The K.I.J. Experience is a musical project by a British record producer from Gorseinon, Wales. Their latest single “Best Friend” caught our ear a little while ago due to its musical style that pays homage to the music of the late 60s. Anyone who loves The Beatles or The Kinks should check out the group's sound that features double-tracked vocals, the Hammond organ, punchy drumming and very satisfying guitar work. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
Tell us a little about Wales. That’s where you are from, right? What’s it like being a musician in your neck of the woods?
I grew up in a small town called Aberdare, which is in the South Wales valleys. I've been living in or around Swansea for about 18 years. I've always been into music, both listening to and playing (drums) from a young age. Being a musician where I live now is cool because I'm left alone to be creative.
How and when did your musical journey begin?
My musical journey began with my 2 best friends, Anthony & Paul. I met Paul (guitar) whilst at college who then got Anthony (bass) on board. Our first band was called 'Suzanne's Garden'. We played covers of songs we all knew, well sort of. A few years later we changed our name to 'Parker' and started writing our own songs about Love, Death & Escapism. We changed our name again to 'Harrison' and gigged for a couple of years in London and the South East (Brighton/Southampton/Portsmouth). We also produced a few studio demos which you can still find on YT.
Who sings and plays on your records?
Everything you hear is sung, played & produced by me. When I was in Harrison with the lads I was the singing drummer with Anthony on backing vocals. Watching us play live as a 3 piece was pure energy, so when we went into the studio, we were able to express ourselves even more with the sounds we recorded for our demos. We learnt so much from the studio experiences. For me this is when I found my calling.
You released an album recently called "12 from '24". Could you tell us about that?
'12 from '24' is a collection of 12 songs written across a year (2024). I really wanted to set myself this challenge as I had enough song ideas to complete the project. I actually completed 13 songs in 2024. 'Cliché' didn't make the album due to copyright issues. It contained a keyboard sample from 'Dreamer' by Supertramp, which Roger Hodgson wouldn't allow me to use. The album featured on the longlist for the Welsh Music Prize 2025, which was mind blowing.
“12 from '24” has a song called “Carpe Diem”, which I really like. What was the inspiration behind that tune?
'Carpe Diem' was a song idea I had years before it was completed. I had the lines 'Just waiting for the penny to drop, Just waiting for my wave'. So, in August 2024, I went about completing the song. As the lyrics suggest, I've personally spent a lot of time procrastinating and thinking about life without actually doing anything about it. So the song is effectively telling me: the time is now, seize it before it's too late. Hopefully the song resonates with the listeners and they seize their day!
Your single “Best Friend” which we’ve reviewed, features the hammond organ, which is a rather rare choice of instruments these days. How did that come about?
I've always loved the warm sound of a Hammond organ. All my musical heroes from the 60s right through to the 90s used it to maximise their sound and their emotion. Where would 'The Only One I Know' by The Charlatans be without that Hammond organ driving it or any Inspiral Carpets song for that matter.
What are your main musical influences?
If you listen to my song 'Heroes & Icons' you'll find my musical heroes in the lyrics.
What’s your songwriting process like?
My song writing process has varied over the years. When I started out I used to make beats and sing melodies over the top. I wrote a lot of songs like that. These days I can hear a common phrase or hear somebody say something that sounds cool and then write a song about it. 'Small Man Syndrome' is a perfect example of this style of song writing.
In terms of production values, the late 1960s are very present in your music. Why?
I love The Beatles LPs 'Rubber Soul' & 'Revolver'. For me they were part of the 'Baroque Pop' era which I adore. My musical taste is eclectic as hell, and that reflects in the music I create and its production, too. If you listen to 'This Is Therapy' and the instrumental version, you'll hear my love of 80's & 90's electro music.
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
What a question! You know what? I've given up looking through my past. I'm living in the moment and right now I'm loving what I'm doing, what I've always loved doing, writing songs and being creative. It's as simple as that.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
I'd like to be writing great songs for myself and for new artists. I'd also love to write a Bond Theme and maybe a score or a soundtrack to a film. Bottom line, as long as I'm being creative by writing songs & music for myself and anyone who'll listen, I'll be happy.
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
I may have misread the Q so my answer is the following:
I would like to be a successful singer songwriter and I'd love to be able to share my songs and experiences with the world or anyone who'll listen.
What’s next on the agenda?
I have a new song 'Life (You Saved Me)' coming to Bandcamp & streaming platforms in early January 2026. It's the next stop on my musical journey. Be sure to follow.
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