Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?

I think the main thing that stands out with my sound are my vocals and the many layers of melodies and harmonies I put in tracks. That's something I've been doing ever since I was young so I suppose that element has been a long time in the making. I love love harmonies.

You’re the winner of our Field Day competition and will be playing the fest on New Years Day in Sydney. What can the crowd at Field Day expect from the KLP live show?

It's pretty upbeat and all electronic. I have a drummer playing an electronic kit and I'll be singing loads and triggering a bunch of samples. I'll also be debuting some visuals which have been made especially for Field Day.

What are you most looking forward to about the festival?

Besides my set (which i am incredibly excited about) I'm really looking forward to seeing Solange and London Grammer.

What are your plans for KLP in 2014?

I have so much already planned it's crazy. A bunch of new solo tunes and a tonne of collabs.

If you had to make one new years resolution, what would it be?

To take more time out to chiiiilllll.

Australian music is…?

…sooo hot right now.

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

All of my music is different, but all of it still feels like me. I'd like to think by the end of any given track there's a different perspective being offered. In terms of development it's just been a matter of experiment; writing a bunch of shitty songs before figuring out the right way to convey a message lyrically/sonically. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

Feelings and experiences that make me feel present or stuck. 

What can punters expect from a Liyah Knight live show?

Grade A energy and a healthy amount of dad jokes. I have really long limbs and people often don't expect it, so yeah heads up there too. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

"You might as well be present, because that's all you have right now" 

Someone actually dropped this gem at a party a couple weeks ago and it's my new favourite (bathroom line friend, if you're reading this, thank you!). Super obvious advice but I feel like sometimes it's so easy to forget about being present in the midst of future plans and past events! 

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

'Final Form' by Sampa the Great; that intro alone is triumphant enough to pull anyone out of a solemn slump. 

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

Ha! The power of music. Stevan did a cover of 'Ain't No Sunshine', which I can guarantee will make you cry. 

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

I am the most shameless hype person so I am playing all my friends' music, kicking it off with 'Throw it Back' by Manu Crooks and B Wise. 

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

I saw Boy Soda at the Soda Factory and he kicked a speaker off the stage. It was sensational.  

Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.

I'm lucky enough to work with a lot of people that inspire me. Diesel is a great role model for any young musician. I think society sells us this narrative that drug use and partying is an integral part of the creative process, so to be in a session with an OG Australian musician sipping kombucha and making bangers, it's eye opening/gives me some perspective. 

Also places like the Lord Gladstone in Chippendale, and a Little Lagos in Enmore. These places are like extensions of the music; places that show genuine and ongoing support for local artists. 

What are your plans for the rest of 2020?

Sweet f*** all if I'm being honest. I feel like I haven't seen my family in a hot minute between work and sessions, so probably just bug them all summer!  

Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?

I like to write pop songs, deconstruct them and rearrange them for electronics and live instruments. I play a range of instruments including saxophone, piano, guitar, synths, harp and various knick-knacks that I sample and make beats with. Often I will spend hours in my bedroom studio with a cup of tea and Asian snacks, experimenting with loops and voice, blending tape with digital things, and layering warped samples upon organic sounds.

Tell us about the bands, producers and people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.

I'm constantly amazed and feel pumped when I attend friends' gigs. Sydney's creative output is really diverse. Golden Blonde, Moon Holiday, Jonti, Thomas William and Sui Zhen are some of my favourites. My newest obsession is Black Vanilla though because they make the best grinding jams and are incredible onstage.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

I performed in Karen O's opera "Stop the Virgens" last year at the Sydney Opera House. On opening night, Karen gave us the most fierce pep talk ever. Basically, she told us to not give a damn about anyone else in the crowd because we're doing this for us and we'd become a close and empowered group of women. Many expletives were used. When I get nervous before a show, I chant Karen's words and remember that if you're putting yourself 100% out there, people are going to connect and ultimately respect what you do.

What are you doing when you’re not making music?

Besides buying too much secondhand clothing and knick-knacks, I am obsessed with cooking for people! I love baking, whipping together a delicious stir fry or making Asian desserts including "tang yuan". It's a glutinous rice dumpling with a pocket of peanut butter and brown sugar inside, served in a ginger sweet broth. Probably really bad for your teeth!

What else is coming up for you in 2013?

I'll be making a film clip, playing Bigsound and OutsideIn Festival which includes performing in a supergroup that's recreating The Avalanches' "Since I Left You" live, write an album, more collaborations. And, oh, marry James Blake.

Australian music is…?

…humble and innovative. Also, Kylie Minogue, preferably singing and riding on a novelty-sized giant thong.