www.facebook.com/kono.musicsb
Sounds like: Hard Rock
From: California
1. What's new with Kono?
The second Kono album is going to be released very soon! I know I wanted this to come out in 2025 originally, but my producer and I decided to use a fine tooth comb and go over some rhythm parts and arrangements before we moved onto mastering this time. I am very excited to say that this next release feels like a quality jump for myself and this project. Once this next album is out, we will camp it up again with the videos and get ready to record an EP that has already been written.
2. What's the word with the new music?
If you enjoyed the pure rock of the first album, you will enjoy more of the same ideas and energy. However, there is piano played by my dad, who is a major talent, on two songs. I also have a guest guitar player on another song. We also used a lot more equipment and experimentation on this one, while still keeping it fun and catchy. There is a new killer rap song that I am very proud of as well, and I hope everyone finds it intense and hilarious.
3. What's been your inspiration with the new music?
The rap idea came from the live drummer, Angel Davison. He is a wonderful friend, incredible musician, and talented rapper. I wanted to do something like him, and also allude to some of my favorite old hip-hop from the late 1980's on that song. As for the rest, we got pure rock again. I wanted to make new songs but also kind of follow my own formula. For example, the new ballads are like "Green Carnival" (off of the first record) to me. Once I know I can record something I like, I try to match the moods later with new original music. Like I'll say, "needs more ballads", or, "needs more metal" etc. I like to make similar attempts with every style of Rock and music I enjoy.
4. What's the recording process like with the band?
This second album is like the first, where I played everything except for the features. I arrange the songs, but my producer with LA CIMA MUSIC does all the mixing and makes sure I nail the takes. However, the EP I mentioned in the first question will feature the live band. The Santa Barbara power trio that is featured on the channel, or that locals may have seen live.
5. Who are you currently listening to?
A lot of 1950s stuff again actually. My dad inspired me to check out some old school piano players from that era and earlier, something I haven't really checked out yet. Just like how Angel got me into rap a bit by showing me his style, I kind of did the same with boogie or stride piano because of my admiration for my dad. But as always, it's old favorites any day of the week, and most of those are heavy bands from the 1970s or 1990s.
6. In a live show setting, what do you want the crowd to take away from your performance?
I want the multimedia side of rock to shine through. Ever since Little Richard and the good originators of the 1950s set the template, I want all Kono supporters to feel the energy, passion, and humor of Rock. It is such a versatile and powerful art-form.
7. What's your favorite song of yours and why?
"The Swan & the Ram" - track 2 of the first album. It is the oldest song in my catalogue (to me it is, I wrote it when I was 17 years old). It has been over 13 years and I still haven't written a song that rocks as hard as The Swan. Plus, the video shoot was one of the best days of my life.
8. What's one thing about Kono that maybe the fans don't know at this point?
I don't write musical notation. I study theory at a very basic level. Some friends think I can sight read or compose like my dad but I do not. I just play out all my parts on the drums, guitar, bass and vocals and then use my knowledge of song structure and dynamics to create.
9. What do you want to accomplish in 2026?
More music videos after this record comes out! I can't wait to expand the cast and take on more ideas. My friends, family, and my city have all been very encouraging to myself and Kono.
