Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer KAIS (Kais Khoury) is a rising star in the indie music scene. His latest release, the three-track EP 'What If I,' is a mesmerizing blend of indie-psych, soul-infused blues, rock, and folk.
KAIS’ musical journey has been marked by success. In 2014, he took part in the Mayor of London Big Busk and in 2016, he received an honorary mention in the International Songwriting Competition. He was also a Canadian Best Out of Province nominee at the 13th Annual Toronto Independent Music Awards and a Lyrics Finalist in the 2017 USA Songwriting Competition. In 2020, KAIS joined the London Indie sync licensing roster, North Note and was interviewed by BBC Radio London host Robert Elms for his 2018 single, Take Me Home.
Track 3 of the EP, the titular “What If I,” is a powerful exploration of the human condition and a captivating journey from everyday to an ethereal sonic landscape. It begins with a gentle piano melody, inviting the listener in before breaking into a vibrant mix of echoing spoken philosophy and pulsing trip-hop beats. Throughout the song, KAIS’ hauntingly keys and soul-snatching melodies float in the air, providing a reflective backdrop to the thought-provoking spoken words. Combining these elements creates a transcendental sonic experience with lyrics that confront the complexities of life in a late-stage capitalist world. “What If I” is a real reminder that our stories are all worth telling and that anything is possible with hard work.
"What If I" is an impressive offering from the enigmatic artist. Its nuanced instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics paint a vivid portrait of life in the modern world, capturing the struggles and joys of being human.
Check out "What If I," on all streaming platforms.
Welcome to BuzzMusic KAIS, and congrats on your latest release, "What If I." What inspired you to write this memorizing track?
"What If I" is an instrumental track with a spoken vocal I scripted over the stretch of a few months. It speaks of revival, the rebirth of a personal phoenix. Spoken from the dark abyss of mortal defeat, the man considers whether to let his soul disintegrate to vapour or summon an unforeseen strength to claw out of his pit and bring about his soul’s resuscitation. Structurally, it encompasses a slow build-up of the instrumentals, which culminates in dynamism.
How does your music reflect your personal experiences?
I always do my best to write from a personal place. I combine the accumulated experience of mastering the instruments I play with the poetry syphoned out of my own life.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
At the end of the day, I want people to relate to my music somehow. Although original music is almost always a sonic canvas of subjective experience, I still want to be able to touch the hearts of others in the realm of the metaphysical. I want someone on the other end of the globe listening to my tunes during a walkout in nature, during a shower, during their solo study time, to feel spoken to… understood, and, if at all, revived and rejuvenated.
How has your music evolved over the years?
I’d say my music has found much more grounding over the years, in that I understand WHERE my inspiration comes from, WHAT I’m generally inspired by, and HOW my sound becomes signature amongst it all. My creative capability has grown profoundly with time, and I’d say that that has been the result of a relentless curiosity for music that speaks to me, constant motivated practice (in the various forms it comes within in the realm of music), and always experimenting around it all to strive to channel something ‘unexplored, yet oddly familiar’. I guess it also has been a long process of learning to acknowledge that only 10% of the work you ever make is ‘Amazing.’ Still working on that one.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your music?
My Hopes and Dreams are to be drawn into touring the globe. To play in beautiful venues. To dive in with a full heart into the music I’ve created ahead of a transfixed audience and to feel electrified by their screams. To wake up the next day feeling warm and fuzzy, knowing that I have left people feeling the same through the power of channelled spirit, the music that my inner fire has birthed into the physical.