Photo credit ko aka koala

The DIY hyper-pop sensation ko aka koala’s music is as captivating as her self-styled aesthetic. Following the release of her EP “Chef’s Kiss,” which saw her sharing stages with industry heavyweights like Charli XCX and Troye Sivan, ko aka koala continues to push boundaries with her upcoming single “how could i not fall in luvv” and her previous single “tic tac boom.” 

Known for her sly songwriting and unique twist on ultra-sweet, soft sounds, ko’s music blends glitchy percussion with tenderhearted, high-pitched vocals, creating a sonic landscape that is both mesmerizing and infectious.

ko is set to turn heads with her newest track “how could i not fall in luvv.” With lyrics that explore the ambiguous feelings of infatuation and admiration, ko delves into the complexity of emotions that arise when you’re unsure whether you have a crush on someone or simply aspire to be like them. 

Produced by M2K, a renowned record producer based in the UK known for his collaborations with artists like Lil Uzi Vert and ericdoa, “how could i not fall in luvv” boasts a mesmerizing blend of ko’s ethereal vocals and M2K’s intricate production. The single’s artwork, featuring the digital fashion of Auroboros, underscores ko’s affinity for the intersection of technology and fashion, aligning perfectly with her forward-thinking approach to music and artistry.

Your latest single, “how could i not fall in luvv,” is incredibly catchy and soulful. We’d love to hear about the inspiration behind it. What sparked the creation of this captivating track, and how does it resonate with your artistic journey?  

Thank you! The inspiration behind the song came from a personal experience where I found myself questioning if I wanted to be that person or be with them. I like to explore different aspects of the human experience.

Your debut EP, ‘Chef’s Kiss,’ was praised for its clever humor, cultural references, and satirical self-awareness. Now, with your latest single, how does it continue or diverge from the subversive themes and artistic style established in your EP?

I think in some ways it continues to be so very unserious but then it starts to diverge by delving into more emotional vulnerability. 

Congratulations on the international M.A.C campaign! Your music and aesthetic are so unique and captivating. How do you see makeup and fashion as a part of your creative expression, and how do they tie into your overall artistic vision and message?

It’s a huge part of my creative expression because the music motivates me to create a world that the song can live in. For this song, I felt really drawn to the stories of sirens and Botticelli paintings.   

As a visual artist, what inspires you? 

Usually I try to clear my mind and be really present in nature because there’s actually a lot of beauty when you look around in real life and that inspires me. I think we spend a lot of our time online or looking at our phones, which keeps us on a loop.

Tell us about the single art for “how could i not fall in luvv” and the role of Auroboros.

I’m wearing Auroboros, a brand that makes fashion for both the digital and physical worlds, producing digital ready-to-wear and physical made-to-measure couture. They created this really beautiful piece that looks like I’m emerging out of a cocoon of flower petals. I really like the idea of wearing digital fashion because of how sustainable it is. 

What do you think should be the role of technology in today’s music and entertainment industry?

Ideally, it would be embraced as a tool for innovation – making it easier for more people to access the tools to be able to create and to present their work with fewer gatekeepers. 

Looking ahead, how do you envision the evolution of your character over time? Are there any specific traits or story arcs you want to explore further?

I’m still learning about myself, so we will have to see what happens or who I become. That’s what I’m really enjoying about making music is that I’ve gotten to know parts of myself I didn’t know were even there. 

Is more new music in the pipeline or live performances on the horizon? 

I’ve got a lot of new music coming this year, and I can’t wait for it to be out!