03 November 2017 - 0 Comments

He first caught the attention of New Zealanders in the summer of 2015 with what would become his chart-topping debut single Don't Worry Bout It. From then on, Kingdon Chapple-Wilson, the young producer, singer-songwriter and performing artist known to us all as Kingssolidified his place in the New Zealand music scene as one to watch.

As he rose further through the concrete with his debut release Kings EP released through Warner Music, he showed us his skills as a producer and songwriter, presenting the broad musical influences that inspire him. This led to four Pacific Music Awards (NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, Niu FM Best Pacific Urban Artist, MAINZ Best Producer, NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award) and a string of powerful singles including Someday and What We Supposed To Do.

Today he releases his debut album Chapter Oneinto the world - a further extension of his exploration into the sounds of hip-hop, house and memorable pop hooks. Released independently on his personal label Arch Angel Records via digital music distributors DRM NZ, Chapple-Wilson hopes to inspire and encourage others to do the same.

"I've always encouraged artists and musicians to do things themselves and to study the game thoroughly. It was only right that I do this entire project the way I preach. From directing the music videos to designing the cover art, everything is written, produced, mixed, and mastered the way I intended, with the hope that it inspires people and encourages you to do the same in your industry! Or in your life!"

Every song on Chapter One was self-written, produced and recorded in Chapple-Wilson's Awataha marae studio, which has been home to his creative process since day one. In August this year, the young artist let the first track off his forthcoming album take flight - the electronic, feel-good party track Kush Rolled x Cup Filled which let us into Chapter One through the party entrance. Second single HYLMN invited us further into the young artist's journey, on a track that pays tribute to the hustle and the hard times. The following track Intermission took us even closer to home, as Kingdon reflects on the past, the present and future.

His current single We'll Never Know has spent 6 weeks at #1 on the IMNZ Top 10 Airplay chart, while taking the #3 spot on the Top 20 NZ singles chart and hitting #1 on the Radioscope NZ Singles Airplay chart last month.

Chapter One is an album the supercedes any stylistic genre by blending Kingdon's favourite flavours of slick electronic textures, danceable beats, underneath memorable melodies - further introducing us to his well-rounded sound. A personal tapestry of stories in a cohesive body of work that documents the young kiwi artist's rise to the top.

WE'LL NEVER KNOW (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

This year, Kings is nominated in three award categories (Best Solo Artist, Best Hip Hop Artist and People's Choice Award) at the 2017 Vodafone NZ Music Awards being held this November 16 at Spark Arena. To vote for Kings in this year's People's Choice Award category, click here.

You can see Kings live this weekend at KFC Edgefest (November 3rd - 5th over Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland) and supporting Six60 with Nico & Vinz this January on the New Zealand leg of their New Waves World Tour. 
 

Next: Tunes of I - 'Running'

Prev: Miller Yule. Brilliant new single 'Diamonds' released today

Comments

Return to News Archive