From TikTok to the main stage, Kanii represents how fast life can change. The 18-year-old artist took social media by storm with his track “I Know,” which recently received a RIAA Gold Certification. His EP “it was nice knowing u” is a vibey 8-track collection of dynamic R&B melodies with electro-pop flare.
The DMV artist started in 2018 and released his music through SoundCloud under “So long.” Fast forward to 2022, the release of his song “Attachment” grew in popularity on Tiktok, launching his career. Now signed to Warner Records in 2022, Kanii recently dropped an EP featuring the likes of Trippie Redd and other genre-blurring tracks with all the right grooves and feels.
“it was nice knowing u”- Kanii
With the recent announcement of Kanii being the primary support for the PinkPantheress Capable of Love Tour in 2024. RMR has gotten an exclusive interview with him to learn more about the creation of his EP, his inspirations, and his upcoming first tour.
PinkPantheress X Kanii Capable Of Love Tour Dates
RMR: What headspace did you have while making your EP “it was nice knowing u?”
Kanii: I honestly wanted to make something that I fully resonated with sonically, and this ep slowly became that by me sitting and dissecting what I enjoy and don’t enjoy musically.
RMR: What producers and writers did you collaborate with, and how does this project differ or compare to your previous singles?
Kanii: I worked with many fun producers like Twin Shadow, west, and more. For many of these songs, I had a lot of creative direction, not just vocally but instrumentally, which is a step up from exiit.
exiit
RMR: Are there any future plans for an album?
Kanii: Yes, I’m unsure when exactly, but I want to work on an album soon. I just have to be in the proper mindset for it.
RMR: Who is your dream collaborator?
Kanii: The Weeknd, for sure.
Kanii X Respect My Region Talk Tour and New EP
RMR: How did you develop each narrative/story for each song?
Kanii: I used real-life situations I was going through and put them into writing and music. Everything I talk about comes straight from my life.
RMR: Can we look at each track as one collective story, or do they live separate lives?
Kanii: The EP is one story. I won’t give away the sequence of it all because I would like the listener to have their own theory of how it all correlates.
Pretty Photos- Music Video
RMR: How does the DMV/upbringing impact the type of music you make?
Kanii: I take inspiration from the more prominent DMV artists popping up right now, like Brent Faiyaz and Rico Nasty. Those are some of my idols.
RMR: What artist did you listen to growing up? How did these artists influence your sound or style or how you create music?
Kanii: I listened to a lot of Michael Jackson. I feel he influences everything I make because I’ve studied him and the art my entire life. He is the greatest ever to do it.
Her passion for his craft and dedication to his fans were evident throughout the conversation. With an exciting tour on the horizon and a highly anticipated EP in the works, fans can expect a musical experience that sets the vibes right.
Stay tuned for updates and be sure to catch his tour and listen to his new EP when they are released.
