Kid Koi – Ooh La La (2023)
Embracing his passion for music early on, Japanese American Sota Koike knew exactly what he was meant to do with his life. Having left his toddler years behind him, Koike joined the 3rd Street Music Academy learning music throughout his student life. He continued drawing on his love for music and enrolled at the California Institute of the Arts receiving a degree in Guitar Performance. While in college, he performed as part of a band gaining popularity in the local area and garnering a loyal following. Skip ahead several years and Koike (also known as Kid Koi) is turning heads across the globe with coverage in international publications and obtaining various industry achievements.
Originally an instrumentalist, it is only in the past few years that this talented guitarist turned toward songwriting. Blending his love for blues, classic rock and hip-hop, Koike released his debut single ‘Can’t Help Myself’ in 2021 (at least, according to Spotify). With a guitar-driven pop-rock track, Koike introduced us to a bold, confident, heart-warming side of his personality. In 2022, he brought a hip-hop vibe to his melodies like ‘Who’s Dat’ and ‘Closer’. This year, sophisticated singles combine elements of hip-hop, blues and pop.
Following his well-received singles ‘25/8’ and ‘Unforgettable’, Koike adopts a light-hearted, toe-tapping tone in ‘Ooh La La’. An elegant combination of laidback guitars and keyboards brings a smile-inducing laidback vibe to ‘Ooh La La’; however, the bold drumbeats add to this jovial sound while simultaneously tinging the tune with indie-rock sensibilities. Seemingly simplistic with a barebones ambience trapped in a rhythm of instruments, ‘Ooh La La’ has the freshness of minimalism within the harmony of a kaleidoscopic sonic bubble. Add Koike’s dulcet vocals and you’re swept off to a world of soothing calm.
With a love for travelling and experiencing new, well, experiences, Sota Koike embraces all that life has to offer with vibrant vivaciousness. Tipping his hat to alluring road trips, he explains that ‘Ooh La La’ is a “…celebration of freedom and good vibes. I wanted to create a song that embodied the spirit of feeling carefree, the wind in your hair and the open road ahead.”
For more from Kid Koi, check out his official website, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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