Kwes
Encyclopedia
Kwes, officially stylized Kwes. is a British record producer
, songwriter
and multi-instrumentalist musician
.
. He began playing his grandparents' organ
at the age of four and his grandmother
bought him his first small keyboard
aged 5. For his 10th birthday, he received a radio/tape recorder
with a built-in microphone
, which launched his interest in sound recording.
(January, 2009). Kwes. / [o=o]. Retrieved on 2011-11-17.
on his 2011 debut album 'Gob' and The xx
earlier on in their career producing an early version of their song "Insects". He has also co-produced a mixtape
entitled Kwesachu Vol.1, with Micachu
(as "Kwesachu"), alongside MCs Dels & Ghostpoet
, with appearances from London pop-bands, including Golden Silvers
and The Invisible
. Matthew Herbert
touted him as a musician and producer to watch, admiring his "really unusual, experimental approach".
Kwes is also a solo artist. XL Recordings
imprint Salvia released limited edition single “Hearts in Home/Tissues” in January 2009. Kwes released his debut EP “No Need To Run” on Young Turks
/XL on June 28, 2010.
Kwes has also reworked
several artists including Damon Albarn
’s opera ‘Monkey’, Portico Quartet
and Zero 7
amongst many others.
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
and multi-instrumentalist musician
Multi-instrumentalist
A multi-instrumentalist is a musician who plays a number of different instruments.The Bachelor of Music degree usually requires a second instrument to be learned , but people who double on another instrument are not usually seen as multi-instrumentalists.-Classical music:Music written for Symphony...
.
Biography
Kwes was born and raised in Lewisham, South East LondonSouth East (London sub region)
The South East is a sub-region of the London Plan corresponding to the London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham and Southwark. The sub region was established in 2008. The south east has a population of 1,300,000 and is the location of 500,000 jobs...
. He began playing his grandparents' organ
Organ (music)
The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
at the age of four and his grandmother
Grandparent
Grandparents are the parents of a person's own parent, whether that be a father or a mother. Every sexually-reproducing creature who is not a genetic chimera has a maximum of four genetic grandparents, eight genetic great-grandparents, sixteen genetic great-great-grandparents, etc...
bought him his first small keyboard
Musical keyboard
A musical keyboard is the set of adjacent depressible levers or keys on a musical instrument, particularly the piano. Keyboards typically contain keys for playing the twelve notes of the Western musical scale, with a combination of larger, longer keys and smaller, shorter keys that repeats at the...
aged 5. For his 10th birthday, he received a radio/tape recorder
Tape recorder
An audio tape recorder, tape deck, reel-to-reel tape deck, cassette deck or tape machine is an audio storage device that records and plays back sounds, including articulated voices, usually using magnetic tape, either wound on a reel or in a cassette, for storage...
with a built-in microphone
Microphone
A microphone is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. In 1877, Emile Berliner invented the first microphone used as a telephone voice transmitter...
, which launched his interest in sound recording.
Recording
Recording is the process of capturing data or translating information to a recording format stored on some storage medium, which is often referred to as a record or, if an auditory medium, a recording....
(January, 2009). Kwes. / [o=o]. Retrieved on 2011-11-17.
Music
As a producer he has worked with Big Dada signed DelsDels (musician)
DELS is a rapper and graphics designer from Ipswich. He is based currently in London and a graduate of Kingston University. Dickins signed a three album deal with the Ninja Tune label Big Dada.-Releases:...
on his 2011 debut album 'Gob' and The xx
The xx
The xx are an English indie pop band, formed in London in 2005. The band's members met while studying at Elliott School, the same school that produced Hot Chip, Burial and Four Tet. They became a trio when their second guitarist and keyboardist, Baria Qureshi, departed in late 2009. In September...
earlier on in their career producing an early version of their song "Insects". He has also co-produced a mixtape
Mixtape
A Mix Tape or Mixed Tape is a compilation of songs recorded in a specific order, traditionally onto an audio Compact Cassette.A Mix Tape, which usually reflects the musical tastes of its compiler, can range from a casually selected list of favorite songs, to a conceptual mix of songs linked by a...
entitled Kwesachu Vol.1, with Micachu
Micachu
Mica Levi, known by her stage name Micachu , is an English singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. She is classically trained and is best known for experimental music in a variety of genres.-Biography:...
(as "Kwesachu"), alongside MCs Dels & Ghostpoet
Ghostpoet
Ghostpoet is a British singer and producer.In June 2010, Ghostpoet released his first EP The Sound Of Strangers on Brownswood Recordings and was later featured in The Guardian’s “New Band Of The Day”....
