Thank You for spending time with The Grynd Report. Please Introduce yourself and tell us where you are from?
My name is KOKO. I am a singer-songwriter from Finland. I have been in NYC for about 5 years now, and in between I have lived in California for about half a year. I also partially grew up in middle Europe, in Brussels Belgium. That opened up my eyes to the world and different cultures big time, so living in NYC feels like a dream come true every day. I also play some instruments, and know the basics of production and sound technology, as I studied sound engineering at SAE Institute of Technology in Manhattan.
Describe what it was like growing up in your city.
I am originally from a city right outside the capital of Finland. Growing up there was harmonious and peaceful. I always had a lot of hobbies; I played different sports and did acting and music classes for my whole childhood. Best part of growing up in the suburbs was the nature all around and hanging out with my friends. When we moved to Brussels a whole new chapter began. I was able to explore all the bigger cities in Europe and learnt to speak multiple languages. You can definitely hear influences in my music from that time till this day.
What about the music business made you want to pursue it professionally?
Honestly, I just felt for me it was the best way to serve my purpose. I have always been a very artistic soul, very much in tune with the universe, and music to me is that language that brings people together. I genuinely love to perform, share my truth, and bring joy and peace to people’s lives. Music Business I see being a completely separate thing from all that. It’s just something you gotta be conscious about, because without any business mindset, there is no shows, growth or space for expansion. You gotta blend it all together and move smartly.
Talk to us about your latest single My Life the concept and who produced it?
The inspiration to My Life came from someone I met, who was so in tune with my life path, so it came out more as a love song. Love can teach us many things if we are open to it; show us the parts within we need to grow and heal. It teaches us patience, alignment, and to be the best versions of ourselves. My Life is a song about reaching the ultimate state of happiness. The producer is from Russia, Sublunary, whose style I love. In the Northern European countries this type of funk soul pop vibe is rare.
In addition to my Life, you are looking to release KOKOmotion. Give us a breakdown of what to expect from this LP?
The songs were written in NYC, New Orleans, California and Chicago. The whole project has been put together while motioning and making a name for myself here in the states. Rather than having one common theme, it more is a collection of songs that were written as I was living life and going thru things. You can expect songs that encourage you to be your true self and encourage you to go after your dreams. My background is in jazz, so despite making “pop” music, there are a lot of soul and funk elements in my music.
If You can alter the music industry in any way, what would you change and why?
More healing, less toxic to be honest. I want more dope girls doing things there. It is so male dominated, and people do not always have the best intentions, which can make it hard to navigate in. We need more feminine energy there, just more balance. Once I make it, I will actively be doing work from my side to put girls on with any opportunities that I can. I know how it feels to be in the industry and build from nothing, especially as a cute girl. Praying for that change to happen.
What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
Joy, alignment, peace and gratitude. Hopefully my lyrics can spark some insights and provide comfort and support to those in need. I want to remind everyone that we are all here together. We may feel lonely at times, but we are always connected to one another.
What would you say is your biggest accomplishment so far?
There is so much to be grateful for. Having the opportunities to record, perform and shoot videos outside of NYC has been dope. Having a billboard on Times Square was such a dream come true. Having the biggest magazines of Finland following my journey and writing about me. Having radios to play my songs and have playlist placements. I have performed in many of my dream venues in NYC, and my latest accomplishment was to perform Off Broadway in March. Amazing to have an opportunity to combine my background in theater and show my whole skillset as a musician.
How do you plan on being a game-changer within your genre?
I want to remain as authentic, raw and real as I can to be honest. But I want to be the biggest performer ever seen! My talent lies in my versatility, as I can sing, and play the sax, keys and the guitar. And I love dancing.
Any Shoutouts?
Shoutouts to all the people who have believed in me over the years. Shoutout to my manager Suny and my soul sister Inka, who has a long background in music and has helped me to build my artistry in many ways. Shoutout to Cali mentor Keith Reid for helping me to build my stage persona. Shoutout to my teachers in the audio school and my family in Finland and NYC too!
IG:@koko.fly
TikTok:@koko.fly
YouTube:@koko.flyest
FB:@kokko.fly
