your way. Trust me, I’ve had nothing but rejections the past 5 years doing this, but as long as you know why you’re doing it, you’ll be okay.
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KHAi's new single 'Victoria' is available to stream and download now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.