24 year-old Malaysian-born, Brighton-based singer-songwriter Kaisha recently released her second single “Ready Set Go”, and we had the opportunity to have a little chat with her.
Currently based in Brighton, Kaisha is an emerging artist who grew up in a musically inclined family overflowing with an eclectic taste in music, however it wasn’t until 2015 when she made the move to study music in University, there she was exposed to the neo-soul and R&B scene in both Brighton and London. Her recent single “Ready Set Go” is a captivating and appealing R&B record with a nostalgic vibe that doesn’t sound outdated. Lyrically, the song is a reminder to everyone that no matter how routined life can be, cherish it for when it’s good, and to remember it’s only temporary when it’s bad. It’s a beautifully-written song with a positive message we all need to hear right now — read our conversation below.
Hey Kaisha, how are you doing?
I’m good thanks! Just coping with this lockdown the best I can.
What have you been doing during lockdown?
I’ve been songwriting a lot, but some days more than others. I workout too when I’m not too lazy. Keeping a routine is important I think but the days are definitely kind of blending into one now.
That sounds good to me. Has it affected your creativity at all?
Yes a little bit, in a positive way. I think at the beginning I went a little wild with the songwriting because I had so much free time, like I’d try and do it every day but eventually I stopped as I was running out of material and brainpower. Taking breaks are important!
For sure. You moved to the UK for University in 2015, what made you fall in love with your hometown Brighton and London?
Brighton is this tiny city where all the love is. Being by the seaside is nice, even though I actually only go when it’s summer. With the Great Escape festival and the Fringe festival during May, it’s hard not to be captivated by the liveliness happening during these months. And with London, the music scene is just insane. I try to go to gigs there whenever I can afford it, cos I always end going back home inspired!
Did you plan on sticking around?
Yeah for sure, I thought it’d be a shame not to continue living here as I was starting to get quite familiar with the music industry in Brighton.
Nice! Let’s talk about your music. Now imagine I’m a complete stranger and we bump into each other outside a gig and you tell me you’re an artist; how would you describe your music to me?
Soul & jazz with a little pop modern twist.
Cool. When did you get into this style of music?
I think about a year after I moved to the UK, like 2016? At that time I was actually more of an electronic project but eventually, I wanted to venture out into the R&B and soul scene!
Name 3 artists who have inspired you.
Mac Ayres, Jordan Rakei, Kllo.
Your new single “Ready Set Go” is out now, I bet you weren’t expecting it to drop during quarantine?
Not at all! I didn’t expect to drop my debut single “Shoulda Known” during quarantine either. I was a little unsure of my decision to release music during this time, but I think you just have to keep moving forward. It sucks that I can’t perform alongside my releases but I definitely did not want to hold off this EP any longer. Just eager to get some music out!
Did you have to change any promotional plans for it?
Not so much I think. I was planning to do a release gig for Ready Set Go, and a few more shows after my next single, but it definitely won’t be possible now. I think it’s mainly that that’s changed!
What message are you trying to convey on the song?
To be patient, and have faith in yourself. We’re always so hard on ourselves and we’re the ones who bring ourselves down the most. I think it’s hard not to fall down that rabbit hole of feeling like you’re not good enough. Just take it easy you know? Work hard but give yourself some time to breathe too.
What was the creative process behind the song?
I was playing around with some chords in the beginning and got a pretty nice chord progression. Then I messed around with some melodies until I felt all the sections worked. I recorded and produced it on Logic and sent a basic demo to my producer James Berkeley. A couple of weeks after, we worked on this track together in his studio, alongside the other songs from the EP.
What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?
My EP, titled “Something Else” is coming out in the summer! Doing a few collaborations with some great musicians too. And more, even better, music. Honestly can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Connect with Kaisha
Photo Credit: tanle (@le.tanny)