KANII WANTS YOU TO KNOW HE’S ALWAYS MAKING NEW MUSIC
At the tender age of 18 years old, D.C. native Kanii is signed to a major label, constantly dropping new music, and he’s gearing up to go on tour. On the high of the release of his newest single “MIA“, Kanii took time out of his very busy schedule to sit down with us and talk about his trajectory in the music industry over the years.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
How did you get your start in music? Tell us your story.
I started when I was fairly young, around 12. At the time, xxxtentacion was popular, and he told his supporters to chase their dreams and pursue what they wanted. I’ve always been singing, around music, and writing, so I just decided to take it seriously.
When you got signed you took a 7-month hiatus, what did you do during this time?
I was creating the entire time. I never stopped making music — I just wasn’t able to post it, but I was trying new things and trying to improve.
Your first EP, “Kosia”, which features 5 songs. What’s your favorite song from this project and why?
On kosia, I think my favorite song is “lie.” The vibe of that song is 1 of 1 to me, just the creative process and what I was talking about.
Sonically, how does the “Kosia” project differ from “Lucent”?
kosia is definitely in its own lane in terms of style and sonics. I don’t think I’ve heard of another project or production choices close to that. lucent is more pop/club and more digestible when it comes to listening.
“The Heart Racers” joint EP features you along with Riovaz & Nimstarr. How did this joint project come about? What was it like recording the 4 songs on this project?
Well, Rio, Nim, and I have been friends for a while, and after the success of “heart racing,” everyone wanted to see/hear more from us, so we decided to make a project. Originally, during the sessions for these songs, I was super sick, so I was watching them create, but it was a super fun experience.
Last year you dropped 2 EPs, “Exiit” and “It was nice knowing you”. For anyone who’s never listened to either EP, what’s the first song you’re playing on each?
For those two projects, the first song I would play on exiit is definitely “Five.” That’s one of my favorite records I’ve ever made, and for it was nice knowing you, I would definitely say… “pretty photos.”
Let’s talk about your new song “Hate Me” in collaboration with Wolffacejoeyy, how did this come about and how was it shooting the visual?
So, this song was made while I had a sinus infection in LA. I was stuck in my BNB in LA, just making songs, and I wanted to try the whole sexy drill thing because no one else was doing it besides the people in Slizzy. So I made the song and sent it to Joeyy just for him to give me feedback, but he said he wanted to put down a verse, and I let him.
Aside from the musical influences you’ve already spoken about like Michael Jackson, Juice Wrld & Brent Faiyaz, who are some other artists you draw inspiration from?
When it comes to versatility, I draw a lot of inspiration from artists like xxxtentacion. I’ve always liked different genres of music, and I feel I can also create them well, just like he did.
What else do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
Tour 🙂 and consistency. I’m trying to constantly raise the bar for myself and show the public that I can keep improving; there’s no limit on me.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Charlie Braun (@shotbycharlie)
