A Chat with Kipani (16.11.23)
Taking us through the complexities and intricacies of human life, US-based Kipani navigates the world with its engaging, intriguing and creative music. We speak with Kipani about their new single ‘Do We Have To Go’, binge-able TV shows, why music is important, and much more!
OSR: A bit cliché but what drew you to music? How was Kipani formed?
Kipani: Music has always been a cultural relevance in our lives, from childhood into adulthood. The genres we were exposed to were around the map – soca and reggae, classic rock, blues, R&B, hip hop, 80’s pop – all flooded our homes as younglings. The members of Kipani (Tiffany, Mike and Sean) all grew up performing in musical theater (yes, we were music nerds in High School), and that experience and love for the drama and comedy of musical theater seeps into KIPANI’s sound. Dynamics, humor, and thought-provoking lyrics and music are in the DNA of KIPANI, something definitely pulled from our theater experience.
KIPANI was fully formed in 2020 with singer/songwriter Tiffany Jhingoor employing the help of drummer Mike McManamon and bassist/producer Sean Sherwood to help develop her catalog of song demos. The three immediately clicked. The band played locally over the next year to work and develop their set and sound. In 2022, the band released the six-song “LOTUS” EP which garnered positive reviews from critics and fans alike. From there, the band set off on playing all over the Northeast to promote the EP, while working on their full-length album Spoiled Ingrates which was released in May 2023. Now, KIPANI starts a new era, releasing their latest single ‘Do We Have To Go’ which begins our 2024 releases and tour.
OSR: Why do you think music is important in today’s world?
Kipani: Oh boy…loaded question. Music is in our hearts. Tapping our fingers on the steering wheel while in traffic, head boppin’ when you feel the groove – there’s nothing else like it. Music is a great communicator. It can be used to dedicate peace or create division. It’s both a weapon and a remedy.
OSR: What can you tell us about your new single ‘Do We Have To Go’?
Kipani: ‘Do We Have To Go’ is a laid-back synth-pop jam that makes you not want to leave the house! Our thoughts of incapability, imperfection, or rejection often keep us home. In some cases, this could be a troubling condition. In the KIPANI camp, home is where we can feel the most vulnerable and authentic, and this song is an ode to that comfort we find in just…staying home.
It’s a sing-along, but more importantly, it’s a message to those who have social anxiety that “It’s OK” to feel that way.
OSR: If you could change one thing about ‘Do We Have To Go’, what would it be?
Kipani: As a musician, you never feel your song is truly completed. This is why so many artists never release their material. It’s why bands who wrote songs 30 years ago play them differently now. It’s a constant battle of letting go. We are DIY recording artists; we record everything ourselves. While that gives the luxury of time to tweak and adjust elements of the song, it also gives us the curse of time to
tweak and adjust elements of the song.
So to long-windedly answer your question, there are many things about DWHTG that we would change, but at the same time, it’s perfect as it is.
OSR: I see ‘Do We Have To Go’ is the first of six singles leading to your upcoming EP. Why the build-up? Why not just release the EP instead of a drip feed of singles?
Kipani: STOP THE PRESSES – it’s now SEVEN total singles! The Other Side Reviews gets this exclusive scoop!
This strategy of release is a popular one – it’s called a “waterfall release.” The intent is to give each and every song the full attention and care it deserves. Often when an artist releases a full EP or album at once, the focus lands mostly on the 1-2 singles that the band chooses to promote. We truly believe in all seven of these songs, and we want to make sure the world can visit them one at a time.
OSR: What do you hope people take from ‘Do We Have To Go’?
Kipani: In all seriousness, the topic of this song is something deeply personal to us – social anxiety and depression. We just want those listeners to relate to this song to know that they are OK and that home is sometimes our greatest armor.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music in general?
Kipani: Our greatest hope is that it just gets stuck in people’s heads. You know how you get a song in that noggin, and the only way to get it out is to listen to the actual song? That’s our greatest hope (and honor) that a listener can do.
OSR: What do you think are the benefits and challenges of being in a band as compared to being a solo artist?
Kipani: The biggest benefit of being a band is collaboration. Many times, Tiffany will come up with a basic chord progression and lyrics, and Sean/Mike are able to add, change, or enhance the song to a new level. Being a solo artist is tough in that respect because often you will get stuck in your own silo or world-view of the song.
The challenges are often our own opinions about a direction to go with a song or the band. Often we discuss our thoughts together, compromise, or come to a consensus on a decision.
OSR: Now for some random questions: What recent experience made you feel old?
Kipani: Haha! Tiffany and Sean recently went to a house show to see a touring act that we LOVE (Meet The Bug). We were definitely the oldest people in the room. To add insult to injury, the show was around Halloween and Tiffany dressed up as an old person (picture below). She gave out caramel candies to the other attendees.
OSR: What is the assumption that people make about you that’s totally wrong?
Kipani: That we dress ourselves. Tiffany picks out the band outfits. Ha!
OSR: What is your favourite TV show to binge-watch and why that one? That’s if you binge-watch shows.
Sean: Firefly. Joss Whedon greatness. (I know he’s canceled but so was the show!)
Tiffany: Jane The Virgin. It’s heartfelt, funny and super creative.
Mike: The Office (US version) and Parks and Rec. Sorry, the US version is better.
Many thanks to Kipani for speaking with us! Find out more about Kipani on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
