London-born, Dublin-raised singer Kez has released her new single, Better Off. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Better Off was co-produced by Brian Dillon (The Line, Meltybrains) and speaking about the track, Kez says, "Better Off is a summer banger for all the heartbreak kids. I want people to put this song on in their car, roll down the windows, and sing it out loud.
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"Breakups are all about ambiguity - would I be better off with or without them? Do I want them? There's an affirmation in this song."
She adds, "I wrote this song two years ago but took a detour working in climate advocacy in New York. Music kept calling to me, even in the midst of office life.
"I always ebb and flow between the two really. It’s hard to sustain myself making music and the climate is in a pretty fucked up state, so I’m constantly trying to balance things.
"I returned to Ireland in March to start recording and writing again and it feels great. This release feels like coming home."
Kez plays: All Together Now, Waterford - August Bank Holiday Weekend. Eats and Beats, Killarney - August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I love poetry. I'm learning Spanish right now so I am translating Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. His writing is very sensuous. W.H. Auden was my first love, Rilke, the close second. I'm an Aquarius Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Scorpio Rising. Outside of music, I work in climate and environmental advocacy - I'm really passionate about environmental issues.
How would you describe your music?
Melancholic, cinematic, powerful, dark, sultry.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Hans Zimmer, Sharon van Etten, U2, Portishead, Blondie, Springsteen, Sigur Rós, Hozier... and many, many more.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
U2 - it was the last night of their infamous 360° world tour in Croke Park. Epic.
What was the first record you ever bought?
My first CD was probably the Gladiator soundtrack by Hans Zimmer or O by Damien Rice.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Nuevo Mundo by Hermanos Gutiérrez. Hermanos Gutiérrez are the only band I have consistently listened to for the last year. This track is a perfect example of their smooth, sexy guitar playing that incorporates really interesting rhythmical styles which mimic the sound of horse hooves. The band consists of just two brothers and two guitars. So simple yet so evocative and nostalgic
Favourite lyric of all time?
Can I choose two as I'm slightly embarrassed about the first? "I get more ass than a toilet seat" from Shake That by Eminem and Nate Dog. The lyrics in this song are SO profane and I just think this line is hilarious. This song has such a groove and it's always on repeat. "What happens when the passage of time appears? You see yourself as a child and it brings you to tears." from Dogwood Blossom by Fionn Regan. This line brings me to tears every time - it perfectly captures the sadness involved in growing up.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Teardrop by Massive Attack.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram @k.e.z. TikTok (which I'm pretty useless at but here you go) @k.e.z.music.
Alan Corr
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