After taking a year to refine his sound, Kirklandd has returned with a fresh, engaging project in the form of his new single, ‘Impulse’. The track offers a new direction from co-producers Cam Bluff(Amy Shark, Allday) and Citizen Kay. Following their first show together on Kirklandd’s recent national tour, ‘Impulse’ features Melbourne vocalist, Zellow.
The track is an uplifting blend of electronic and 90s-style hip hop showcasing the Canberra native’s storytelling ability and lyrical prowess. ‘Impulse’ flows like a silky fox that keeps you up at night. It starts with hollow, reverberating percussion, as light sprays floating behind Kirklandd’s commanding delivery, enhancing his lyricism. This creates the perfect bed for the dramatic build, felt through soaring grand piano and Zellow’s enticing, smooth vocals.
Lyrically, ‘Impulse’ explores the experience of returning to an old love. Kirklandd explains:
“Going back to this previous connection always feels like it could lead to something more… like things could somehow be the way they used to be. But ultimately it’s never more than acting on impulse”.
“Cam and I had just walked out of Black Panther, and were so inspired by the African percussive sounds Ludwig Goransson (Childish Gambino’s producer) used to score the film”.
“We hit the studio and began recording live bongo loops over a range of piano chords, and the result quickly became Impulse”.
Kirklandd has consistently been a creative force in the Canberra music scene for the past four years, seeing him collaborate with artists such as Genesis Owusu, Black Summer, Mondecreen & Chloe Au Fait. His reach even expands outside the music industry, seeing him become the first Australian Artist Ambassador for Global Citizen, “a movement of engaged citizens who are using their collective voice to end extreme poverty by 2030”. Previous singles ‘We On’, ‘Rise’ and ‘Faded’ have received triple j play and extensive community radio support across stations such as FBi, 4ZZZ, 2XX FM, Edge Radio and Bay FM.
With the release of Impulse, Kirklandd has just announced the Impulse launch show, with an all-immersive live lighting experience, kicking off in his hometown of Canberra.
‘Impulse’ Ft. Zellow is available now
KIRKLANDD IMPULSE LAUNCH PARTY
SAT 23 MAR | MR. WOLF, CANBERRA ACT