Cape Town singer-songwriter Bradley Knight. Image: Supplied
#MusicExchange: Rapid-fire Q&A with Bradley Knight finding his ‘ikigai’ with ‘Lost’
Cape Town singer-songwriter Bradley Knight recently released his debut single ‘Lost’ and his debut EP, ‘Limbo’, is set to follow.
Cape Town singer-songwriter Bradley Knight. Image: Supplied
It was during a gap year after school that the talented 26-year-old singer-songwriter and producer decided to pursue a career in music, culminating in the recent release of Knight’s debut single, Lost.
Knight, who was born in London but grew up in Cape Town, cites as his musical influences the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Earth Wind & Fire, The Police, Carlos Santana, Crowded House — as well as his father playing Electric Light Orchestra around the house while he was growing up.
“I think as a young boy you’re inclined to look up to your dad, and I noticed that when he had this music playing, he was always in the best mood and radiated this vibrant energy that was so infectious to me,” recalled Knight.
Lost is the first release from Knight’s debut EP, Limbo.
Watch and listen: Bradley Knight performs ‘Lost’
THE SOUTH AFRICAN CATCHES UP WITH BRADLEY KNIGHT
Fame is about?
Fame offers a platform to potentially influence a significant audience with one’s philosophies.
Retirement will happen when?
Never. The Japanese philosophy of finding your “ikigai” and “working” at it until the end of your days appeals to me.
- Ikigai means “a reason for being”.
I don’t do…
Superficial.
What does music mean to you?
Music is a way to explore and unlock the deepest and most mysterious aspects of my inner self and the external world around me.
My music is about…
Whatever I am experiencing at that time. I want to keep it honest, transparent and progressive- like one would a private journal.
I would love to co-write with…
Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas.
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
As far away from my thoughts as possible.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
Sitting down and playing until that moment happens. That moment of inspiration that grips you and renders you as nothing more than a blissful conduit.
My heroes?
Frank Ocean and Billie Eilish are my current inspirations.
Which living person(s) do you admire most and why?
Billie Eilish and Finneas. Their story is undeniably human.
What is your most treasured possession?
My signet rings.
It’s your round. What are you drinking?
This year…chamomile tea.
Dream gig to do?
Red Rocks venue in Colorado.
What makes you stand out?
I’m writing music that is unique to my story and emotions. The way I see it: When you are approaching music from a soulful position rather than trying to write hits, there will always be a space to stand out. There is only ever one you.
If you were not a musician what would you do?
Psychology. Humans fascinate me.
Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Creative, curious, warm, soulful, passionate.
Favourite movie?
Schindler’s List.
What books are you reading?
The 5am Club; New Earth and To Sleep in a Sea of Stars.
What song changed your life?
Let’s go album: Bon Ivor’s For Emma, Forever Ago.
Who do you love?
My family.
What is your favourite word?
Love.
Favourite fashion garment?
My denim jacket. I like to keep things minimal.
Top of your bucket list?
An orbital joy ride on a Space X shuttle.
Your greatest achievement?
Singing at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York.
What do you complain about most often?
Society. The Dalai Lama stated it elegantly when he was asked about what surprises him most about humanity: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money, then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die and dies having never really lived”
What is your fear?
My biggest fear is regret.
Happiness is?
Gratitude and finding joy in the smallest things.
On stage I tend to?
Get caught up and lost in the moment.
The best life lesson you have been taught?
Remain adaptable, curious and open-minded.
Do you get worked up while watching a sports game on TV?
Overly. I’m a huge football fan.
Where would you like to be right now?
Japan. Learning about different cultures and ways of life
Do you do charity work and if you do –what do you do?
I am a part of the DUKKS Foundation. In 2017, my cousin, Daniel, was murdered trying to defend two girls from being mugged on Kloof Street, in Cape Town.
Our family started DUKKS soon after with the intention of helping charity institutions optimise their efforts by offering support in various ways.
One being that DUKKS helps reduce running costs of the organisation’s facilities, such as electricity and water, by installing energy-efficient solutions for them.
It’s a holistic approach to charity, with the aim to help as many charities as possible.
Wishes and dreams?
I want to travel to as many places as possible; performing and connecting with different cultures around the world.
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