Beyond Noise Team
One of the most exciting emerging talents in the UK right now, Zimbabwe-born, Hull-based creative force Downtown Kayoto, follows up recent single “Came Thru” with brand new offering “Trust U”, simultaneously announcing his highly-anticipated EP Thinking With My Ears, due July 18th via Other Projects.
Coming as the second single from the new project, Downtown Kayoto continues his unique blend of sonic innovation and thoughtful, original lyricisms that has made the Yorkshire-based talent one of the most eye-catching new names of the past two years. DK’s latest single “Trust U” continues to catapult the young creative into the very forefront of the UK music scene — his distinctive style, outlining a narrative of nostalgia and early personal experiences dipping into fashion and love interests alike setting the tone for a deeper and more personal perspective of a new generation.
Speaking to the power of cultural impact, “Trust U” further spotlights DK’s rapid growth as an artist and creative, delivering smooth-cut, poignant lyricism on top of a co-produced soundtrack with Jack Laboz — home to a range of skippy percussive elements and echoing riffs. As the song title suggests, this latest release touches on trust within a relationship, acting as a standout reminder of the rising talent’s skill in crafting a sense of nostalgia and vulnerability, whilst planting himself distinctly in today’s sonic landscape.
Speaking on “Trust U”, DK states: “”Trust U” was the first song to be made from the EP. It’s about looking back and asking myself questions at the lowest level. After a breakup you start to second guess yourself. I thought to myself, ‘why do I trust this person?’. I have so much of an overwhelming love, attachment and respect for this person but at the same time, just because of the nature of the breakup, I was second guessing my trust. It’s me talking myself through the process, and not coming up with an answer.”
“Trust U” is just the second single taken from DK’s highly-anticipated new EP, aptly titled Thinking With My Ears, set for release July 18th. Consisting of eight immaculately crafted soundtracks, co-produced by DK himself alongside the likes of Jack Laboz, Dan Briskin and Gigi, the project shines a new light on the Hull-native. Fom the R&B-infused beats of “Came Thru” to the melodic notes of “Coastlines”, Thinking With My Ears shows DK at his most vulnerable, better described as DK as “confident vulnerability”.
Downtown Kayoto is the definition of a new generation DIY artist, directing the entire spectrum of his world, from production to art direction to the choreography in his videos. Having amassed millions of streams across his catalogue so far and gaining a significant cult following in the process, the Hull native has become a beacon for individual expression and creativity, gaining significant critical attention across both sides of the Atlantic in the last year, PITCHFORK, NME, THE FACE, PIGEONS & PLANES, LYRICAL LEMONADE, WONDERLAND MAGAZINE and COLORS amongst others heralding a breakthrough new talent. Recent single “Came Thru” has already gained over 1M+ views so far across TikTok and Instagram as well as receiving tastemaker support from the likes of CLASH who described the track as an “addictive piece of alt-R&B that has a sting in its tail” and WONDERLAND MAGAZINE who stated “DK speaks to the power of cultural impact”.
Add to this comprehensive BBC RADIO 1 airplay from Jack Saunders, Gemma Bradley, Arielle Free, and Jessie Ware, as well as Apple Music / Beats 1 support from Pharrell Williams and Zane Lowe, DK has secured coveted support slots alongside Tkay Maidza and Finn Askew, with debut festival appearances at Reading & Leeds, The Great Escape and Dot To Dot. The whirlwind of attention all points to one of the most significant homegrown talents coming through right now.
Whilst the Hull artist’s grit in his narratives and unquestionable ease on the mic belie his lived experiences north of the capital, DK’s influences from a young age have always been beyond his bedroom window – from early appreciations for musical theatre, to listening and learning scores composed at Abbey Road and being surrounded by the sounds of The Police and Michael Jackson at home, it’s formed an open musical palette and a thrilling innovation to his music, heavily inspired by the blank canvas of the Yorkshire market town that he’s made his home.
“Trust U” feels like another defining moment in Downtown Kayoto’s career, underlining himself as not only a compelling young talent in his own right but also the creator of some of the most forward-thinking sounds in the UK right now. Successfully bridging UK R&B into pop elements heralds something genuinely exciting and Downtown Kayoto’s multifaceted ability will mark him as a significant name in the creative spheres across music, fashion and beyond as he continues to gear up towards his next highly-anticipated EP.
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