We are thrilled to have LUNAKAI, a multi-disciplinary artist, beatmaker, and producer, join our mixtape series! LUNAKAI recently released the captivating ‘Closer’ EP on September 29th, accompanied by a visually stunning music video shot. Kyle Ross, hailing from South London, is the creative force behind the alias LUNAKAI. His debut EP has amassed an impressive 2.5 million streams and has received playlist support from both Apple Music and Spotify. Notably, his music has been featured on Diplo’s BBC Radio 1 show and has been remixed by the talented TĀLĀ. Kyle has also collaborated with esteemed artists such as Ashnikko, Ross Quinn, Yussef Dayes, Cailin Russo, and Kitsuné. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he has composed music for renowned brands such as Nike, Adidas, Audi, and Honda.
[The mix] has a bunch of unreleased LUNAKAI edits & a couple of unreleased side project tracks TASKAS, mine and Hoost’s project – he’s produced D Double E, Rina Sawayama etc and Alchemist Villa which is me, TALA, who has produced BANKS and Losing Love who is a film composer and worked on Spiderman Spiderverse 1 & 2.
LUNAKAI is known for expanding his sonic horizons and drawing influences from around the world. His second full EP showcases his mastery of creating melodious and captivating soundscapes.
The EP starts with the serene and ethereal track “LUO,” which incorporates pitched-up choir samples, harps, strings, and a powerful beat. It sets the tone for the release and introduces listeners to LUNAKAI’s intricate musicality. The title track, “CLOSER,” blends a confident groove with luscious synth melodies, deep bass, and a unique combination of spoken word and chopped vocal samples. It’s a dynamic and imaginative composition.
“TUNNELS” takes the complexity to another level, intertwining overlapping vocal melodies with a driving melodic house production. LUNAKAI skillfully weaves these elements together, creating an arrangement that is both captivating and filled with inventive sonic nuances. The EP also samples records from different countries, adding a global flavor to LUNAKAI’s music. Even though the music video for “CLOSER” was shot in Canada, it encapsulates an otherworldly atmosphere.
LUNAKAI describes this EP as the culmination of his work during his travels through Canada, Mexico, the United States, and Europe. Some parts of the tracks were created while on the road, while others were crafted in his London studio. The aim was to explore the cinematic aspects of his music and create a journey that immerses listeners in the experience of traveling. Listening to the EP feels like diving into an abstract diary, with a sense of nostalgic melancholy that runs through all of LUNAKAI’s artistic endeavors, including music, photography, and painting.
The second half of the EP begins with “TOUCH,” a down-tempo track infused with trip-hop beats, melodic synths, and hypnotic vocal repetitions. It sets a mellow and introspective mood. This transitions into the atmospheric interlude “GHOSTS,” offering a moment of reflection. LUNAKAI explains that the interlude features a poem he wrote, beautifully read by Maia Jae Bastidas, who recently starred alongside Amanda Seyfried in the film “Seven Veils.”
Closing the EP with a flourish, “AYA” picks up the tempo with its infectious shuffling groove, pulsating synths, and a final mesmerizing vocal melody. It serves as a euphoric and fitting conclusion to this transcendent release. LUNAKAI’s ability to craft intricate and emotionally evocative music is truly showcased in this EP, leaving listeners captivated and hungry for more.
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Photo by Troy Baird
CLOSER is out now: https://linktr.ee/lunakai
