Rising Stars: Meet Kairo Davis of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kairo Davis.

Hi Kairo, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been surrounded by music of all flavors and genres since I was a child so I think it was inevitable that I would take to becoming a musician. My father was very into music and the arts, playing guitar and singing often around the house, exposing my sister and I to a wide range of different artists from Prince and Michael Jackson, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Rage Aganst the Machine. A lot of reggae, blues, r&b, soul, jazz, disco, rock…literally almost everything was on rotation in our house

I was always really into art, cinema and animation as a kid but would also constantly be stealing my dad cds, rummaging though his collection to find anything that resonated. I’ve also always really been into video games and soundtracks, so I was exposed to the world of electronic music that way, eventually discovering all the genres and subgenres within that realm of things. That would come later on, as in middle school/high school, outside of what my parents had exposed me to, I’d eventually develop a deep love of and connection with punk, post-hardcore and metalcore.

It was probably around eight or ninth grade that realized I really wanted to be in a band, writing and making my own music. I started playing guitar and singing, remembering that my dad played growing up it was easy to get into. He let me play his guitars, showing me the basics and encouraging me to really dive into it. From there I hit the ground running teaching myself all my favorite songs from my favorite bands by ear and using guitar tabs online

That was basically my main focus forever, joining and starting bands, honing my skills and always trying to improve. After some years of projects beginning just to eventually end, I ended up going to my first rave and getting exposed to jungle, drum and bass, dubstep, house, etc. and that changed my entire world honestly. Eventually I’d end up attending Respect in Los Angeles for the first time in 2006, seeing people rhyme and sing over the tunes and that was my first exposure to emcee culture. It wasn’t until some years later in 2015 when I decided to attempt to break into that scene, shifting my focus from singing and playing in punk bands and rhyming in rap groups to honing my craft as a jungle/dnb emcee

I played some local shows while also juggling being in a band for awhile that was playing a lot of shows until we disbanded. After which I decided to focus solely on emceeing, making more friends and connections in the scene, eventually booking more shows on a regular basis and the rest is history still being written today

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the path of the artist is always a precarious one, and that in itself comes with its own particular struggles. Personally speaking I definitely recall a few difficulties along the way. Being a black kid who was coming from a punk background while also being one of the only black kids in my high school, there’s been a few people who used to try telling me that I don’t have a place playing that kind of music, just generally trying to discourage me from being who I am. Admittedly, and somewhat regretfully, at one point that definitely lent to my imposter syndrome and lack of confidence

I remember an ex telling me that around the time I started trying to rhyme to dnb and also start a new band that if I were to become anything of any value it would have happened already, attempting to discourage me from pursuing music. She also believed that music without words or lyrics wasn’t “real music” though so I learned real quick not to let anyone’s opinions keep you from whatever feeds your soul. People really do be trying to dim your light out here

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Los Angeles based lyricist, vocalist, musician, writer and emcee. I play multiple instruments though voice and guitar are my favorites. I perform regularly in and around Los Angeles, and have also branched out to different cities and states over the years. I specialize in the realms of jungle/drum and bass, dubstep and different flavors of bass music while also playing in bands of different genres, mostly punk and hardcore

I’d like to think I’m known for my originality, authenticity, passion and the ability to bring a vibe into any room, over any genre or bpm. Like a rap Swiss Army knife. I’m known for being an avid Godzilla enthusiast and the most versatile emcee in L.A. I think that, coupled with the fact that I’m fortunate to have my own style, sets me apart from others. That’s a super power I embrace fully. I don’t buy into trends or gimmicks and I’m not out here making content to satisfy the algorithm. I just wanna make dope music and crush stages with the homies and legends I’m fortunate to perform with regularly

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Integrity and intention are two of the first things that come to mind. I think just really caring about the music and the craft as well as the people who make up these communities and scenes takes me far. Being kind but taking no shit, knowing where to put your energy and effort rather than trying to force yourself into places or alongside people you don’t align with. That’s helped me grow tremendously

I sincerely love spreading good energy and receiving it back through shows and music. It’s a symbiotic experience that’s a beautiful and rewarding thing to be a part of all the time. Also I’m just fucking enamored and obsessed with music and it shows, so I think that resonates which helps encourage sincere connections, which in turn sparks genuine friendships and support

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Chemdracula
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chemdracula
• Twitter: @Chemdracula
• Other: Threads: @Chemdracula

Image Credits
pic 1: @taylor_s_films
pic 2: @_gregtorres
pics 3,5 & 6: @r3g4llery
pic 4: @timbre_glass_pix