We caught up with the Grammy nominated and creators of the chart topping Rinse & Repeat, Kah-Lo & Riton to talk about their new track, how the pair met, career highlights & their new year’s resolutions.
How did you guys meet?
K-L: We met through Twitter. I liked his music, he liked mine, and we got in the studio a while later. The rest is history as they say.
When did you first realise you could make a career in music?
K-L: When I saw Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 in a documentary when I was 7. It just sparked something in me and from then I knew that this what I wanted to do.
Who is the serious one out of the two of you and who is always joking around?
K-L: We can both get silly, but get down to business when we have to. I have a bad habit of being on my phone all the time though.
R: We work in different way but at the same time, we’re very similar.
Name three artists you had on your playlist growing up?
K-L: Michael Jackson, Kanye West and Usher
Where and when was your first ever live performance as a duo?
Pete Tong asked us to perform for BBC Radio 1 in LA, which was pretty cool. It was for his rooftop party back in 2016. Not bad for a first show.
What’s the best part of being a duo compared to riding solo?
K-L: Always having company when on the road. I assume it could get pretty lonely but we’ve always got each other’s back when we perform together.
R: I’m a DJ so there’s only so much I can do. Having Kah-Lo just makes my shows way more fun, not just for the audience but for me too.
You guys have just released Fake ID, where did you find the inspiration for your new track?
K-L: The club scene always inspires me for dance records, so ‘Fake ID’ is just about a night out. And boys, of course.
R: When Kah-Lo wrote the ‘Fake ID’ line, it reminded me of Superbad and the whole McLovin thing so that’s what inspired the track for me.
How long did it take to create?
K-L: We made it in New York in a couple of hours, it was just good vibes and a good time.
R: It didn’t take long at all to make initially but I was sitting on it for a while until it was perfect. I’ve definitely done that for a lot of our songs together.
How happy are you with the finished product?
K-L: It sounds epic!
R: Yeah, I love it! It might be my favourite song we’ve done together but I say that every time we do a song together.
Where did you first play it live & how was the reaction?
K-L: We played it at Warehouse Project in Manchester; it was wild!
R: I’m always a bit nervous about how people will react to new stuff because usually they just want to hear the bangers but it went down better than I could have ever imagined.
If you guys could collaborate with one other artist, past or present, who would it be?
K-L: Kanye West, 100%!
What song have you got on repeat at the moment?
K-L: Pour Me Water by Mr. Eazi
Best song of 2017?
K-L: Calvin Harris’ Slide (feat. Frank Ocean & Migos)
Best album of 2017?
K-L: Freudian by Daniel Caesar
What has been your 2017 highlight?
K-L: I got to play a few summer festivals for the first time and I got to go to Ibiza too, which was great. Swimming in the ocean for the first time is another highlight.
R: Being able to create more great music and all the summer shows. I also managed to take a holiday this year which was epic, I haven’t done that in a while.
What has been your career highlight?
K-L: The Grammy nomination was a nice touch!
R: I’d have to say the same; it was incredible to be recognised that way.
Where and when was your most memorable performance and why?
K-L: V Festival was epic! I’ve never had people mosh pit while I performed, so that was cool.
How do you spend your down time?
K-L: I’m trying to read more. But usually, I’m watching movies or catching up on TV shows and new music
R: I’m usually always in the studio even on my days off. I do like checking out movies too but my life is all about the music.
If I wasn’t a DJ I’d be…
K-L: Digital marketer. I was doing it when I lived in New York and Lagos while also trying to work on my music, so I would probably still be doing that.
Favourite film & TV series?
K-L: Life Is Beautiful and SNL
Drink of choice on a night out?
K-L: I love a good Mojito with just the right amount of mint leaves. It’s all about balance.
R: Red wine is my choice. I love a good red when I’m out or at shows.
Describe your style/fashion?
K-L: I’m all about Dad shirts with wild prints combined with jeans. Dr. Martens is a must at all times
R: I’m just laid back with my style, I like to just be comfortable when I’m on stage or out & about. I leave all the style to Kah-Lo!
Who’s your biggest style inspiration?
K-L: Rihanna. She can pull off anything. She’s thought of combos you didn’t even know were combos yet
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
K-L: To grow as an artist. I’ve got so much more that I want to achieve so I’m all about trying to perfect my craft and really be the best at what I do.
R: Just to get more music out and do more shows I think. That’s the plan.
Listen to their latest release Fake ID here.
