INTERVIEW: Kayex release long-awaited debut EP
Electronic-pop duo Kayex recently released their debut EP Tempus in LA which was inspired by their time in Los Angeles. We talked to them about their singles, hopes for their EP, and touring history.
‘Tempus III: Ready Go’ is the first song released from your debut EP Tempus in LA. What stands out from the track that made you both decide on releasing this one first?
The first song from the EP that we released a couple of months ago is called ‘Tempus I: Electric Fire’, but, the lead single from the EP which we are super excited about is ‘Tempus III: Ready, Go!’. It is heavily bass-driven and designed to get people moving! This song was a real stand out for us personally and we even sampled a horse neighing so let’s see if you can spot it.
What do you hope the fans of Kayex will take from listening to Tempus in LA? What is your motivation behind the release of Tempus in LA and how it will influence your rising in Australia’s and the world’s electronic acts?
We want people who have listened to Tempus in LA to feel like they have to hunt Kayex down wherever we are performing live next because the energy in our music makes them feel invincible and hungry for more. Our motivation for this EP definitely came from our trip to LA. The energy and buzz over there is unbelievable and we wanted to come back and share some of the moments we experienced within a body of work so people can really get into it. We feel that because of our different tastes in music outside of Kayex, the music that we produce together has a unique flavour and we hope that translates across to our listeners and especially within Tempus in LA.
You’ve already released songs such as ‘My Friends’ and ‘The Get Up’ which garnered a lot of attention. Is the new music on Tempus in LA similar in style and genre to music you’ve already released, or is it different in any way?
Tempus is LA definitely has a good amount of variety in terms of blending genres together but you’ll still notice the Kayex flavour coming through if you’re comparing this body of work to previous releases. In particular, ‘Tempus III: Ready, Go!’ definitely rivals our debut single ‘My Friends’ with a driving bass line from the depths of hell (except in this scenario hell is a beautiful beach on a hot summer's day).
Tempus in LA is your long-awaited debut EP. How would you describe the emotions you both feel after all of the strenuous work you’ve completed to finally release a full EP?
Honestly, words won’t do it justice. Releasing new music is always a special feeling but releasing a debut body of work like this which we are so proud of is the best feeling ever. Can’t wait for everyone to hear it and to celebrate with our close mates on November 8th at our launch party.
At the end of 2018, you won the Triple J Unearthed competition which resulted in performing at Sydney’s Field Day on New Year’s Day 2019. How did the impact of winning effect you guys at that point in your career?
So grateful to win this competition and still remember the day so clearly. Best way to start 2019, recognition is always amazing and again we’re both just super grateful for all the love and support we’ve received so far.
In the past, you have supported SG Lewis on his national Australian tour in 2018 and Crooked Colours on their national Australian tour as well. How was supporting them both and was there anything that you learned from touring?
Touring is exhausting and crazy and epic! It’s one of the most rewarding parts of this life. We’ve made lifelong friends and met so many incredible people along the way. Can’t wait to get back out there and we’re actually in the process of planning out our debut national headlining tour so stay tuned.
Who are some of the musicians that inspired you to start creating music? Is there anyone currently that you’ve been listening to that you both really enjoy?
Kevin Parker has always been a big inspiration for us and especially because he’s a Perth boy like us! We’re honestly both inspired by completely different genres and artists though (Palassi is a hip hop freak and Tom loves rock n roll) but we feel that’s what makes our music so unique and whenever we’re in the studio there are never bad ideas it’s just pure creativity and boundary pushing. Crunchy hip hop drums with a filthy rock n roll bass line is usually where the process begins for the boys!