INTERVIEW: KOJ releases new single “PUNK PANTHER”

Coming out of Liverpool, KOJ has been quick to stake his claim as one of the most compelling new voices in the UK music sphere. Grime, rap and punk all ripple throughout his hybrid sound while he channels the energy of subcultures forged in opposition, using music not merely as entertainment but as a means of expression and empowerment. Informed by the pressures of working-class life and the realities of political and cultural division, KOJ creates songs that are at once confrontational and inviting, carrying messages that strike a chord beyond the studio or stage.

The origins of KOJ’s sound were set early on, with music filling his childhood home where his father introduced him to the rebellious ethos of punk and the anti-establishment force embodied by figures such as Johnny Rotten and bands like the Sex Pistols. Later, grime offered a different kind of revelation and through artists including Skepta, JME, Kano and Novelist, KOJ discovered a form that reflected his own experiences and ambitions.

Making his entrance in 2020 with the debut single “Blue Notes,” he followed up with a run of well-received tracks in the build up to his debut EP, Villain With A Conscience, which landed last year. The EP’s combination of incisive lyricism and emotional impact earned early support from leading tastemakers and major streaming platforms alike, confirming that KOJ’s uncompromising perspective could connect with a wide audience.

Onstage, that connection becomes even more palpable, with performances at Boomtown, Latitude, Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Reeperbahn and SXSW developing a reputation for feeling like collective acts of release by transforming listeners into a community. Alongside his musical output, he also founded the collaborative Black British music showcase TRiBE, which brings together artists from Liverpool and beyond to offer a celebration of creativity via sold-out events

Now he brings us perhaps his sharpest expression yet in his new single titled “PUNK PANTHER,” the lead track lifted from his forthcoming dual-EP project. Divided into two halves, the work examines both the external pressures of modern society and their internal consequences; one side addresses disparity, immigration policy, systemic neglect and government overreach while the other looks internally, exploring identity, anger, doubt and responsibility.

By imagining a meeting between the British punks of the 80s and the Black Panthers of the 60s transported into the present day, KOJ creates a world where grime energy collides with punk ferocity, accented by flashes of funk and hip hop. Opened by lively vocalisations, the punch of kick and pulse of murky synth shots, the track jumps into a gritty scene where crunchy guitars and bouncing beats combine below KOJ’s razor-sharp rapped flow. Rolling with slick vocal delivery, the track erupts with alternative rock energy where the burst of guitars and rising vocals deliver a gripping flash of intensity before gliding back into the steady rhythm of the verse.

Progressing with grooving riffs and catchy rap hooks, the track reaches a thrilling finale where rapid vocals wrapped in fuzzy processing flutter above surging instrumentation and splashing drums, resulting in an exhilarating close to KOJ’s incredible new single. Serving up another epic display of his fiercely original sound, “PUNK PANTHER” sees KOJ deliver a potent two and a half minute dose of enthralling musical fusion.

We caught up with KOJ to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “PUNK PANTHER” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with KOJ below.

Hey KOJ, how’s things?

Pretty good! Things seem to be falling into place at the moment so I can’t complain

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I have a super early memory of taking an empty envelope of my Dad’s and scribbling an 8 bar down with a pencil from school. I must have been about 12. A memory of making an actual song would be recording my ‘One Man Flow’ freestyle at Toxteth TV’s free studio when I was around 16.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I take inspiration from artists for different reasons. The lyricism and delivery of Kano for example. But when it comes to how somebody has carried out their career and breaks into new worlds, I’d look at Skepta. With the attitude of Johnny Rotten…

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Through life. My experience, my surroundings. Music is like therapy for me. Sometimes like a diary, sometimes like an audio mood board, sometimes stress relief.

What do you love about the Liverpool music scene?

It sounds strange but it’s infancy. I think when a scene is as raw as Liverpool’s Black music scene in is particular, these magical & experimental moments happen through the scene finding it’s identity (or identities). Those magical moments are harder to come by when a scene is established and oversaturated

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

A live music venue, my music is best served live. When I can pour out the emotion of the words I’ve written and really connect with the people in the audience. Otherwise, the gym – especially for my new music.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

It was heavily Grime oriented when I started out. Writing a song would be a more rare occurrence than writing (what felt like) a never ending freestyle. Over time I started to write songs, eventually I’d develop choruses and take note of the type of structures I appreciate in music I listen to. Now I’ve reached a point where I am combining influences from music I was educated on as a child, music I loved as a teen, and music that inspires me today.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Damian Marley I reckon. His productions, flows, delivery – too legendary

How did you find making your new single “PUNK PANTHER”?

I fell back in love with the process of making music. Realising you can take your sound wherever you want to take it is a powerful thing for an artist. You don’t need a blueprint, you don’t need permission – you need courage.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I wanted to give the people dem a taste of where we’re going. And flex my ability in the process…

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to loads of Dag Nasty at the moment. I think the nostalgia of where it takes me is the main reason. But those guitar riffs are enough to keep anyone coming back again & again

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Liberation. I discovered the best way to find peace is to be yourself but it’s not easy to just “be yourself” because of external judgement and criticism etc. – the easiest way to be yourself is by being the best version of yourself. That starts with looking in the mirror and accepting you need to work on it.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I’ve had some big ones. But performing in front of both my Dad and my son at Liverpool’s Africa Oyé in Sefton park this year was a different kind of experience that will be difficult to surpass I think.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Kendrick Lamar, Damian Marley and the original Black Uhuru. I feel like it would be great to do it in West Africa. The atmosphere, the heat, the vibes.. how cool would that be?

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Don’t expect it to be easy. It’s hard work and repetition, much like the gym. Keep practicing, keep writing and hunt for scenarios that take you out of your comfort zone

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

I’ve got a tonne of new music lined up – in fact two whole projects ready to release and some other musical side projects… and I am going to continue to make my event and creative community – TRiBE – even more unique and interesting! Stay locked in with me on this journey, we’re going to the moon!

Listen to PUNK PANTHER below