Artist Of The Week #0097 - Kitt Philippa
This week’s Artist Of The Week is the wonderful Kitt Philippa, who has released their debut album ‘Human’ via Paragon Records. Kitt took a moment to talk to us about how the release came together.
Your album ‘Human’ is out now, is there an inspiration for the title?
The title of the album shares its name with one of the tracks. There is something very unifying and also humbling about being a human being.
Do you feel there is a certain theme or inspiration throughout your album?
There are various themes that weave through the tracks; there are areas of questioning, hope, fear, courage and fellowship. Sometimes the narrative of the lyrics explore more abstractly, which I find offers a space. I find inspiration from a variety of sources.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are willing to share?
It was recorded in a number of different locations. I co-produced the album with Matt Duke; we captured vocals, little pieces of percussion, clarinet and guitar in the studio. The piano was recorded in my parents’ living room, on the home piano. The epiano and some of the electronics were developed in my flat in Belfast. Strings and brass were captured in one church; full drum kit in another. We also recorded a soprano in the university where I studied Music.
Your EP ‘ You’ came out at the start of the year, so what made you decide to make that jump and put out a full album?
I’ve a hardworking and loyal team; we wanted the EP to reach new listeners. The LP had been ready and I had put so much into the record; we wanted to give it a supportive context.
You grew up in a largely classical music environment, do you feel that helped influence your own musical style?
There was a variety of music in the household growing up. As a younger sibling, I heard a range of popular styles too. I always found the orchestra very interesting; I enjoyed the plurality of sound and seeing the various ‘families’ of instruments. The interest never departed and I still find combinations and aspects of different sounds very special.
Oh Yeah Music Centre is something you have a connection to, can you tell us bit more about it? And how it helped you as an artist?
Oh Yeah Music Centre is a physical place in Belfast’s city centre encompassing a live music venue, rehearsal rooms, workshops and offices. It’s also an incredibly supportive space for the active music community as well as offering a development programme for musicians who want to learn about the industry and deepen their craft; I’ve experienced this. Very grateful for the space and the people within.
Now the album is out there, what next? What are your plans for the next few months?
It is very special to just to have the album, existing, so it is important for me to take time to give thanks. I have various performances (London on the 23rd October in Set Dalston and Dublin on the 26th November in The Sugar Club). Visual, and miscellaneous, projects are ongoing and these efforts will appear across my social media. Of course, I would love to set aside a larger portion of time to write.