Oakland native King Isis has released their debut EP "scales", comprising of 6 impressive genre ambiguous tracks that bridge together indie rock grunginess, punk angst, all topped off with jazz/funk sensibilities. Pookie chatted with the quickly rising star via email to ask them a few questions about "scales" and the creative process behind the music. Read & listen below.
"scales" Cover Art shot by Alex Free
It's time we talked about King Isis. The Oakland raised musical wonder released their fantastic and highly anticipated debut EP last week, titled "scales". Pookie has been soaking up this record, and it's clear that each track on this project was crafted with impeccable musicality. "scales", written and produced by King Isis, Jaden Wiggins, and Martin Rodrigues, is a beautiful concoction of wonderful sounds that explores ideas of self exploration and shadow work. Comprised of 6 tracks, this EP graces us with 3 brand new King Isis tracks: "macho man", "141827 (the only one)", and "im fine, thx 4 asking". Each track is completely stellar.
Photo by Alex Free
Pookie Los Angeles had the pleasure of speaking with King Isis via email exchange, and we asked her some questions about the creative process behind her debut EP "scales".
POOKIE: What is the origin story for “scales”? Where did you find the inspiration?
King Isis: Titles are a lot harder for me than lyrics, but scales felt right. I loved the layers of the word – scales as balance, as beginning, as warm-up, as the climb. Scales for the serpent as well, another large influence on this project. I was very inspired by a couple chapters of Gloria Anzaldua’s Borderlands, where she discusses the serpent as a representation of the shadow selves. The serpent represents this intrigue, a dive into the unknown without fear. Becoming whole with all parts of self. ‘scales’ the EP is the beginning of the story, me beginning to dip my toes into introspection and uncover the layers of self, facing myself without fear.
POOKIE: Which track on the EP took the longest to finish?
King Isis: I think the track that took the longest to finish was ‘im fine, thx 4 asking.’ I got really stuck on the demo version of this track. I felt in my heart that this was the one – I feel like this track really showcases multiple aspects of my sound. I felt like the demo version was already there, so going in to re-record everything, especially vocals because I got really attached to my delivery, made this one the most particular to finish. Even after we got it mixed it still took me a second to be like, ok, I love this. But after stepping back for a couple months I can definitely say I love it now.
POOKIE: What was something you learned during the process of creating “scales”?
King Isis: I learned a lot about myself as an artist and how I want to share myself with the world. I love to explore a lot of different sounds in my music, which I feel like all represent me in different moments, but trying to tie these all together in one project was a process in itself. I wanted it to be cohesive, but also didn’t want to limit myself to try to fit in a stringent box. I think scales was definitely a lesson in authenticity - if it feels right, it feels right, don’t overthink it.
POOKIE: What’s your favorite song on this record?
King Isis: I think my favorite song is Macho Man! This might be one of the oldest songs on the project and I had heard the built-out version with drums in my head for years now, it feels complete to hear it in its full form.
POOKIE: If you had to choose a color to represent “scales”, what would you choose?
King Isis: If scales was a color, it would be a gradient scaling from dark blue to light blue. Blue for water, blue for emotions, the heaviness that it can be as well as the light.
Photo by @byebyerichie
Watch our interview with King Isis from the release party for "scales"
last week in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles.
Comments