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Sunday, 19 August 2007 |
 UKMusic.com catches up with Kano to chat about his new album, single and Big Brother's Chanelle. You know this one is going to be big!
The new album London Town is due out at the beginning of September. So what is the story behind the name
I made a track called London Town and I though the name would make a good album title. It just made sense for some reason. I’m from London, it’s why I do what I do and most importantly, it’s my inspiration! It’s also about showing the whole world that London exits and that we make good music. It weren’t about calling it London Town and fuck everyone else, it was about embracing where you’re from.
So how long have you been working on the album?
I’ve been working on it for a year and a bit. The last album was out in 2005 and it’s been a long time coming. I wanted to spend some time on the album; getting it perfect by chilling and getting inspired. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I think I’ve finally got it right now.
Your first song to be released is ‘This is The Girl’ featuring Craig David. Tell us a little about the song.
The song basically came about when Craig David and I met in the studio. I met him a while before that and we always said that we would do a little something together but never really got around to it. We managed to get a very good producer called Fraiser on the track and Craig wrote the chorus which is why it’s called ‘This is The Girl’. I’m talking about my experiences with love in the track, the roller coaster rides and the ups and downs in relationships.
So you rap about your life experiences?
Yeah! I feel that it makes and artist real by giving the listener an insight into your life. By doing this, you’re letting your fans in which makes them feel like they know you.
What have you learnt whilst working with Craig David?
Well, I’m not a singer but I still write a lot of my own hooks and then re-vocal. He didn’t teach me a lot about MCing but I managed to get some great singing tips in terms of melodies and harmonies and how he fits so many words in just by watching him. The way he sings is as though he is rapping. He’s quite fast. He came and gave the song exactly what it needed and gave it its catchiness.
Apart from Craig David you also have Vybz Kartel and Kate Nash on the album. Why did you choose to work with Kate?
Because she has an amazing voice! The track which Kate is on is called ‘Me and My Microphone’. I already wrote the hooks, I just needed someone to re-vocal it but I had a very distinct vocal in mind. I really wanted the album to maintain its British flare – the sound that is all too current at the moment i.e. Lilly Allen - that’s basically why. We found her on MySpace and gave her a call. Kate came down, she wasn’t that big then, and she did her thing and gave the track exactly what it needed.
Do you understand the critic’s responses to her voice that she isn’t actually singing but speaking?
Yeah! It’s like marmite; you either like it or you hate it. Me and Mike Skinner love it. People say that he is not a rapper - he just talks and what not - but I think it’s something everyone can get into. Not everyone is into rapping because the lyrics are very complex but people on the street can understand Kate Nash and Mike Skinner which is why they’re so successful.
The choir from your secondary school appear on one of the tracks off of your new album. How did this idea come about?
That was the song I did with Eamon Albar. He sings the “la la la la” bit and as soon as I heard it, I though of the idea. I could just imagine kids singing at the background to it. Kind of like a chant. So I went to my school, I’m still quite close to them and asked for around 30 kids from the choir to appear on the track. I felt as though I was giving something back to them as well as getting the right sound for my song.
How has your sound developed from your Home Sweet Home days?
It’s been two years since Home Sweet Home and I think I’ve developed a lot since then because I’ve grown up as a person which has also enabled me to grow up as a producer, rapper and song writer. Lyrically, I’ve stepped up my game by giving them a deeper meaning. I’ve stepped out of the box in terms of just sticking to what I listen to at home and which artists I’m into and what music I’m feeling and by exploring different genres and sounds. Also all the people that I’m working with for example the Vybz Kartell’s, the Kate Nash’s – I learn a lot from them. Their sounds compliment mine.
How’s like at 679 Records?
It’s cool you know, they’re treating me ok. Still not paying me on time but Its alright man I love it there.
If you could put laxatives into anybody’s tea whose would it be?
Chanelle on Big Brother – I don’t know what is wrong with her but she is a psychopath. She’s so annoying I can’t even look at her
Interview by : Bertan Budak
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