Kid Koi (Sota Koike) is a singer/songwriter born and raised in the Lower East Side of New York City.  He discovered a passion for songwriting when improvising chords at parties to accompany his friends freestyle.  With a myriad of influences ranging from 90’s Hip-Hop to guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix, he hopes to blend all his influences into something unique.

The new single, “Ooh La La,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of carefree coastal allure with a unique blend of pop, hip-hop, R&B, folk, and indie rock reminiscent of the early 2000s.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Kid Koi about AI in music, choosing a favorite song of all time, the new project, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

AI (aka Artificial Intelligence aka Chat GPT 4.0)… How is it changing the music world? What are your thoughts about this new trend?

I think AI’s existence is moving the music world into a new territory.  I can’t say whether or not it’s for better or worse seeing as it’s fairly new.  I would say it can be a useful tool for songwriting/lyric writing.  I personally have never used Chat GPT for writing songs because I have never felt the need to.  Music and art is a human thing and I don’t think no matter how good it is, AI will never be able to truly replace art and artists.

Can you choose a favorite song of all time? Or is this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what’s your current Top 3?

I really can’t.  However, songs that I have never gotten tired of would be “Feelin It” – Jay-Z and “Some Are Lakes” – Land of Talk

What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I am most proud of the fact that this project started out as a melody I had when walking around my apartment and the streets.  It started off as such a simple idea and it turned into a whole emotion and picture.  No, no specific goal.  I was just trying to write a song.  

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

It really is a release for me.  A form of self-expression that is therapeutic and also challenges me. 

It sounds corny but I truly love music.  I can’t imagine my life without it and I am enjoying every step of this journey.  Of course there are ups and downs but that’s with anything in life.  

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

I would love to collaborate with Tobi Lou.  I’m not sure what I could bring to the table but I am obsessed with his music.  

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Last song I listened to was “Tell Your Friends” – The Weeknd.  My favorite all-time bands/artists would be Ray Charles, Jay-Z, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix.  

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

I would say my instagram would be the best place.  I’m on it the most.  You can find me @Kid_Koi_Music_

I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?

Thank you for your time!  I plan on releasing a single every month for the next little while.  I have a song called “LA”, “In Between” (working title), and “Round n Round” (also a working title), being mixed and mastered currently by Jean-Luc at VLV Media that I am very excited to share with everyone!