, with appearances from London pop-bands, including Golden Silvers
Golden Silvers
Golden Silvers are a band from London signed to independent record label XL. The line-up consists of vocalist and keyboardist Gwilym Gold, Ben Moorhouse on bass guitar, and Robden Alexis Nunez on drums.-Early stages:...
and The Invisible
The Invisible (band)
The Invisible are an indie rock/post-rock band based in and originating from London, and fronted by the singer and guitarist Dave Okumu, a long-time member of the London jazz scene. The band formed as Dave Okumu's solo project but quickly developed into a full fledged band with friends Tom Herbert ...
. Matthew Herbert
Matthew Herbert
Matthew Herbert , also known as Herbert, Doctor Rockit, Radio Boy, Mr. Vertigo, Transformer, and Wishmountain, is a British electronic musician...
touted him as a musician and producer to watch, admiring his "really unusual, experimental approach".
Kwes is also a solo artist. XL Recordings
XL Recordings
XL Recordings is a British independent record label owned by Richard Russell. It originated as a 1989 offshoot of Beggars Banquet Records.Though only releasing an average of six albums a year, XL Recordings has worked with The Prodigy, Radiohead, The White Stripes, Dizzee Rascal, M.I.A., Vampire...
imprint Salvia released limited edition single “Hearts in Home/Tissues” in January 2009. Kwes released his debut EP “No Need To Run” on Young Turks
Young Turks (record label)
Young Turks is a British independent record label which was launched by Caius Pawson with XL Recordings in 2006. The label has grown into a successful and influential independent record label...
/XL on June 28, 2010.
Kwes has also reworked
Remix
A remix is an alternative version of a recorded song, made from an original version. This term is also used for any alterations of media other than song ....
several artists including Damon Albarn
Damon Albarn
Damon Albarn is an English singer-songwriter and record producer who has been involved in many high profile projects, coming to prominence as the frontman and primary songwriter of Britpop band Blur...
’s opera ‘Monkey’, Portico Quartet
Portico Quartet
Portico Quartet are a 4-piece modern jazz group from London and Southampton. Their sound is made distinctive by the use of the Hang, a 21st Century percussion instrument used on all their tracks. The group is composed of Jack Wyllie , Duncan Bellamy , Milo Fitzpatrick , and Keir Vine...
and Zero 7
Zero 7
Zero 7 is a British musical duo consisting of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker. The group members began their musical careers as studio engineers and in 1997 formed the group Zero 7. Their debut album, Simple Things was released in 2001 and received critical acclaim...
amongst many others.
Synaesthesia
Kwes has colour synaesthesia. His earliest synaesthetic experiences occurred around the age of 4 and he attempted to colour paper with the particular colours he was seeing when listening to music. These colours have been set since he first discovered his condition: "any form of a G-chord would have orange in it, and the other notes which are not G accompanying that G-chord would have an effect on the type of orange it is. Majors tend to be slightly brighter." Same applies for D which is always – yellow/green, E which is Yellow/gold, F which is violet/blue, C – Blue, A – light blue, B – yellow/gold/green. His synaesthetic impressions of his own music are translated in the artwork to his solo releases, "Hearts in Home" and "No Need to Run".Live collaborative performances
- Ebony Bones - Guitarist (2006–2007, 2008)
- Bono Must Die - Keyboardist (2007)
- Jack PeñateJack PeñateJack Fabian Peñate is an English musician and singer-songwriter signed to XL Recordings.-Early life:Jack Peñate attended St. Olave's Preparatory School, New Eltham until he left to attend Alleyn's School when he was 18 years of age...
- Laptop (2009) - Kwesachu (with Micachu) - co-production and co-selector (2009-)
- Elan Tamara - Bassist (2009-)
- LeftfieldLeftfieldLeftfield are a British duo of electronica artists and record producers, namely Paul Daley and Neil Barnes, who formed in 1990 in London, England...
- Keyboards and Computers (2010)
Production duties (Selected Discography)
- Elan Tamara - "Gold Fishes" (7 September 2009), "Shadows" (28 October 2010) and Organ (EPs) (6 June 2011)
- Dog Bite - "Machino Machino/Take Your Time" (22 November 2010)
- CorneliaCornelia DahlgrenCornelia Dahlgren is a Swedish singer, songwriter and producer known by the stage name CORNELIA. She also owns her own independent label called 'Camp Mozart'...
