Kuji
23-year-old Kuji started releasing music this year, but has been making his own for a lot longer. Growing up playing in several rock bands, the Israeli musician has perfected his style: unique and catchy R&B/Hip-Hip beats with distinct lyricism. He released his debut single, “Take it All”, earlier this year, and has since gained significant notoriety. He released his EP, Sleepy Boi, later this year, with the title track receiving 76K streams to date. Singles like “Nothing” and “Pieces” have also gotten similar attention. He released his second EP, Conclusions, just a few months later, which was his most popular compiled work so far. With an audience of 52K monthly listeners and features on Spotify’s Fresh Finds: The Wave playlist, we can’t wait to see what he does next. We recently spoke with Kuji about his musical origin story, his favorite hobbies, and more!
How did you start making music?
Well, when I was around 10 years old, my mom handed me a guitar and showed me a chord or two. I immediately fell in love with it and started listening to a lot of classic rock (Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, etc.). I then went on to play in several rock & metal bands with friends throughout the years. When I was 15, I started producing on my laptop. I was making dubstep and future bass for a few years until I decided to make a switch to more songwriting. I got more familiar with hip-hop and r&b and exploring my own vocals. That slowly led me to make songs completely independently from 0 to 100; for example, “Nothing” was written, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by me.
What do you like to do when you’re not in the studio?
When I’m not making music, I’ll probably be handling marketing and social media, or making visual contents with my talented team. On other occasions, I like to chill outside with a joint in the sunshine or maybe watch some Netflix and enjoy myself.
It’s your day off. Where are you going?
On a day off, I love to go down to Tel Aviv and go to the beach, clear my head, and my ears. Maybe go watch the sunset from a nice Mountain View around Jerusalem, and other times just hang out with friends and make goofy videos and songs.
As a new artist, how does it feel to have such an international fanbase?
I am super happy and excited to grow my fan base on an international level! I think in our times it is such a great opportunity that a young artist from Jerusalem like me can make music in English so people all around the world can connect and vibe with it. I think it’s such a beautiful thing! Today’s world really has no boundaries and I can’t wait for my music to take around the world to celebrate this amazing privilege of making music and manifesting a whole life from it.
Who’s your partner in a dream collab?
Honestly my dream collab would be Jessie Reyes. I think her voice is so unique and full of fearless emotion and vulnerability that is just so easy to connect to.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Don’t Call Again” by Tkay Maidza produced by my man Dan Farber.
Any future projects for fans to get excited about?
My recent release,“Waiting”, is a fresh mix between bossa nova and LoFi elements, that puts the listener at ease with the flow of the song. Super excited for more music to come!
