With an effortlessly cool yet deeply introspective approach, the rising artist ko aka koala, crafts songs that linger long after the final note. Her latest single, “kick rox,” fuses early 2000s-inspired beats with modern electro-pop, capturing the sting of regret, missed connections, and the weight of words left unspoken.
From the first listen, “kick rox” captures a late-night haze. There’s a soft ache in its simplicity, a push-and-pull between confidence and vulnerability, much like the title itself. ko aka koala manages to bottle that fleeting moment of realizing you might’ve made the wrong call, giving listeners a chance to find their own reflections within the lyrics.
ko aka koala is a storyteller who understands the power of aesthetics. Whether through immersive soundscapes or visually stunning music videos, every creative choice feels intentional, designed to evoke emotion and nostalgia. “kick rox” perfectly captures this essence, with its dreamlike atmosphere mirroring the song’s emotional depth—proving once again that ko aka koala is an artist unafraid to bare her soul.
As 2025 unfolds, ko aka koala is gearing up for a year of new releases and exciting possibilities. We caught up with the artist to discuss the story behind “kick rox,” her creative process, and what’s next on the horizon.
The first thing we want to know is when and how this musical journey began for you.
Music has always been a part of my life, but I think my real journey started when I realized it was more than just something I loved but something that I’m always going to do. I started creating my own sound, experimenting with different styles, and finding my voice as an artist. It’s been an evolving process.
What inspired the creation of “kick rox” and what’s the story behind the song?
It’s a very “staring at the ceiling at 4 AM pondering life” type of energy. It’s about a moment when I pushed someone away, thinking I was making the right call, but as soon as they actually leave, I’m like, “Wait…actually…” It’s soft, but it hurts.
The song blends 2000s-inspired beats with modern electro-pop. What drew you to this nostalgic sound, and how did you approach the production process?
I love your description of it because I was trying to figure out how to describe the ‘genre’ and it’s cool to see other people’s interpretation. The song started out with a sound that quite literally sounded like a rock being kicked so that’s how the song was born.
“kick rox” explores themes of regret and miscommunication. Why did you choose to focus on these topics, and how do you hope listeners will connect with the lyrics?
It felt personal to me. Maybe it will encourage someone to reach out and express their feelings. I think a lot of fallouts happen from miscommunication and things that were left unsaid.
What was the most challenging part of creating “kick rox,” and how did you overcome it?
This song came together pretty easily, but the biggest challenge was finding the right balance between keeping it simple and adding layers. It started off really stripped down, which I loved. But I kept feeling the urge to add more. The trick was knowing when to stop – enhancing the track without losing what made it special in the first place.
The title “kick rox” feels playful, but the song carries a deeper meaning. How did you come up with the title, and what does it represent to you?
“Kick Rox” started as a playful, almost dismissive phrase. The title reflects that in a way…acting tough on the outside, but feeling kind of soft on the inside. It’s the contradiction of wanting space but then hating the emptiness.
You’re known for your visually stunning music videos. Can you share any details about the creative direction for the “kick rox” visuals?
Thank you! Visuals are such a huge part of how I tell stories. I wanted to capture that in a really cinematic, dreamlike but personal way. There’s a sense of nostalgia, like memories blurring together, with soft lighting, and warm tones.
What do you hope fans take away from “kick rox”?
I hope the takeaway is feeling understood. I think everyone has felt the need to be understood at some point or another, and if they haven’t… I will need to take their masterclass.
With 2025 just beginning, what can fans expect from you next? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited to share?
A lot of new music and maybe an album… who knows!
Do you have any mantras that help you through the tough times in your career?
Lately, I’ve been making an effort to fully sit with my emotions, even if they’re bad. I’ll try to let myself feel everything completely instead of pushing it away.
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