Emerging trip hop inspired artist Kaia Vieira released her innovative debut EP, Vikāra, in May via These Furious Recordings.
Reminiscent of the likes of Portishead and Little Dragon, Vikāra combines cleverly crafted electronics with dynamic vocals and vivid lyricism to create a truly cutting edge collection of vibrant vignettes. Upcoming single Where Did You Go? is undeniably addictive from the offset; its woozy electronic soundscapes and Kaia’s distinctive vocal introducing the EP perfectly. Following track Make It Your Own Way has a similarly slick feel to it, fusing elements of drum and bass and trip hop together, setting a platform for Kaia’s impressive vocal range. Not afraid to defy genre, forthcoming single The Care Giver is a celestial groover, combining elements of hip hop and neo-soul to create a sound that is dark and yet beautifully evocative. Closing on the power ballad Believe, Kaia’s smooth, sultry vocal takes centre stage as it soars effortlessly over the brooding electronics and piano chords. Talking about the EP, Kaia explains, “Vikāra was this ambiguous little word I stumbled across and fell for. It’s Sanskrit for a kind of transformation that occurs through a wound. I loved it – it summed up the soul of the EP.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Kaia about the music, the challenges, the tech and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I began to get into more electronic styles when I started playing in my first band at 16. We were experimenting with merging hip hop, dnb and alternative soul styles which was the biggest turning point for me, especially as I’d only played solo and acoustic prior to that. Funnily enough I began all the way over in folk and blues styles, writing story-teller type folk tunes, aspiring to my heroes at the time – John Martyn, Dylan, Joni Mitchell. I was obsessed with this style of writing but knew it never really fitted me – like a really uncomfortable, awkwardly small coat. I wanted to sing as sweetly and as high-registered as Joni and Laura Marling, but it always felt I was trying to do something that didn’t come naturally. Thank fully it was one of those teenage coming-of-age phases and I managed to find a more authentic sound when I started being inspired by drum breaks, ‘wob’ bass and moving about on stage. I think it was when I put down my guitar that I began to feel more freedom. I actually have a temperamental relationship with the guitar because of this, but we’ve definitely made amends recently!
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I always loved singing and writing little stories as a kid. Actually, I have to shout out to ‘Little Mermaid’ (just came to mind), apparently as a three-year-old I used to run up to the sea singing ‘Part of Your World’, hoping Ariel would come out to meet me if I sung it for long enough.
I dabbled in a few instruments growing up, including the cello and clarinet after being assigned them in middle school despite opting to learn the guitar and piano – they had a shortage of orchestra places apparently… It would be very cool to be playing them still, but I wasn’t too impressed at 9, so they didn’t last! Properly started to pursue music as soon as I picked up the guitar and ukulele at 13. I was really inspired by the folk festivals I had going on around me in Dorset – I remember seeing one of my earliest mentors perform for the first time, singer-songwriter Alex Roberts, at Purbeck Folk Festival when I must’ve been 12 and I was mesmerised. I actually ended up getting a few lessons from him at about 15, recording my first demos with him and joining him on stage which was such an inspiration and encouragement.
Nowadays, I guess what drives me is simply that it doesn’t feel right for me to pursue anything else. And as for all the hard work it takes to be a musician and to push music out to the public, I personally think the whole point of anything is to share it. I definitely feel a purpose and responsibility as much as my own love for it.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
For sure, my tastes have changed massively. But honestly, I still love every genre I’ve moved through, I just happen to get obsessed with a particular style at a certain time, naturally. I think it’s all meant to serve you as an artist, it all has its purpose at each point in your development, adding bit by bit to create the odd amalgamation of sounds you end up regurgitating. I don’t want to disregard my obsession for John Martyn in my early teens any more than my love for Badu or interest in the experimental film scoring of Hildur Guðnadóttir (most satisfying name to get into an interview).
