We got better acquainted with effortlessly anthemic alternative pop outfit King No-One.
On this installment of CLOUT x Closeup’s UpClose, we got to have an informal and fun little chat with York alternative pop outfit King No-One. Characterised by their brash and dynamic sound, King No-One are an act that have felt the brunt of the COVID-19 impact on the music industry, and are surely feeling a bit lost without their high-octane live shows that they have become known for.
Fortunately for them (and us) they have still been plugging away and crafting new sounds, and what is sure to be a staple from their future live shows is the effervescent (and questionably named) new single ‘Bad Porno’, a track that showcases the irresistible and thoroughly catchy nature of their sound and surmises why there is such a colossal hype surrounding the outfit. We caught up with King No-One to find out some more about the track and 2021 life in general for the outfit.
King No-One! It’s great to sit down and have a proper chat (Kinda). We’re such big fans of your music as you well know. Tell the world a bit about the musical world of King No-One?
We’re in that alt pop ethereal where you can’t stick a label on us, so we bring in an eclectic mix of outcasts and self assured individuals from all genres. With Unconventional lyrics, androgyny and bangers. Now we’re on a hunt to reverse expectations.
The last 12 months has been such a crazy year for musicians, how much has it had an impact on your music?
Aw massively, as a writer I’m really expressive and I pull my subconscious out by writing to learn about the way I feel, and expressing it flamboyantly through my music. But I mean, other than half broke optimism, endless frustration and repeating depressions I haven’t felt much this last year. So writing has taken a huge turn that wouldn’t have ever happened. Joe has learnt the way of laptop producing now so he’s always tucked away nerding out on old 90s hip hop footage and creating his productions over my songs, then bobs it to James and he programmes his drums in. The future is weird.
We for one are absolutely missing live shows/festivals more than ever thought. If you were to create an ‘King No-One Festival’ then WHO would be your 3 headliners? (and can we come?)
It’s a private party, you absolutely can’t come. Unless you bring us a selection of fruit that symbolises your personalities, a palm of the hand sized crisps and a ballerina jewellery box.
Describe your absolute banger of a new single, ‘Bad Porno’, in 4 words or less.
Raunchy, Audacious & unshameful honesty
Touring is obviously such a massive part of the band, how excited are you to get back to performing live?
Unbelievable so. We are completely a touring band, with a huge fan base which people usually refer to as a cult and without our cult we don’t feel legitimate. We can’t wait to burst back on the scene and be reunited with everyone. Our cult will get bigger when we return to live music and there’s signs of it growing internationally.
