FAST 10: Kia
Quickly climbing the ranks as one of Melbourne’s most exciting artists, Kia is one to keep an eye on…
Tip-toeing evenly between curating heavenly dreamscapes, and simultaneously nightmarish realities, a mix from Kia traverses many sounds, textures, and moods. Whether you’ve heard her play at local arenas Sub Club, Angel Music Bar, Colour or Radar, you can be certain a set from Kia maintains character, packs a heavy punch, and is technically fantastic.
Having already contributed to label mix series’ Crack Magazine, c-, Nous’klaer Audio, Triple J’s Mix Up and Patterns of Perception, her online collection showcases not only her rapid and widespread rise to success but also the impact she’s having internationally. A trip to Europe last year saw her earn gigs at global institutions De School and ://aboutblank, despite having only one year’s experience playing gigs. All in all, she’s killing it. As the founder of Animalia record label, her imprint reflects a similar style, featuring work from artists iota, Sam and Jack Brickel, and Ménage. Featuring ambient and ominous pads, glitchy distorted percussive patterns, and big basslines, she fuses the sounds of IDM, electronic, and techno genres into a package that sounds quintessentially Kia.
Taking time out of isolation for a quick catch up, Kia features in the latest instalment of Fast 10.
1. THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY MUSIC:
I find this question the hardest but… bubbly, bassy, deep?
2. A FEMALE ARTIST EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW:
DJ Sprinkles, RAMZi, and re:ni.
3. A TRACK I’M EMBARRASSED TO LOVE:
I’m not even sure if I’m embarrassed about this at all, but my biggest guilty pleasure is ‘You Don’t Know Me’ by Armand Van Helden.
4. THE LOCAL INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE:
Diversity, and financial support from the government.
5. MY DRINK OF CHOICE AT A GIG:
Club-Mate if it’s late, and natural wine if it’s during the day. I know, I’m such a cliche.
Kia
6. WHAT EMPOWERS ME:
Seeing my friends get recognition for their talent and hard work.
7. THE BEST GIG I’VE EVER PLAYED:
Hard contender between Het Weekend at De School last year, or the 24hour Soi party back in February.
8. IF I WASN’T IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, I WOULD BE:
A politician.
9. SOMEONE I LOOK UP TO IS:
Jane Fitz. She’s the best of the best, but also very humble & sticks to what matters - the music.
10. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I HAVE EVER RECEIVED:
Don’t compare yourself to others :)