Other than music, a lot of what I read inspires me – especially old age spiritual wisdom I read or look into. Finding Taoism a real challenge to try and get my head around right now, which I reckon is always healthy, whether you take bits with you or not. And, of course, the people in my life more than anything.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I was definitely trying to fuse trip hop and dnb elements more than earlier stuff. I just really want to take them out of their structures of ‘this is a hip hop track’ or ‘this is a dnb tune’ and create songs that are more about the songwriting but that just happen to include elements of each of these styles. I was also trying to push my songwriting to be more accessible – just simple things like being more disciplined with lengths of tunes and how to create catchier choruses. I’m very much into creating something authentic and maintaining artistry whilst trying to communicate to a wider audience.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’ve just discovered this Indian rap/hip hop artist, ‘DIVINE’, and I’m obsessed! Last track I listened to was ‘Kohinoor’ from his debut album by the same title. Pretty much listening to the album on repeat at the moment – it’s also a banger to work out to. Haven’t found something for a long while that’s got me this much of a walking advertisement – just love how grimey and real it feels. He raps in his home tongue Hindi too which I love. I’ve actually always had a love of Hindi and older Sanskrit words, but I’ve never heard it sound as cool as he makes it – it’s so gritty and rhythmically intricate. He’s one of those classic examples of a true authentic artist – I don’t even have to understand what he’s saying to feel it’s completely real. Saying that though, you might find me a few months from now with some mediocre level of beginner’s Hindi just from my obsession to be able to recite all his raps…
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Mmm, I’ve got to admit I’m a sucker for the convenience of streaming and creating online playlists. Since my last iPod gave up on me a few years ago MP3s aren’t something I invest in anymore, buuut I do have a collection of CD and Vinyl still. I’ve got a dated sound system in my car I still haven’t got around to revamping and there’s a big part of me that doesn’t want to fix it as it’s the only space my little CD collection is still having their day! I like how it keeps me more disciplined to honour the full album experience – it’s easy to get complacent with single tracks and playlists, but no other listening compares. Need some newbies though as Bon Iver and Jeff Buckley have been worn to their very end. Vinyl wise, I go through phases, but there’s not really anything more romantic than all the little pocket experiences you get through with the whole process. I love how hands on it is – it’s like there’s some kind of accomplishment and journey to go through still that’s pretty much gone when you pick up your phone. Finding dusty little treats in charity shops is the best. And for some reason vinyl feels so much better to listen to on Sundays.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify. I’m perpetually making playlists and the download option in Spotify premium was a game changer. Most weeks I also find at least one beauty in my ‘Discover Weekly’ too, and in general it’s one of the only places online I actually feel I’ve become friends with algorithms.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
That’s so funny I didn’t read this before the last question as it’s definitely social media algorithms that frustrate me. Especially Instagram more recently – seems like it’s limited the amount of your followers who can see your posts and you don’t seem to get as much outside interest from tags. A few musician mates have also been saying this, but equally I don’t want to blame it all on social media as the reality is, technology develops and it’s up to us to educate ourselves in order to move with it. The difficult thing for me right now is that I found I was building a following predominantly through live performances: busking on the streets of London – especially Shoreditch and Brixton, and doing our live full band gigs. I found the exposure there naturally began to kick up the algorithms online and a lot more of even my existing followers were seeing and responding to posts. But obviously in the current climate, anyone who relied on promotion in this way is being hit hard, so like so many others I’m facing the challenge right now of becoming savvier with how to reach new audiences by only online means! Summer goals…
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
The EP is out 29th May on all streaming/download platforms so check it out online on your platform of choice. I actually have a Spotify pre-save link in my Instagram account bio so it’ll automatically come up in your Spotify once it’s released. Socials wise, my favourite is Instagram – I put most of my energy into that one. Lots of little videos you can check out, particularly if you’re interested in coming along to a live show (when we’re out the other end!) – there’s lots of little clips for tasters in the meantime. We actually started doing full band street sets inspired by my summer last year starting busking, so we’re getting all the gear out into the streets of Shoreditch for free gigs – you can check out the full-length session on YouTube of the last one if you’re interested! Follow on Insta, Facebook and YouTube to stay tuned or go to my website www.kaiavieira.com to add your email to my mailing list for major updates and exclusive offers. And aside from the live bits later down the line, we have some ‘lock down sessions’ in the works so keep an eye on Insta and the YouTube channel.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Oh yeah – might just have some pretty exciting dnb collab remixes on the horizon.
