An exclusive treat and 2nd single from kotokid's upcoming debut EP for your listening pleasure. 'Neghisti' features the soulful vocalist Bahghi Yemane.
Freek Mulder, a.k.a. kotokid, is spreading his wings and taking to the skies with his debut record that's scheduled for release at the beginning of May 2022. The first EP of the producer and bass player is symbolically titled ‘Fledge’, as in the young birds’ period just before embarking on their first flight, while developing feathers large enough in order to take off. The listening experience reflects the feeling, is packed with complex compositions, yet full of light sonically and spiritually.
Just about two weeks ago we were highlighting the first single off of kotokid's solo debut 'Unfreeze'. This time around, we're bringing you an exclusive treat from the project: 'Neghisti' featuring the soulful vocalist Bahghi Yemane. In Tigrinya, "Neghisti" stands for "queen" in Eritrean, and the genuinely empowering, mystical, and emotion-filled track embodies that royal energy. It finds its way to grow on you with all of its mystical elements, whispers, screams, laughs and the plethora of emotions it brings ensures that you hear something new with every listen.
"I was your wish, someone you longed for. Why weren’t you there the day I came? After these years I've found understanding, I've found my peace in the unknown." - Bahghi, 'Neghisti'
Overall, the elements of ‘80s jazz-fusion, modern hip hop, and indie R&B shape this musical piece into a unique experience of its own kind, cleverly blending ponderous melodies and harmonies with solid grooves and sound design, while the bangin’ bassline ties everything together in the most sophisticated and delightful way. Kotokid renders undiscovered environments, with improvisation and composition existing as equals in his music.
There's one more track on the album that features Bahghi, called ‘New Amsterdam’, which is a thoughtful tribute to the city of arched bridges she comes from. You're gonna have to wait a tiny bit longer for that one: the EP is scheduled for release in early May.
The animation on the cover is a design by Portuguese tattoo artist Ricardo Almeida, which depicts a maybug, or a doodlebug, in Dutch often called ‘mulder’. Just like Freek’s last name and a family symbol that he carries around with him on a ring. Perhaps it’s no coincidence maybugs are attracted to light.
Pre-order the Fledge EP vinyl via Bandcamp and the Rush Hour website.
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