Kanda - Bottom of The Bottle (Official Video) + 10 Questions
Following on from the April release of ‘He Will Reign’ is Kanda, an up-and-coming artist hailing from Coventry.
Reputable for his nostalgic essence and ability to transcend through genres, Kanda has delivered his latest offering named, ‘Bottom of The Bottle’. Produced by Harri Georgio and Maniscooler, ‘Bottom of The Bottle’ explores mental health and the feeling of isolation even when you’re surrounded by others. Encouraging listeners to check up on their loved ones even if they appear happy, ‘Bottom of The Bottle’ is built over a cinematic production with the use of big horns. Layering the beat with his rich and captivating vocal, Kanda sits centre stage as he unravels a narrative of uncertainty and self-awareness.
Accompanied with a set of powerful visuals that are centred around the abuse of alcohol, we follow Kanda as he attempts to have fun with his friends meanwhile his thoughts are elsewhere. Finding it hard to speak his truth, he falls into bad habits before suddenly feeling the consequences. Speaking on the release Kanda commented, “This song is all about the emotion of isolation despite being surrounded by company. It should be interpreted as a constant reminder to think of others and to check up on your friends and family. Sometimes it’s not always apparent what others are going through and truly feel, so I decided to express this in a chill, relaxing song.”Kanda continued, “I wanted to create something similar to one of my previous singles ‘IHGYN’, whereby the song is not just a melody and a rhythm but more so a message to those suffering and those who sometimes struggle to acknowledge the struggle of others. Also, although the song is heavily situated around alcohol, the depressed emotions and expressions throughout the song and video are intentionally indicating that dialogue with others, is a much more ethical way to approach these problems as opposed to drinking alcohol and living the same day on repeat. It’s hard to speak out to others, but it is also the best way to move towards a healthier and happier state.”
Kanda sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My passion for music initiated when I was 8 years old. I started performing in annual assemblies as part of the school year band and gradually, through the ever-growing support of my family and the eagerness of my music teacher, my devotion towards music gradually increased to thew point where I saw it as a genuine career path for me to go down. I’ve always enjoyed the art of music and the strength it has within our society and by the time I was 15 years old, I made the decision to contribute towards the industry.
2. Your sound has many elements to it, who are some artists that influence you and that would be your dream to work with - you can choose any artists, dead or alive?
Throughout my short music career so far, I have had so many vast inspirations and influences that have shaped me into the singer I am today. When I was younger, I looked up to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, J Hus and Stormzy for their stage presence and how they were so prominent in mainstream music. However, whilst maturing musically I developed a style similar to Rag’n’Bone Man and Labrinth, utilising that soulful voice that I possess. If I were to work with any artist ever, it would have to be the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. He could do literally anything and he was second to none on stage.
3. You often have messages within your music, such as the latest single ‘Bottom of the Bottle’ exploring mental health - does it come naturally or do you make a conscious effort to tap in to those topics?
I’d like to think that I’m always consciously thinking about how I can incorporate meaning into my songs. When I sit down and think of lyrics, I intimately make the decision of whether I’m going to centralise the song around a general topic or whether I’d like to sing for a specific purpose, music is so powerful that it grants us musicians the freedom to do that. At the start of my career, I already had this mentality that I’m not just singing for myself, but I want my music to help those that are listening to my songs so I feel very attached to my songs that have more deeper and political meanings.
4. How would you describe your sound generally?
I would describe my sound as soulful twist on R&B. I like too fluctuate between genres, but ultimately I have a gritty voice that has a wide pitch range to experiment with, very similar to Rag’n’Bone Man and containing elements of James Brown.
5. You are still only 18 but have already had some great moments as an artist. What is your greatest and worst moment in music so far?
I think my greatest moment was performing at the O2 in London as part of Open Mic UK Competition Final in 2020. It was the biggest stage I have played on and it was also the sudden moment where I realised being a singer is undoubtedly my destiny and is the career path I have to pursue. My worst moments which held me back in the past were typical ones, such as being turned down from auditions such as Britain’s Got Talent, but I would then also argue that the resiliency from them moments led me to this part of my life right now. Every negative moment will always lead to a positive one that overcomes it, I guess it’s just all about patience and I still believe I am awaiting my best moments in my career so I will continue to work hard until the dreams become reality.
6. What has surprised you most about being a music artist?
Definitely the amount of dedication and patience needed to succeed in the industry. There are so many aspects to every single produced, every music video made, every performance talking place, there are so many different people working with me to ensure that everything is in order and goes to plan. Sometimes it can be very draining but if it leads me to where I aspire to be then there is nothing that will stop me from continuing to graft and sweat through all of the hard work!
7. Coming from Coventry, do you have 3 tips for other local talent that are looking to break in to the music scene.
One piece of advice that even I need to listen to is to take every single gig, every opportunity that comes your way because you never know who could be listening and turning up to the gigs. Another tip is to have patience - this music career is a long game so you have to be prepared to be consistent and work hard for a long period of time. Finally, make sure to always have enough time for yourself, a lot of young musicians give up because they are too self-indulged in what they are doing. Remember to enjoy your life, but stay on the grind!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Right now, I’m currently obsessed with Tory Lanez’s stuff, especially his more sad songs about breakups (I’ll let you guess why!) but also J Hus’ new album that has dropped is absolutely unreal. I feel like it’ll take time to grow on everyone but personally I love it!
9. What would you like your musical legacy to be - how do you want people to remember your music?
I want to be known for who I am: a boy that visibly has fun on stage and is this bubbly character. At the same time, I want people to remember why I write some of my songs and the meanings behind them. If I have even helped just one person with my music so far, one of my many missions as a musician is complete.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Number 1 is a fan, especially in the summer! It gets so hot in that booth, so when I put my maximum efforts in, I come back from the booth absolutely drenched like it’s raining in there. Number 2 is water, my throat can get really dry sometimes and it’s always good to keep the mouth hydrated before laying on some vocals. The last one is my dad funnily enough, I feel like I produce my best work when he’s around, maybe it’s the pressure of making it perfect so he doesn’t feel disappointed hahaha! He is such a big part of my career and my life, and I am very lucky to have him so actively involved.