KUU - Interview + We'll Always Have This Dance (Official Video)
Mysterious trio KUU have unveiled the official video for their 2020 smash single ‘We’ll Always Have This Dance’, out now.
Shot in an idyllic, sun-drenched location in Joshua Tree, California, the official video for ‘We’ll Always Have This Dance’ sees KUU vocalist, dancer and activist, Shungudzo performing the track while channelling spiritual energy into her and her surroundings. Bringing the track to life in a meaningful, literal and captivating way, the video symbolises the various themes in the song by bridging the gap between the light, dark and rebirth.
As well as the new music video one of London’s most exciting new producers TSHA, who was named BBC Radio 1’s ‘Future Artist’ for January, has also just released her acid-tinged adaptation of ‘We’ll Always Have This Dance’ which is also out now.
We sat down with KUU to chat about their innovative style of music.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Alex: I remember the first moment I realised I wanted to be a producer. It was listening to “Golden Slumbers” by the Beatles and imagining sounds in it that were not on the recording.
Henry: Seeing the first wave of acid house Top of the Pops.
Shun: Nature. The sound of the wind blowing through trees. The sound of rain hitting the soil. Birds singing in the morning. The music humans make is such a small percentage of the music that exists in the world.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Alex: I would really love for us to have strings scored by Will Malone one day. He did the arrangements on Massive Attack’s “Unfinished Sympathy” and Unkle’s “Lonely Soul” among many other great records. That’s my number 1 person to work with for KUU.
Henry: Maybe one of the old school German Krautrock dudes like Michael Rother or something? But I’m pretty sure most of them have hung up their synths for good.
Shun: Shout out to everyone Black making dance music! That’s who I wanna work with. Working with Channel Tres would be awesome. And we’ve actually just released a dream collaboration — a superb remix of “We’ll Always Have This Dance” by TSHA.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
Alex: We managed to make “We’ll Always Have This Dance” during lockdown, so although nothing beats being in a room together we have found a way to make it work. Releasing music during this time has gone well – as great as it would be to hear these songs out in a big crowd, as long as they’re connecting with people that's all we can hope for. And it feels like they are!
Henry: It’s tough but just the same as anyone right now – it sucks!
Shun: The hardest thing for me has been finding new inspiration in the same place. I’ve been longing to look out of new windows, at new views. But it’s also been nice re-learning to seek and find inspiration internally rather than externally; exploring parts of my mind that I used to be too “busy” (see: afraid) to venture into.
4. How would you describe your sound?
KUU: Free
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as artists?
Alex: Winning a Grammy has to be up there for me.
Henry: Sames!
Shun: Writing and producing an album at home, and learning to call myself a producer without a doubtful voice in my head responding that “I’m not” or “I can’t.”
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Alex: Keep going and work your ass off!
Henry: Don’t give up! Or do and don’t complain about it ;)
Shun: If you love it, it’s worth it -- even the hard parts. Make sure that you have love to get you through the lows. That includes loving yourself.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Alex: I really love a band from the UK at the moment called Low Islands – their recent single “In Your Arms” is sublime.
Henry: I like Rheinzland on the alternative side. I found it through Piccadilly Records, it is a killer LP.
Shun: Ian T. Mhlanga is a fellow Zimbabwean artist who recently reached out to me on Twitter. His songs, “The Oblivion Of My Emotions” and “Gwaenda Musango” are so amazing — check them out on YouTube. I’m so impressed by the tone of his voice and uniqueness of his writing style and want the whole world to know how awesome he is.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Alex: I've been on a Paul McCartney binge recently, McCartney 2 has been getting a lot of plays.
Henry: I’m always listening to Ryuichi Sakamoto in my chill times.
Shun: Lijadu Sisters — “Danger” & Wells Fargo — “Watch Out!”
Give me vintage African music all day, every day!
9. What do you like to do when you’re not making music?
Alex: I’d love to say something cultural but the reality is I’ve spent a lot of time terrorising people on Grand Theft Auto.
Henry: I’ve rediscovered my love for Skateboarding this year. It’s the best, chillest and most mindful way to get around town!
Shun: When I’m not making music, I’m usually either writing poetry or super spaced out — looking at things but not really looking, watching things but not really watching. Thinking too hard, or just the right amount, or not at all, or all at once. I’m either really good at meditating or totally aloof.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Alex: A Jupiter 8 synthesizer.
Henry: The lords herb.
Shun: Inexplicable magic.