10 June 2024
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with London based artist Kinzoogianna to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I am an Essex/California hybrid, and I started playing piano when I was 8, but it really took off when I got into house music in my teens and I discovered singing and dancing.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Growing up, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, Steely Dan, Kate Bush, The Jam, George Benson, and now, Herbie Hancock, Disclosure, Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway, Kendrick Lemar, D’Angelo.
How would you describe your sound?
I am a UK broken beat, experimental jazz pop, funky soul musician, with an adventurous sense of rhythm and harmony.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
Cherry Devoy, out May 17th, was heavily influenced by the West London Broken Beat scene, and tunes like ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ by Roy Ayres, with a Stevie Wonder type bridge.
What’s your local music scene like?
Excellent, there’s a live jazz jam at the end of my road, and many famous jazz venues and festivals. Just went to Cross The Tracks where many local bands and Djs were playing. Jazz Re:freshed are particularly good at getting the new jazz/beats music heard and seen, with a lot of dancing too.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I’m finishing my second album, rehearsing my band, gigging and getting my name out in readiness for the album drop next spring.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Haitus Kaiyote, Robert Glasper, Q-Tip, Kendrick, or Herbie Hancock!
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Once my band replaced my egg shaker with a boiled egg. It was amusing for them!!
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
That everything I do I’ve done on my own without handouts, except for my hard earned scholarship to The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and my grant to study. I am passionate about education becoming free again.
Upcoming live dates and performances
Saturday 13th July – Notting Hill Arts Club, London with full band.
You can find out more about Kinzoogianna on her website or via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok or YouTube (channel).
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