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Arguably the world's best-known beatboxer, Killa Kela returns with 'Built Like An Amplifier', the first single from his new album 'Amplified', on 29 Jun.
Mashing his innate vocal abilities with production courtesy of Does It Offend You, Yeah?'s James Rushent (fresh from his work on the latest Prodigy album), the single sees Kella stamp his mark hard on 2009
With the album due later this summer, and a new live show with a full band soon to begin touring, we caught up with Killa Kela to find out more. |
Q1 How did you start out making music?
I started out ten years or more ago through hip hop. I was about 19 and it was all about skills and creativity. As time went on I went up the ranks from beatboxing at open mics, to getting paid to do shows. The live element was always my big thing - I loved it and still do. There's an element of athleticism in the performance which I get a kick out of.
Q2 What inspired your latest single?
I wanted to make a track that tied in what I did musically. Plus theme wise, put across a habitual point of view to it. Sounds a bit tossy, but I'm sure you'll get the idea once you've heard it. James Rushent from Does It Offend You, Yeah? was my soundman for about four years, so it was only natural to collaborate with him on this. The first single needed to kick arse, so we made it as hard as a roundhouse to the face, hehe.
Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
When making a track from scratch, I like a good concept leaning to the trade I'm in, throw down beatboxing/sound effects, then add other vocal disciplines. I write my lyrics, add instruments (normally synths, drums and bass) and that's pretty much it. Anyone can do it.
Q4 Which artists influence your work?
Mostly my friends who I've known for ages and hang out with... My band, James/Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Plan B, JackBeats, Shoalin Punks, Martin Rushent, Faith SFX, Jukey, Alan Braxe, Stunt Double Eklips... er... and bands that have a message or morals, creatively or otherwise; Iggy Pop, MIA, Prodigy, Metallica, Goldie, N*E*R*D, er... yeah.
Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
Embrace it.
Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest single, and for the future?
For the latest single, the same with everything I set out to do: achieve 100%. And the future? I wanna keep making great music and push myself and the beatbox scene.
published june 2009
