30 June 2010 (released)
30 June 2010
Music-News caught up with Kano at the launch of Crackdown 2, out on 9th July exclusively on Xbox 360. Kano was playing the game against some of the 25 million members of the Xbox LIVE community to celebrate the launch. Kano talked about touring with the Gorillaz, about his ideal superpower and told us about his craziest live experience.
MN: So tell us a bit about what’s coming up for you this summer?
Kano: I’ve got a new album coming out August the 30th, it’s called 'Method to the Madness’, there’s a single before hand too. Other than that I’ve got my tour to be looking forward to - I’m touring twice this year and also I’m touring with the Gorillaz, we’re going to Denmark to headline the Roskilde Festival. There’s a lot going on, I’m really happy this year, especially with the Album – we’ve spent a lot of time recording it.
What has it been like recording and touring with the Gorillaz?
Kano: It’s been great, just being around the people we’ve been sharing the stage with, the likes of Lou Reed, Bobby Womack and De La Soul. It’s a great experience for somebody that is relatively new to the game compared to those artists.
Recording with Damon (Albarn) has been great, I really respect him, he’s creative, has good ideas as a musician and as an artist and has come up with some great stuff. I’m just looking forward to getting it out there and heard.
Does it influence and inspire you to surround yourself with other artists?
Kano: Oh yeah, it can only help, especially in rehearsals. When I get into a studio with somebody else, I try to see what they do differently to me and if it works, maybe apply it into my next session. And definitely when it comes to the live performances, just watching can only help you become better at your craft, you know, they’ve been doing it for years and years and they’re masters of their craft.
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Kano: Outcast, M.I.A. these type of artists are really great.
What’s your weirdest live experience been?
Kano: Glastonbury just gone, that was brilliant but the weirdest, craziest, most intense performance was one we did in Lagos. I went over there with Damon Albarn, Reverend and the Makers, Get Cape Wear Cape and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and we all did one big show together in Lagos. It was so intense, it was the best experience I’ve ever had, that’s the one I’ll remember for a long time.
Any advice for artists just starting out?
Kano: Just enjoy it, that’s the best time, when you’re new to the industry with no expectations, no pressure on your shoulders and you’re just making music. At that stage you don’t know about the radio, this list and that list – all those things. You’re just making music, it comes from the heart. Every time I make music I try and bring back that moment, when you’re 100% just in it for the love. Enjoy it and always do what you think is best. A lot of people get caught up in the industry and end up making bad decisions.
So you think you won’t get caught up in it all, you’ll 'keep it real'?
Kano: Yeah I always will, helped by the circle you surround yourself with musically. When you’re around people like Damon Albarn and he’s achieved so much in the game, and still is focused, creative and down to earth, that helps.
Some silly questions now, if you could have any super power what would it be?
Kano: (laughs) we were just playing the Crackdown game and I got a power where I could be invisible. That helped me in the game and I think that would help me in real life, to be invisible.
If you could make a law what would you decide?
Kano: Ummmmm, I don’t know... maybe to even out the richest and poorest financially. There's no reason why there should be such a big gap!
What's your favourite/lucky pair of underwear?
Kano: A favourite pair of underwear????
yeah, all the girls will want to know that...
Kano: They want to know that? um not really. Just any boxers, any Hugo Boss boxers.
So we’re expecting a single and album from you, what else can we expect from you this coming year?
Kano: I’ll be doing the album tour throughout the rest of the year and releasing some more singles. I’ll be touring right into into the New Year, and then making more music. I'm really excited about it all!
