mali-koa

Interview by Caroline Rohnstock Photos by Josh Nesden and Rosanna Jones

London-turned-Sydney-based singer-songwriter, Mali-Koa, has been steadily making a name for herself due to her powerful songwriting skills and music videos. Since she released her debut single, “Honest,” in 2018, listeners have been enchanted with her voice, stunning melodies, and lyrics. Her songs often come from a place of vulnerability and invite listeners to be honest about their emotions.

Touring with acts such as Nina Nesbitt, MAX, Tessa Violet, and Etham gave Mali-Koa the opportunity to share her talent with the world. Her 2019 single, “Sorry,” has currently reached over 3 million plays due to its genuine and inspiring message. Its music video is also impactful, exploring the power of apologizing to important people in one’s life.

In addition to her strong singles, Mali-Koa recently collaborated with hitmaker JP Cooper on his single, “All this Love,” and has a cut on G-Eazy’s Platinum album, The Beautiful and the Damned. With two new singles—“Some Things” and “Me Before You”—on her repertoire, Mali-Koa is successfully continuing to share her unique voice and style of songwriting.

One of her latest singles, “Dancer,” for example, is a refreshing pop song, complemented with uplifting lyrics about self-belief and confidence. The music video for this single is an elegant spectacle, showcasing Mali-Koa’s graceful dancing alongside a group of interpretive dancers. With songs and music videos this striking and impactful, as well as an already large following, Mali-Koa is well on her way to stardom. That said, I got the chance to ask Mali a few questions about her singles, designing her music videos, and plans for the future. Your single, “Dancer,” has a beautiful message! What inspired its theme?

MK: The day I wrote “Dancer,” I thought to myself, “Stop trying to write songs to prove something to yourself or to others.”

I had been making music for years and managed to slowly construct these limitations around myself—it’s the same sort of pressure, criticism, and comparison that I know everyone can relate to. I was very aware of those voices internally and externally. “Dancer” is about taking that all on, and moving through it.

The music video is empowering and such a graceful display of dancers. How was it to experience the song coming to life in this way?

MK: Being able to see someone interpret my song into movement was so incredible! Darcy Jane

Wallis nailed it in every way—the choreography felt both honest and authentic, whilst, at the same, time fluid and cool. Whenever I’m doing a video, I want the concept to feel purposeful and add another layer of meaning. I think the choreography really helped me to show everyone the

‘feeling’ of the song; it was an important visual element.

Your new single, “Some Things,” explores the concept of change. What advice would you give to anyone out there who may have felt some challenges when experiencing change?

MK: I realized when writing

“Some Things” that change was one of those unpredictable things in my life. When coming to the end of a relationship, certain aspects of change were obvious and others were more subtle. Sometimes, the shift doesn’t happen for a long time and you wonder if it ever will. In my experience, it almost always does, haha, but it’s an interesting thought. I read once, “If you want to change, you have to be willing to be uncomfortable,” and that’s really helped me along.

You filmed and directed the video for “Some Things” yourself—how did you find the process and would you do it again for your future videos?

MK: Stressful, do not recommend- kidding...well, I’m sort of kidding. Doing this video proved to me that I’m capable of making the best of a difficult situation, whilst also giving me a renewed appreciation for the other people who usually help me with visuals. Other important things

I learned through the process include: -The longer between filming days, the more obvious brown roots are against your grown out platinum blonde fringe -Throwing your phone at a wall is not helpful when trying to use the same phone to film -Having to do makeup and hair during a pandemic is a resentment you will have to become OK with -You absolutely can make a video with little-to-no budget, but it might just push you to the latter side of a mental breakdown (but it’ll be worth it)

Both “Dancer” and “Some Things” are singles taken from your upcoming debut album. What has the journey been like creating the album and what can your fans expect from the album?

MK: They can expect more stories of love and lost love, and a few more reflective and personal moments. As this project is my first, a big part of it was wanting to share a few important stories that I felt I’d grown from.

Your song, “Sorry,” is very impactful (especially considering the music video). Discovering the power of saying “sorry” really strikes me; I love how there are many different people portrayed in the video that are discovering that power. What was the process like creating this song and music video?

MK: Making “Sorry” was such a great pleasure for me; [it was]

so amazing to see a small idea from the studio turn into something so impactful. The song was the first layer—a simple story about lost love—but the video looked at the themes and lessons of love in a bigger context. Sometimes, something or someone has taught me something subconsciously valuable that I can use in other parts of my life.

Your songs sound like they’re coming from such an honest and vulnerable place. How do you channel that into your writing? What does your songwriting process look like?

MK: I want to always try to say something with my songs. I appreciate the ups and downs of life, so it only ever felt right to be as honest as possible. I usually write ideas down at home before sessions. I recently started reading more poetry and have been writing a little bit, which is a new

thing for me. I also consume a lot of current music so I am really inspired by other genres and writers. My strength is in melody, so I gravitate towards that first. I’ll usually have an idea of a title or something to start with or grow from, as well.

Do you have a certain lyric or song from another artist that inspires you to write?

MK: If we’re talking songs I wish

I’d written that inspire me to try and tell a story better, I think “I

Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Rait, “Dreams” by Fleetwood

Mac, and “Jealous” by Labrinth.

There’s also a quote from Paul

Simon that says “It’s very helpful to start with something that’s true. If you start with something that’s false, you’re always covering your tracks. Something simple and true, that has a lot of possibilities, is a nice way to begin.” I’m always learning about the best way to tell a story.

What musical influences have inspired your sound and style of songwriting?

MK: I am a massive fan of Bon

Iver and Francis and the Lights.

I love the narrative songwriting and storytelling on the first two

The Script albums or Mumford and Sons’ Sigh No More or Delta.

Also, Coldplay and Chris Martin;

One Republic and Ryan Tedder.

Sia is someone I really admire as a writer and artist, too.

Do you have a dream person you would like to collaborate with?

MK: Sia or Chris Martin. I once got on a plane with Chris Martin from London to LAX—I was very tired and did not look good and, obviously, he couldn’t see me in my “prime pop get-up.” Anyway, unfortunately, I didn’t get a word in but I was definitely sending out all my good karmic energy so I am looking forward to that collaboration.

What did you learn during your ex- perience touring with artists such as Nina Nesbitt and MAX?

MK: It’s fun to perform with other artists; it’s cool to see new faces and fans! A lot of my learn- ing was about taking my songs acoustically and trying to create a memorable set and experience for anyone watching. I haven’t performed any of the new stuff from the album yet so I’m really excited to do that as soon as gigs are happening again.

What can we expect from you in the future?

MK: Less offensive hair re- growth, continued home Zoom calls in my pyjamas, lots of new music. I’m looking forward to performing and meeting some new people when this all blows over!

Be on the lookout for Mali-Koa’s new singles, “Some Things” and “Me before You,” to add to your quarantine playlists! Her debut album is also on the horizon; expect lots of new music with her unique voice and songwriting style!