In a world where the boundaries of music are continually expanding, there emerges an artist who stands as a bridge between the past and the future, weaving the threads of classic soul into a futuristic tapestry of sound. Meet Kohla, a musical virtuoso whose music transcends time and genre, capturing the essence of soulful legends from the 60s while infusing it with the contemporary influences of today. Between the crackles of vinyl and the nostalgia of vintage cassette tapes, Kohla finds her inspiration. Her music resonates with the echoes of legendary artists like Sam Cooke, Etta James, and Nat King Cole, and she seamlessly fuses these classic influences with the contemporary vibes of modern household names such as Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey, and FKA twigs. The result is a sound that feels both familiar and groundbreaking, a sonic journey through the past and present. Kohla’s journey in music is as eclectic as her influences. Co-produced by Dave Lloyd of Stillhound, her music is a brilliant blend of digital and analogue elements, creating a vivid illustration of her sepia-tinged memories. Her background as a fine art graduate from The Edinburgh College of Art lends a unique interdisciplinary dimension to her work, supported by Creative Scotland and Help Musicians. One of the defining moments in Kohla’s career was her appearance on BBC Radio Scotland Quay Sessions, where Roddy Hart described her music as ‘Evocative Jazz Pop.’ It’s a testament to her ability to evoke powerful emotions through her music, a quality that truly sets her apart in the music industry. On September 8th, Kohla released her highly anticipated debut album, ‘Romance.’ It’s a masterpiece that’s been eagerly awaited by her fans and critics alike. In the words of Wonderland Magazine, “Romance’ is a stunning and emotionally powered masterpiece. Kohla is a ground-breaking artist on a path of undeniable success.” With this album, Kohla is poised to make a lasting mark on the music world, and her journey is only just beginning. One of the standout tracks from ‘Romance’ is “Beautiful,” a deeply personal and emotionally charged song. Kohla wrote and self-produced this track as a reflection of an emotionally manipulative relationship she once endured. The song draws inspiration from vintage cinema, with Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Moon River’ serving as a touchstone, as well as the alternative R&B stylings of FKA Twigs. “Beautiful” is a sonic experiment that incorporates ambient soundscapes and nature samples, reflecting Kohla’s rural upbringing. She even recorded her own acoustic guitar and enlisted the help of her friend Louise to play the violin, adding layers of depth and emotion to the track. The result is a hauntingly beautiful piece that captures the essence of quiet bewilderment. The song reaches its emotional peak in the final chorus, where airy backing vocals and poignant lyrics create a sense of true peace. Kohla’s lyrics, “Oh it’s beautiful, you know how much you’re damaging me. No, I let you go. I did care but now I’m finally free,” encapsulate the essence of the track, a journey from pain to liberation. “Beautiful” serves as the closing track of Kohla’s debut album ‘Romance,’ marking a poignant end to a chapter of heartbreak. The sound of a vintage cassette click at the end of the song signifies the closure of this chapter, a deeply personal moment for the artist. It represents a definitive break from past mistreatment and the detachment from the suppressive ideals she was raised upon about love as a young woman. In a world that often romanticizes love and relationships, Kohla’s music offers a refreshing perspective. Her journey through ‘Romance’ tells a story of self-discovery, empowerment, and the realization that the love she found for herself is worth more than any romantic ideal. Kohla is more than just a musical artist; she’s a storyteller, a sonic architect who crafts songs that resonate with the depths of human emotion. Her ability to blend the timeless with the contemporary, the classic with the futuristic, sets her on a path of undeniable success in the music industry. With ‘Romance’ and tracks like “Beautiful,” Kohla is proving that love in all its complexities can be both beautiful and liberating, and her music is the soundtrack to this transformative journey.
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