DR. MARTENS PRESENTS: KILO KISH

Kilo Kish does it all. The singer-songwriter, multi-disciplinary artist and designer has recorded with the Gorillaz, The Internet, Vince Staples, Childish Gambino, and Chet Faker, among others. Her music is deeply intertwined with her work in other mediums; just take a step into her office (as she jokes on Instagram), and catch her screenprinting, applying luxury makeup to a puppet, or making riso printed poetry.

Before her Dr. Martens LA show, we spoke with Kish about her first concert, her first pair of Docs, and her recent tour.

Tell us about the most rebellious thing you’ve done.

I think rebelliousness speaks to the idea of doing or being the “unexpected” in relation to what someone outside of you would expect of you. Everything I do seems to be that, even if inadvertently. Nothing I do seems rebellious to me. Just is what it is. You could probably argue there is no such thing as rebelliousness if there is no normal to rebel against.

What song have you been listening to on repeat lately?

Human Nature by Madonna

What was the first concert you attended?

Well, I was a kid, so NSYNC. It was in Tampa, Florida. It rained the entire time.

Tell us about your first pair of Docs.

When I first moved to New York at 18, I was wearing all the wrong shoes during my first winter. I didn’t have to deal with snow and stuff in Florida, obviously. Eventually, I bought a pair of Docs, they were black 1460s. I basically wore them every single day until they gave out. They got me through countless winters. They are probably at Beacon’s Closet somewhere or in one of my old Brooklyn apartments. In the subsequent winters, I just bought the 1461 — which had a glittery grip tape like finish.

What is your favorite song to perform?

It depends on my mood, but I like doing Elegance since it’s usually at the end and the crowd is energized.

Tell us about a favorite moment from your recent tour.

My favorite things about touring are getting little notes and gifts from fans, meeting people face to face, sleeping in the bunk (best sleep ever), eating bad foods, and going to thrift shops and record stores in different cities.