KAI KHAN (real name Kaiyisha Zawawi) is a singer-songwriter from Malaysia who calls Brighton home. After graduating from BIMM she finally released her second single “Body Bones”.
Our friendship with KAI KHAN began a year ago when we were looking into the music scene in Brighton. Then, she was still studying at BIMM and wasn’t too sure what the future holds. Kai describes her sound as lush melodies with soulful chords and a tinge of weirdness.
Her debut single “Ruin” was featured on the end of year list 99 best songs of 2018 at number ninety-nine. We were curious to know a story behind new single “Body Bones” and see how Kai’s life has changed since we last talked to her.
Tell us about your journey up until the release
After my last track, I was kind of stuck in a rut – I needed to extend my UK visa and music was put on a halt cause I was uncertain of my future. I had actually written “Body Bones” around that time but couldn?t really do anything with it. It wasn?t until after my visa had been sorted that I really started to get back into making music, and this time I wanted a complete rehaul. I wanted to take on a different direction – think H.E.R and KELELA, two of my current major influences. This entire period has pretty much just been about finding my sound (and I still am) by working on loads of tracks.
“Body Bones” is the transition track between my old stuff and the new!
KAI KHAN
What does “Body Bones” mean to you?
To me, this track is about finding something magical – a feeling that?s completely overwhelming, and not fighting the urge to resist it no matter how immense it might be. It?s about embracing it all, despite the consequences.
How your life has changed since graduating from BIMM?
Tougher. It?s all about work work work. I feel like there?s a timebomb when you?ve graduated, and I think the fear of failing grows bigger. But I definitely find that I?m able to focus on my music a lot more now because I?m not involved in uni work. Sometimes it feels a little mundane though – I found seeing friends in classes in uni fun. I do miss the feeling of being part of a community.
What was the inspiration behind the song?
“Flames & Figures” by THE SESHEN. At that time I was really into weird-ish electronic r&b.
What you got planned for the rest of 2019?
A couple more singles! And a music video. Can?t wait!
Make sure to connect with KAI KHAN on Facebook ? Instagram ? Twitter » Soundcloud » Spotify
