Following the release of their latest single 'You Don't Know (Disco)', Flex caught up with multinational neo-soul funk collective Kikimora. Known for their vibrant blend of funk, pop, and feel-good disco vibes we wanted to find out more about what influences their eclectic sound. If you enjoy Kikimora's picks be sure to check out 'You Don't Know (Disco)' at the end of the article.
1. Blue Note All-Stars - Message Of Hope {Picked by Eric}
"This was from a live concert about 10 years ago. I believe I discovered the song recently while listening to a jazz show on NPR, I’ve been absolutely enthralled with this piece. The musicianship is obviously stellar but the title of the song says it all for me. Also I am a big fan of Robert Glasper who plays keys on the song and the rest of the players on this track are no joke either. I love how there Is this really beautiful melody and groove that make up the heart of the tune but then the song heads into these dark, tense moments of soloing and musical exchanges between several of the players and ends with a really cool drum solo that brings things to a climax as if to say that in the midst of all the chaos and destruction out there HOPE is what helps us make it through to the other side. I think now more then ever we need to be reminded of that and this song does a beautiful job of doing that for me."
2. Agustín Pereyra Lucena - La Rana {Picked by Hayley}
"I love the build of this song and the juxtaposition of complex rhythmic patterns playing with a simple, repetitive, melody."
3. The Beach Boy - God Only Knows {Picked by Leo}
"Because it brings me back to a much simpler time in my teenager years. Listening to the harmonies and truly feeling the depth, and love in them"
4. Taraf de Haidouks - Latcho Drom {Picked by Ed}
"I like and find this listening inspiring because it reminds me of when i started playing music with my first couple of bands. I often find Gypsy music to be inspiring to me due to the virtuosity some of these non-educated musicians have, the culture of learning traditional songs from generation to generation and the persistence and musicianship they transmit to me."
5. Iron Maiden - Wasted Years {Picked by J}
Ive always love the arrangement, lyrics,, the song just hits me in many different ways, from lost friends, to touring, and regrets over the years, and the solo is one of my favorite solos I've ever heard
Listen to Kikimora - 'You Don't Know (Disco)'
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