Introducing: Kwabs

“Wrong Or Right” is a sleek, matte-dark afterparty charmer. SOHN’s glimmering synth production and skittish beats crunch underneath Kwabs’ affecting pipes, with each and every word uttered with meticulous precision. Each line of the track cuts deep, snatching breath and delivering gut-blows; Kwabs’ ability to surgically implant muscular feelings into the brain-cavities with apparent ease is masterful. He sings not from a place of pretense, or of greed or of anywhere on this corporeal plane: his voice comes from an unshakable foundation within, and subsequently every syllable he croons is laden with bone-quaking, soulful glory like an emotional Buckaroo on the cusp of exploding.

Just before his Wrong Or Right EP drops February 3rd, we nab a few minutes to discuss working with SOHN, his honest intentions and Prince.

“Wrong Or Right” has had a lot of attention lately. What do you make of the reaction to your music?

It’s all just affirmation that I’m doing something right. Getting played on the radio has been amazing.

What’s been your M.O. in your career so far?

It’s hard for me to say but I definitely wanted to make music that was about the voice…like a soul vocal record with gospel singers and the classic Aretha Franklin/Stevie Wonder feel in terms of genuine power. I’m always looking to do something that’s fresh though.

Who’s inspired you to do that?

I love stuff that pushes boundaries, like Jessie Ware and Frank Ocean. Actually, a lot of stuff that sets a precedent for what’s starting to emerge now. I was listening to all sorts growing up just because I wanted to engage in learning about music, and I was immersing myself in whatever I connected with – there was all sorts like chart music and pop and jazz and alt. rock like The Strokes and We Are Scientists. It was a varied affair, but I’ve been a magpie for all genres as I’ve developed and where I am now is an amalgam of all those things.

What’s your favourite thing about soul music?

The best soul music is about genuine experiences and about expressing those in a heartfelt and truthful sounding way. That’s where the voice comes into its own because it needs to be given a space to speak to the listener. It’s about the words and the voice.

How did you write and record “Wrong Or Right”?

I was sat in the studio with SOHN, on my first trip to Vienna, and we just sat down and listened to music we both liked, and the music I’d always been making, and the sorts of things I wanted to do next. I had these songs that were deep and woozy but I wanted to do something and come from a different place. We talked about R&B and as soon as he struck upon that opening arpeggiated figure we kinda felt like we were onto something. I sang through melodies and words came out and it just emerged. I wanted to write about refuge, and it’s about speaking to someone who needs your help and asking “Who hurt you?”

What did you learn from the process and from working with SOHN?

The ability to be fluid and to understand that what you start with could be utterly different from the end result. I learnt not to be too precious with ideas as the process is not about having the best idea at the start its about having the best song at the end. That’s the thing you’re going to be communicating to people with. You just have to go with the flow. I needed that. I needed to work with people like SOHN to give me the freedom I have now.

Were you pleased with how it’s been received?

I could never have expected that reaction, like having people I really respect championing it. I feel honoured to have people on my side because it gives me confidence that I can really make something of this and forge my own path. People seem to think it’s a bit different and it’s amazing to have people talking about it. It’s different from anything I’ve done before and it’s amazing people are coming along on this new journey.

Is this sort of thing what we can expect from you in the future?

Absolutely. Where I write comes from the part of me that loves 90s R&B and there’s many more shades to experiment within that for me show to the world in the coming months. It’s going to be a varied set of influences but it’s all going to come from a soulful place and everything that’s inspired me is going to come out through osmosis.

Can we expect any other material soon, after your upcoming Wrong Or Right EP?

There’s a couple of tunes I’m really excited about. I feel like they’re special to me, and when I play them to other people they become special for them very quickly. I can’t wait to have a wider audience listen and engage.

Can we expect to see you on the festival circuit this year?

I’d love to do them. I’ve been going since I was a teen. I’d love to be on the other side, and I’m always up for performing. If they will have me I will go!

What’s a Kwabs show like?

The shows are true to the record in terms of sound, but they are also very different. I try to take it to another level. What people don’t really get from listening to the stuff online and from the few videos, is that I like to move and dance onstage! I like people to see how I feel about the music so that’s something special I think people will like too.

Do you make it quite elaborate or is it a basic, intimate performance?

It’s early days and I don’t quite have the Beyoncétreatment yet! I’m using the instruments and things in myself to fill the space. I prefer that to trying to fill the space with extra stuff, it makes me work harder.

Could you tell us the perfect setting for your live show?

I like the idea that if you’re going to go you’d have to go on a pilgrimage. At the top of a mountain maybe? Or one of those amazing disused tube stations that no one’s supposed to know about would be amazing.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

Hmm… how about Prince? I’m going to say Prince. He seems like such a character. Even if we didn’t make anything, I’m sure I would learn loads and be inspired… and probably be a little weirded out. Some of the best creative minds are the craziest people.

I heard a rumour he was headlining Glastonbury…

If that’s the case I will be there, front and centre for the wondrous experience. I will find a way to get in to that show!

What does 2014 hold for you?

2014 so far has already been filled with unexpected events. Being playing on radio as much I have and the response to it tells me that I don’t know what’s going to come! But I what I want is to carry on, and grow and inspire people, and on the way do unexpected things that throw people… and I’ll just see how it all goes down. I want people to hear me come from some unexpected places.

The Wrong Or Right EP is out February 3 on Atlantic Records.