q&a: the khanz
Describe your sound in five words or less.
Eclectic jungle African indie dance
Was there a particular moment or artist that made you want to pursue music when you were growing up? Who were your early influences?
Harrison: Not a single moment, but, as a 90s kid, like everyone else, I was obsessed with Nirvana. I also was into a lot of hip-hop when I was a kid, especially for the lyrics, which I found really inspiring. So Nirvana and hip-hop – totally unlike anything we play now.
What are your other interests/passions?
Kat: The boys love rugby, video games and skating, but I’m more into the arts like dancing, acting, singing, musical theatre. And I like fashion, the beach & shopping. I guess we can all agree on live music, chilling with our mates and the movies!
Who do you most admire?
Themba: Damon Albarn (Blur & Gorillaz) for sure! He’s just amazing. Great writer and so passionate!
Greatest achievement to date?
Harrison: When we’re playing and the whole room is dancing. We’ll never get tired of that.
A song I wish I wrote/played is…
Themba: “Where is My Mind” by the Pixies!
I couldn’t live without…
Gibo: The prego sauce at Ogalos! There’s an Ogalos down the road from Tim’s recording studio and we’ve got season tickets for it.
The best advice I ever received was…
Gibo: “Nothing beats persistence”
Do you think the music industry treats female musicians differently to male musicians? Do you think it’s more difficult for women to establish themselves?
Kat: Ooh, tricky one. I reckon female artists find it hard to be taken seriously at first. But once a woman has made her mark, they can really shake the industry, can’t they? Look at Lady Gaga and Beyonce. I think for females in bands it is definitely trickier. I was once in an all-girl band and, yeah, being four attractive girls really helped, but then maybe not for the right reasons. Girls have to be careful how people choose to represent them. Some people saw us really superficially and were shocked when they found we could really play, so you kinda wonder about that attitude. I wish more women would put their hands up and give it a go. I’m thrilled to be in a band with both male and female characteristics. After all, that’s life, hey? Bit of both.
The Khanz is the first band to be signed to General Pants Co.’s Major Label/the bubble merge, connecting GP Co.’s Major Label signings to their broader art initiative. The bubble is also giving punters the chance to produce The Khanz’s first video clip – click here to find out more!