- "By The Fire" (5 December 2010) - Valentina - "Weights" (EP) (18 April 2011) * co-production with Blue May
- DELSDels (musician)DELS is a rapper and graphics designer from Ipswich. He is based currently in London and a graduate of Kingston University. Dickins signed a three album deal with the Ninja Tune label Big Dada.-Releases:...
- "GOBGob (Dels album)-Personnel:*Dels – Vocals*Tracks 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 - produced by Kwes*Tracks 3 and 7 - additional production by Kwes*Tracks 2, 3 and 7 - produced by Joe Goddard*Tracks 6 and 8 - produced by Micachu*Joe Goddard - Guest vocalist...
" (9 May 2011) - DRC Music - Kinshasa One TwoKinshasa One TwoKinshasa One Two is an album recorded by Damon Albarn with ten producers on the newly established group. Recorded in Congo, the album features various producers including Dan the Automator, Marc Antoine, T-E-E-D and Kwes alongside various local musicians from Congo...
(4 October 2011) * co-production with Damon AlbarnDamon AlbarnDamon Albarn is an English singer-songwriter and record producer who has been involved in many high profile projects, coming to prominence as the frontman and primary songwriter of Britpop band Blur... - Sunless '97 - "Making Waves" (28 November 2011)
- Speech DebelleSpeech DebelleCorynne Elliot , better known as Speech Debelle, is a British rapper currently signed to the Big Dada record label. She was the winner of the 2009 Mercury Prize.- Early life :...
- "Freedom of Speech" (6 February 2012)
Reworks (Selected Discography)
- "Passion by The InvisibleThe Invisible (band)The Invisible are an indie rock/post-rock band based in and originating from London, and fronted by the singer and guitarist Dave Okumu, a long-time member of the London jazz scene. The band formed as Dave Okumu's solo project but quickly developed into a full fledged band with friends Tom Herbert ...
" (October 2007) - "One Pure Thought by Hot ChipHot ChipHot Chip are an English electronic indie band. They have released four studio albums—Coming on Strong, The Warning, Made in the Dark and One Life Stand.-Formation:...
" (April 2009) - "Monkey Bee by Monkey: A Journey To The West Opera - Damon Albarn" (September 2008)
- "Cittàgazze by Portico QuartetPortico QuartetPortico Quartet are a 4-piece modern jazz group from London and Southampton. Their sound is made distinctive by the use of the Hang, a 21st Century percussion instrument used on all their tracks. The group is composed of Jack Wyllie , Duncan Bellamy , Milo Fitzpatrick , and Keir Vine...
" (2008) - "The Clock by ElviinElviinElviin Duval Dalphinis Smith , better known as Elviin is a British singer/songwriter and self-taught pianist from South London. His voice is characterised by a very smooth tone and his music is a mix of soulful rock...
" (2008) - "Butterflies by Finn PetersFinn PetersFinn Peters is a flautist and saxophonist. He studied music at Durham University and took the postgraduate jazz course at Guildhall School of Music...
" - "White Hair by CibelleCibelleCibelle is a multi-media performance artist, singer-songwriter and music producer. Cibelle’s music is difficult to classify; she has been called a self-styled purveyor of “Tropical Punk”.-Biography:...
" (2008) - "The Infinites by Bomb The BassBomb the BassBomb the Bass is the umbrella title for the output of British musician and producer, Tim Simenon. The band, which has evolved its style over the years, has been classed as electronic or dance....
ft. Paul Conboy (w/ MicachuMicachuMica Levi, known by her stage name Micachu , is an English singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. She is classically trained and is best known for experimental music in a variety of genres.-Biography:...
)" (2010) - "Stop For A Minute by Keane & K'NaanK'naanK'naan , born Keinan Abdi Warsame in 1978, is a Somali Canadian poet, rapper, singer, songwriter and instrumentalist.-Biography:Born in Somalia, K'naan spent his childhood in Mogadishu and lived there during the Somali Civil War, which began in 1991. His aunt, Magool, was one of Somalia's most...
" (2010) - "Destiny by Zero 7Zero 7Zero 7 is a British musical duo consisting of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker. The group members began their musical careers as studio engineers and in 1997 formed the group Zero 7. Their debut album, Simple Things was released in 2001 and received critical acclaim...
" (2010) - "Pigeons by The Hundred In The Hands" (2010)
- "Hide And Seek by MirrorsMirrors (band)Mirrors are an English synthpop band originating from Brighton who formed in 2008. The band consists of James New , Ally Young , James Arguile and Josef Page...
" (2010)