With an effortlessly cool but deeply introspective strategy, the rising artist ko aka koala, crafts songs that linger lengthy after the ultimate word. Her newest single, “kick rox,” fuses early 2000s-inspired beats with fashionable electro-pop, capturing the sting of remorse, missed connections, and the burden of phrases left unstated.
From the primary pay attention, “kick rox” captures a late-night haze. There’s a gentle ache in its simplicity, a push-and-pull between confidence and vulnerability, very like the title itself. ko aka koala manages to bottle that fleeting second of realizing you may’ve made the incorrect name, giving listeners an opportunity to seek out their very own reflections throughout the lyrics.
ko aka koala is a storyteller who understands the facility of aesthetics. Whether or not by immersive soundscapes or visually gorgeous music movies, each artistic alternative feels intentional, designed to evoke emotion and nostalgia. “kick rox” completely captures this essence, with its dreamlike environment mirroring the music’s emotional depth—proving as soon as once more that ko aka koala is an artist unafraid to reveal her soul.
As 2025 unfolds, ko aka koala is gearing up for a 12 months of latest releases and thrilling potentialities. We caught up with the artist to debate the story behind “kick rox,” her artistic course of, and what’s subsequent on the horizon.
The very first thing we need to know is when and the way this musical journey started for you.
Music has at all times been part of my life, however I feel my actual journey began after I realized it was extra than simply one thing I beloved however one thing that I’m at all times going to do. I began creating my very own sound, experimenting with totally different types, and discovering my voice as an artist. It’s been an evolving course of.
What impressed the creation of “kick rox” and what’s the story behind the music?
It’s a really “staring on the ceiling at 4 AM pondering life” sort of power. It’s a couple of second after I pushed somebody away, pondering I used to be making the fitting name, however as quickly as they really go away, I’m like, “Wait…really…” It’s gentle, but it surely hurts.
The music blends 2000s-inspired beats with fashionable electro-pop. What drew you to this nostalgic sound, and the way did you strategy the manufacturing course of?
I really like your description of it as a result of I used to be attempting to determine describe the ‘style’ and it’s cool to see different individuals’s interpretation. The music began out with a sound that fairly actually appeared like a rock being kicked in order that’s how the music was born.
“kick rox” explores themes of remorse and miscommunication. Why did you select to concentrate on these matters, and the way do you hope listeners will join with the lyrics?
It felt private to me. Possibly it would encourage somebody to succeed in out and categorical their emotions. I feel numerous fallouts occur from miscommunication and issues that had been left unsaid.
What was probably the most difficult a part of creating “kick rox,” and the way did you overcome it?
This music got here collectively fairly simply, however the largest problem was discovering the fitting steadiness between preserving it easy and including layers. It began off actually stripped down, which I beloved. However I stored feeling the urge so as to add extra. The trick was realizing when to cease – enhancing the observe with out dropping what made it particular within the first place.
The title “kick rox” feels playful, however the music carries a deeper which means. How did you provide you with the title, and what does it signify to you?
“Kick Rox” began as a playful, virtually dismissive phrase. The title displays that in a means…performing powerful on the skin, however feeling sort of gentle on the within. It’s the contradiction of wanting area however then hating the vacancy.
You’re identified to your visually gorgeous music movies. Are you able to share any particulars concerning the artistic course for the “kick rox” visuals?
Thanks! Visuals are such an enormous a part of how I inform tales. I needed to seize that in a extremely cinematic, dreamlike however private means. There’s a way of nostalgia, like recollections blurring collectively, with gentle lighting, and heat tones.
What do you hope followers take away from “kick rox”?
I hope the takeaway is feeling understood. I feel everybody has felt the should be understood sooner or later or one other, and in the event that they haven’t… I might want to take their masterclass.
With 2025 simply starting, what can followers anticipate from you subsequent? Are there any upcoming tasks or collaborations you’re excited to share?
Loads of new music and possibly an album… who is aware of!
Do you may have any mantras that provide help to by the powerful occasions in your profession?
These days, I’ve been making an effort to totally sit with my feelings, even when they’re dangerous. I’ll attempt to let myself really feel every part utterly as a substitute of pushing it away.
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