Stereoboard Speak To New Star Josh Kumra About Debut Single 'Helicopters And Planes' (Interview)
Friday, 20 July 2012
Written by Lara Rainsforth
Introducing Josh Kumra...If you haven’t heard his name yet then you’re certain to hear it a lot by the end of 2012. It has also been confirmed this week that Josh is to support Labrinth at the iTunes Festival in September. From featuring on one of the hottest tracks of last summer to releasing his debut single 'Helicopters And Planes', we caught up with Josh earlier this week to find out what else he has planned for this year.
Firstly Josh, How are you?
I’m very good thanks! Busy and tired but definitely good!
For anyone who doesn’t know – you co-wrote and appeared on a track entitled 'Don’t Go' which featured Wretch 32 last year. What have you been up to since then?
Since 'Don’t Go' I have been spending my days living in the studio working on my album! Which has been great fun working with people such as Ben aka (Mr Hudson)
Debut single 'Helicopters and Planes' is a fantastic track, for anyone who hasn’t heard the song can you describe the sound?
I would describe the sound as a mix between Kanye West and Tracy Chapman vibe! Its has a great story and is built like a traditional song but it’s peppered with modern elements such as Beats and Synths.
'Don’t Go' was one of the hottest tracks of last summer, what was it like working with Wretch 32 and how did the collaboration come about?
Working with Wretch was great. We had loads of fun and I learnt a lot very quickly! Wretch heard the original version of 'Don’t Go' through a mutual friend and the next day he called me up and invited me to the studio!!
Why did you wait so long after your collaboration with Wretch 32 to release 'Helicopters and Planes'?
My plan was never to burst on to the music scene. My plan was to work on an album that could hopefully out live me. And that’s why I went straight back to the studio to make sure I had time to make an album that I could release and be proud of.
You’ve worked with Wretch 32 and K Koke so far, do you have any plans to work with any other artists on your debut album?
I don’t at the moment. I never look for collaborations but if someone does something and it feels right then great. I have been working with a close knit of people over the last 3 years so you will be hearing some of their lovely voices. I’m keeping this one personal and honest.
What sound can we expect to hear on your debut album?
You can expect a bit of everything. More elements of genres than others but there will be a soul vibe, a stripped down vibe as well as a big beat vibe! I’m into all types of music so I don’t plan to restrict myself to one.
Was there a particular sound that you wanted to achieve when you were recording the album?
To be honest, no. All I want to do is connect with people and to me its more about what the vocal is doing. I like emotive music and I think that’s the key. You know a good album when you can play the songs on an acoustic guitar and they are still powerful!
You’ve listed Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones as your influences, are there any artists that are in the charts at the moment that you would like to work with?
I would love to get in the studio with Ben Howard or Frank Ocean. There’s some artists that have just got something else and these two have that without a doubt.
Will you be performing at any festivals this summer? If not, when can we catch you performing live?
Yeah I’m actually playing a fare few!! V festival, Bestival, Boardmasters and many more! I love performing festivals and gigs in general! You can get the list of gigs from www.joshkumra.com
Are there any tracks on the album that you are looking forward to performing live?
All of them!! One in particular ‘The Answer’ is one of those where if you get it right it can be very powerful and produce a beautiful moment. If the crowd listen of course!
Apart from releasing your debut single and album, what else have you got planned for 2012?
I’m planning a small headline tour of the UK, loads of festivals and a lot of mischief! Oh and follow me on twitter @joshkumra
With the release of this, his debut solo single, headline shows and festival slots to come, Josh Kumra is set to stamp his mark well and truly all over 2012. ‘Helicopters And Planes’ was released on 15th July on RCA.
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Firstly Josh, How are you?
