A once in a lifetime artist, Kaiit is something truly special and her debut EP is a testimony to her talent.
Every now and then, we're gifted with an artist whose talent is just so palpable, so innate and so natural that you can't help but double take, rub your eyes and ask if this is for real. Of course, it nearly always is for real even though they may seem too good to be true. From the first listen of their first single -often an unsuspecting single thrown up online, unknowingly about to strike gold with the world- there's just something so special about them that is undeniable, and you know it's only a matter of time before everyone starts to take notice. One such artist like this is KAIIT, a poet, rapper, singer, songwriter and more who, when she released 'Natural Woman' last year, just struck a cord with so many and had us all hooked within seconds. Now, with the release of her debut EP, she rightfully steps into the spotlight while letting us into her world.
Titled Live From Her Room, KAIIT's debut EP is impressive in its technicality, powerful in its vulnerability and infectious in its shared experiences and authenticity. KAIIT is just real in everything she does and her musings, quite literally created in her room and put to music that's rich and soulful, give us a snapshot into her world as a 20-something woman growing up. Its relatable, genuine and straight up which is why the connection between her and her music and the rest of the world is so strong.
Her influences are vast but all share that authenticity, that genuineness that make KAIIT shine as well. Hip-hop, soul, jazz and more all infiltrate her music as she tackles love, loss, self-empowerment and more. After two exceptional performances at BIGSOUND, KAIIT is rightfully one of this year's most exciting artists, and her EP is a testimony and proof of her sheer talent. Hell, she was even called the baby of Jill Scott and Erykah Badu by Jill Scott herself, so if what I'm saying here isn't quite getting through, surely that's a cosign you can get behind.
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Now about to head out on a national tour that continues to sell out across the country, there's no slowing down for KAIIT. We named her as one of our artists to watch for 2018 in January, and it's pretty clear she's proving us right with ease. Before she blows up to worldwide fame and success, we asked KAIIT about her top five influential albums in her life. Check it all out below and snap up the last few remaining tickets to her tour here, they won't last long!
Lioness: Hidden Treasures - Amy Winehouse
This album was so raw, all of her stuff is but this album is what really made me feel beyond connected to her and seeing myself in her.
K.T.S.E - Teyana Taylor
I only started listening to this album in the last 3 weeks and it feels like a soundtrack to my life. Everything I’m hearing I feel like I’m in that exact moment and that I’m going through all of that.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Lauryn Hill
Again it’s like a soundtrack for my day to day, the tracks are all highlights of pivotal moments in her life but what she is talking about is still relatable to the everyday person. Listening to this album gives you a sense of comfort it feels like she’s there and you’re going through things with each other.
CTRL - SZA
I feel like all of these albums are my favourites because they all make me feel comfortable and glad to hear that someone else is going through something similar to me.
You are the Quarry - Morrissey
I think something that catches me about Morrissey that keeps me wanting to listen to him is his flow and how he writes, it can be quirky how he chooses his words and a lot of his lyrics don’t rhyme, but still fits so beautifully.
KAIIT LIVE FROM HER ROOM TOUR DATES:
Friday, September 21 - The Corner Hotel, Melbourne [SOLD OUT]
Saturday, September 29 - Ponsonby Social Club, Auckland
Thursday, October 11 - Oxford Art Factory, Sydney [NEW SHOW ADDED]
Friday, October 12 - Tokyo Sing Song, Sydney [SOLD OUT]
Saturday, October 13 - Transit Bar, Canberra
Friday, October 26 - Island Vibe Festival, Brisbane
Saturday, October 27 - Railway Club, Darwin
Friday, November 2 - Bloodhound, Brisbane
Saturday, November 10 - Mojo’s, Perth
Thursday, November 15 - Mullumbimby Music Festival
Friday, November 16 - Mullumbimby Music Festival
Saturday, November 17 - Strawberry Fields Festival, Victoria
Sunday, December 30 - NYE On The Hill, Victoria
Live From Her Room is out now via Alt Music Group - buy/stream here.
Image: Supplied
Introduction by Emma Jones
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