We sat down with Irish artist Kestine on the release of his new EP ‘Another Season’, to dig a little deeper into his sound and influences. Make sure to listen to his fantastic album at the bottom.
Tell us about yourself as a band/artist?
I am KeSTine, for those looking to pronounce the name the E is silent. I’m the outsider that fell in love with music by way of dance,and after being teased for liking Michael Jackson turned to hiphop. The passion I saw in church and the passion of MJ influenced how i wanted to express my music.
What got you into music?
My Dads a preacher so from a young age i’d always be involved in the choir playing the Keyboard. My Dad to help me learn English also recorded these 90’s American music videos, and the one video that got my attention was Michael Jacksons-They Don’t care about us. So really being involved in church and seeing MJ made it inevitable for me to be on the path i’m on today.
How would you describe your sound?
I am an embodiment of energy and passion. I like to say imagine a mix of old school Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar. A Irish rapper with soul who wears his emotion on his sleeves.
What is your favourite venue to play?
My favourite venue to play. Cyprus Avenue Cork. It was my first big indoor venue, and I learned so much from it. I wanted to get better as a performer since that day I first got to perform on that stage. I’ve had several opportunities to rock that stage, but I think its my favourite because of how much I learned on the art of performing and expression on my first opportunity to perform.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Wow in terms of Irish acts Cian Ducrot. I had an opportunity to share the stage with him at Electric Picnics Three stage and he is a fellow Cork man. If we are heading to the UK scene Stormzy, Lil Simz, in the US Doechi or Tyler the creator, Will I am, HER. The list could go on and on.
What is your creative process, and do you think it differs from others?
My Creative process. Its weird I often have lyrics or sentences flying around on my mind, but this all pours out when i hear a beat that resonates with my spirit.
What is special about this song/album to you?
This LP is unique because of the message. My objective with this project was to get the listener to feel an emotion and then reflect and appreciate. Time is precious, the seconds and minutes we have with our loved ones is to too valuable, and the path to joy is learning to forgive, no matter how hurt you are. Regardless of the bad another season will come around, one filled with joy, so we hold on and embrace the beauty and ugliness of life, and appreciate the current season we are in.
