With an effortlessly cool but deeply introspective method, the rising artist ko aka koala, crafts songs that linger lengthy after the ultimate word. Her newest single, “kick rox,” fuses early 2000s-inspired beats with fashionable electro-pop, capturing the sting of remorse, missed connections, and the load of phrases left unstated.
From the primary hear, “kick rox” captures a late-night haze. There’s a gentle ache in its simplicity, a push-and-pull between confidence and vulnerability, very like the title itself. ko aka koala manages to bottle that fleeting second of realizing you may’ve made the mistaken name, giving listeners an opportunity to seek out their very own reflections throughout the lyrics.
ko aka koala is a storyteller who understands the facility of aesthetics. Whether or not by means of immersive soundscapes or visually gorgeous music movies, each inventive alternative feels intentional, designed to evoke emotion and nostalgia. “kick rox” completely captures this essence, with its dreamlike environment mirroring the tune’s emotional depth—proving as soon as once more that ko aka koala is an artist unafraid to reveal her soul.
As 2025 unfolds, ko aka koala is gearing up for a 12 months of recent releases and thrilling potentialities. We caught up with the artist to debate the story behind “kick rox,” her inventive course of, and what’s subsequent on the horizon.
The very first thing we wish to know is when and the way this musical journey started for you.
Music has all the time been part of my life, however I feel my actual journey began once I realized it was extra than simply one thing I liked however one thing that I’m all the time going to do. I began creating my very own sound, experimenting with completely different kinds, and discovering my voice as an artist. It’s been an evolving course of.
What impressed the creation of “kick rox” and what’s the story behind the tune?
It’s a really “staring on the ceiling at 4 AM pondering life” kind of vitality. It’s a few second once I pushed somebody away, considering I used to be making the appropriate name, however as quickly as they really go away, I’m like, “Wait…really…” It’s gentle, but it surely hurts.
The tune blends 2000s-inspired beats with fashionable electro-pop. What drew you to this nostalgic sound, and the way did you method the manufacturing course of?
I like your description of it as a result of I used to be attempting to determine learn how to describe the ‘style’ and it’s cool to see different folks’s interpretation. The tune began out with a sound that fairly actually gave the impression of a rock being kicked in order that’s how the tune was born.
“kick rox” explores themes of remorse and miscommunication. Why did you select to concentrate on these subjects, and the way do you hope listeners will join with the lyrics?
It felt private to me. Perhaps it should encourage somebody to succeed in out and categorical their emotions. I feel loads of fallouts occur from miscommunication and issues that have been left unsaid.
What was probably the most difficult a part of creating “kick rox,” and the way did you overcome it?
This tune got here collectively fairly simply, however the greatest problem was discovering the appropriate stability between preserving it easy and including layers. It began off actually stripped down, which I liked. However I stored feeling the urge so as to add extra. The trick was realizing when to cease – enhancing the monitor with out shedding what made it particular within the first place.
The title “kick rox” feels playful, however the tune carries a deeper that means. How did you provide you with the title, and what does it symbolize to you?
“Kick Rox” began as a playful, virtually dismissive phrase. The title displays that in a method…performing robust on the surface, however feeling sort of gentle on the within. It’s the contradiction of wanting house however then hating the vacancy.
You’re identified in your visually gorgeous music movies. Are you able to share any particulars in regards to the inventive course for the “kick rox” visuals?
Thanks! Visuals are such an enormous a part of how I inform tales. I wished to seize that in a extremely cinematic, dreamlike however private method. There’s a way of nostalgia, like reminiscences blurring collectively, with gentle lighting, and heat tones.
What do you hope followers take away from “kick rox”?
I hope the takeaway is feeling understood. I feel everybody has felt the should be understood sooner or later or one other, and in the event that they haven’t… I might want to take their masterclass.
With 2025 simply starting, what can followers count on from you subsequent? Are there any upcoming initiatives or collaborations you’re excited to share?
Loads of new music and possibly an album… who is aware of!
Do you may have any mantras that aid you by means of the robust instances in your profession?
These days, I’ve been making an effort to totally sit with my feelings, even when they’re unhealthy. I’ll attempt to let myself really feel every little thing utterly as an alternative of pushing it away.
CONNECT WITH KO AKA KOALA
