Though 2022 has been kicked off with major releases from some of music’s biggest acts, it seems like things are showing no sign of slowing down. Last week Kilo Kish and Vince Staples made their triumphant return with “NEW TRICKS: ART, AESTHETICS, AND MONEY” – their first release of the year.
In an age where music’s staying power seems to be at an all-time low, Kilo Kish’s newest single highlights the phenomena behind why now it is so difficult to make an impression – and what is required to do so. Over an unyielding mix decorated with sparse mechanical percussing and wrangling bass signals, Kilo Kish raps melancholically about consumer capitalism’s impact on music, and how one must sacrifice both their soul and pride to exist in music. Joined by Vince Staples, the two illuminate how divine creativity has been bled from the creative process, replaced with exploitation and profit-obsessed trend-following. “NEW TRICKS: ART, AESTHETICS, AND MONEY” is impactful not only because of Ray Brady’s experimental electronic production, but because Kilo Kish highlights how capitalism has caused the music industry to fail its patrons, now unable to create a meaningful culture that fosters itself.
Despite aspects of music failing due to creative artifice and the pursuit of virality, there still exist artists that create for the sake of creation – and Kilo Kish is the perfect testament to this. It’s been almost three years since her last project (2019’s REDUX EP) – and hopefully, Kish’s recent string of singles indicates a new project on the horizon. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop or electronic music, “NEW TRICKS: ART, AESTHETICS, AND MONEY” is a must-hear this month. With more music likely planned for 2022, Kilo Kish is making a strong case for 2022 being her year.
Check out Kilo Kish’s visualizer for “NEW TRICKS: ART, AESTHETICS, AND MONEY” below.
