Many Reasons To Listen To the New KNOE EP |
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Perth rapper KNOE has dropped his first piece of music in half a decade, titled Reasons. Reasons is seven tracks long, with smooth beats and intricate lyrics layered over a backdrop of gorgeous New York inspired samples.
Reasons is an expression of KNOE’s artistic struggle done eloquently and rhythmically. There is a running theme throughout the EP, concerning the young rapper’s question of whether of not the path he has chosen, that of making music, is the right one. KNOE felt the external pressures of the music industry when working on campaigns for musicians in the America industry. These were pressures KNOE witnessed other artists struggle with, burdens the artists had to carry in the music industry. This experience consequently put KNOE’s own music aspirations on hold for a year. Thankfully, he resumed creating music, and the pressure and struggle of his artistry was channeled to writing music. The struggle spills across Reasons, and is prominent on the track Ghost which kicks off the EP. “This music is a vessel of my bleeding soul,” KNOE raps.
One of the strongest tracks off the EP is Kinetic, which dropped earlier this year as a single, a taster, a teaser for the EP. The track oozes with cruisy, easy-going vibes. It’s a track perfect for the Australian summer. The entire track is 2 minutes 44 seconds, and the first 47 seconds consists of a sample spinning on repeat, when, a second sample interjects, a voice in a foreign language sings for a few seconds before the first sample resumes again. Then a crackle is heard – the kind of salt and pepper crackling across a TV channel with no reception. Change the channel. KNOE opens his verse. “Kinetic sculptures on the wrist of the illustrious,” KNOE begins. Kinetic was released as a single by KNOE earlier this year, and it hold its own on the album. Kinetic is oozing with cruisy, easy-going vibes. It’s a track perfect for when the sun is shining and the sky is sky blue.
By the time the audience reaches Juice, KNOE has come to accept his decision to create music, acknowledging the importance creating music has for his soul. Wielding a metaphorical sabre, KNOE cuts down all doubts that go against his instinct. KNOE raps about alcohol, used commonly an antidote for a trouble. “Delusional to think that wine would get me out my head, so I write this music, it seems to be my muse, when my soul’s deep in trouble I seek it for diffusion.”
Reasons is an expression of KNOE’s artistic struggle done eloquently and rhythmically. There is a running theme throughout the EP, concerning the young rapper’s question of whether of not the path he has chosen, that of making music, is the right one. KNOE felt the external pressures of the music industry when working on campaigns for musicians in the America industry. These were pressures KNOE witnessed other artists struggle with, burdens the artists had to carry in the music industry. This experience consequently put KNOE’s own music aspirations on hold for a year. Thankfully, he resumed creating music, and the pressure and struggle of his artistry was channeled to writing music. The struggle spills across Reasons, and is prominent on the track Ghost which kicks off the EP. “This music is a vessel of my bleeding soul,” KNOE raps.
One of the strongest tracks off the EP is Kinetic, which dropped earlier this year as a single, a taster, a teaser for the EP. The track oozes with cruisy, easy-going vibes. It’s a track perfect for the Australian summer. The entire track is 2 minutes 44 seconds, and the first 47 seconds consists of a sample spinning on repeat, when, a second sample interjects, a voice in a foreign language sings for a few seconds before the first sample resumes again. Then a crackle is heard – the kind of salt and pepper crackling across a TV channel with no reception. Change the channel. KNOE opens his verse. “Kinetic sculptures on the wrist of the illustrious,” KNOE begins. Kinetic was released as a single by KNOE earlier this year, and it hold its own on the album. Kinetic is oozing with cruisy, easy-going vibes. It’s a track perfect for when the sun is shining and the sky is sky blue.
By the time the audience reaches Juice, KNOE has come to accept his decision to create music, acknowledging the importance creating music has for his soul. Wielding a metaphorical sabre, KNOE cuts down all doubts that go against his instinct. KNOE raps about alcohol, used commonly an antidote for a trouble. “Delusional to think that wine would get me out my head, so I write this music, it seems to be my muse, when my soul’s deep in trouble I seek it for diffusion.”
Influence is all around KNOE. The rapper has a range of Perth locals and international rappers on the EP. Plato features New Jersey rapper Retch. Drapht, a friend of KNOE, appears on Laid Up. Spilling sweet wine across Play Love is Sambo, with an enticing warm voice singing, “I’m looking for some play love. If I’m coming on too strong just say so.” The song tugs at you, wooing you to the dance floor. “I want to dance with you, prance with you, bodies close with ample moves. Sweat going drip on dancing shoes.”
KNOE has previously worked with producer !llmind. This experience resulted in KNOE releasing music with clean and smooth lyrics, leaving out the cheap schemes. He has toured with international Hip Hops acts like Action Bronson, Das Racist’s Himanshu and David Dallas. KNOE has also toured with national acts Remi and Spit Syndicate. KNOE is never shy to collaborate. He’s worked with a number of artists, from Skyzoo, Torae to Maffew Ragazino.
The latest match-up is with Australian singer Paloma. Paloma features on Juice and title-track Reasons. And the Reasons EP is all the better for it. The addition of Paloma’s voice adds layers to the production as well as meaning behind the songs. Vocally, Paloma contrasts KNOE’s raw lyrics. The two sets of vocals come together to create a smooth, laid-back mood, like sipping a vodka sunrise while cruising down suburban streets. In Reasons, Paloma repeats the line “What’s the reason?” in response to KNOE’s “If everything is til it isn’t, what’s the real reason of living each minute?” KNOE hits you across the head with a hammer while Paloma eases balm on your wounds.
The internal struggle thematically evolving throughout the EP must conclude, so KNOE opts for a hopeful note. “Keep breathing. Keep breathing. What’s the reason?”
Reasons is only a warmup for KNOE. Perth has a promising rapper in its midst, and hopefully they recognize this sooner than later.
Written by Atorina Saliba.
Follow KNOE on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and Soundcloud.
KNOE has previously worked with producer !llmind. This experience resulted in KNOE releasing music with clean and smooth lyrics, leaving out the cheap schemes. He has toured with international Hip Hops acts like Action Bronson, Das Racist’s Himanshu and David Dallas. KNOE has also toured with national acts Remi and Spit Syndicate. KNOE is never shy to collaborate. He’s worked with a number of artists, from Skyzoo, Torae to Maffew Ragazino.
The latest match-up is with Australian singer Paloma. Paloma features on Juice and title-track Reasons. And the Reasons EP is all the better for it. The addition of Paloma’s voice adds layers to the production as well as meaning behind the songs. Vocally, Paloma contrasts KNOE’s raw lyrics. The two sets of vocals come together to create a smooth, laid-back mood, like sipping a vodka sunrise while cruising down suburban streets. In Reasons, Paloma repeats the line “What’s the reason?” in response to KNOE’s “If everything is til it isn’t, what’s the real reason of living each minute?” KNOE hits you across the head with a hammer while Paloma eases balm on your wounds.
The internal struggle thematically evolving throughout the EP must conclude, so KNOE opts for a hopeful note. “Keep breathing. Keep breathing. What’s the reason?”
Reasons is only a warmup for KNOE. Perth has a promising rapper in its midst, and hopefully they recognize this sooner than later.
Written by Atorina Saliba.
Follow KNOE on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and Soundcloud.