At just nineteen years old, Coventry-based singer-songwriter KANDA has already made a significant impact in the music scene of the UK and beyond. His impressive journey includes accolades such as being named BBC C&W Artist of the Month, BBC Asian Network Artist of the Week and performing at the 2021 MOBO Awards Press Launch. When he was eight, KANDA first embarked on his musical adventure, initially performing covers in school before writing and producing his own material at 14.
With features on BBC R6, Amazing Radio, and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, KANDA’s rise in the music world has seen him go from strength to strength with each move. Earning acclaim and recognition, he made waves both locally and nationally, reaching the finals of the Open Mic UK 2020 Competition and playing live at the O2 Arena. Inspired by artists like Bruno Mars, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and J Hus, KANDA uses his lyrical flair to address socially dividing topics relevant to the younger generation.
First unveiling his sound, in 2020 he dropped his debut single and has since shared multiple well-received releases over the years and penned a record deal with the independent Leicester-based record label HQ Familia at the start of last year. Now he brings us his latest single, “Unanswered Questions,” a song that thematically cover the relatable theme of grappling with the aftermath of a broken relationship, connecting with those who find it challenging to let go of a past love.
The new single follows the success of KANDA’s collaboration with worldwide sensation Panjabi MC on “Latino Heat,” which racked up hundreds of thousands of spins. Started off with softly shimmering guitar chords, lead notes float across the mix before the steady punch of the beat brings in KANDA’s trademark raspy voice.
Striking a delicate balance between smooth delivery paired with his gravelly timbre, he casts an anthemic sound of alternative pop brimming with profound lyricism. The pulsing buzz of bass synth maintains the laid back energy while the chorus delivers a burst of epic layered instrumentation as KANDA’s voice soars above, resulting in a powerful and instantly memorable sound.
The accompanying music video, directed by Dan Hart, amplifies the emotional impact of “Unanswered Questions” with cinematic visuals that cut between KANDA’s lonely nights and nostalgic memories with his former girlfriend, emphasising the ache of her absence. Through drone work, visual effects and picturesque scenes, the video serves up a stunning visual pairing to KANDA’s sensational new single.
Watch the music video for Unanswered Questions below
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