From the percussive hits that start ‘Music’ to the closing bars of ‘You And Me’, Kay Suzuki’s debut LP, Consciousness, characterises the charm and energy of its maker. We discussed the album, his love for London, and mouth-watering details of his day job.

Wrapped up in an elegant package with artwork by Koutaro Ooyama, the album incorporates Kay’s passion for music from all over the world, including West Africa, his homeland Japan, and the ever-changing happenings in London clubs. Delighted that his efforts are now publicly available, he feels the release is reflective of the city he’s called home for the past six years, stating “this is literally my album of London life”.

“There are always a bunch of people trying to passionately do their own thing.” Kay shares, specifying what he values about London, “Whatever happens in the mainstream or even in underground trends, they are here in various musical forms, trying to push their identity. I love the energy and attitude.” A number of such distinctive talents appear on Consciousness, with accomplished musicians Ben Hadwen, Jessica Lauren, and Simbad adding their excellence. Kay also skilfully produces songs that suit Duchy and Fatima’s vocal talents. His uniting of voice and instrumental best shown in ‘Move On’, where Duchy’s tones seem tailor-made for the beat.

Arguably the album’s stand-out element is the way Senegalese musicians, Babacarr Dieng & Jally Kebba Susso, are incorporated into the electronic productions. Kay explains how their relationship came to be, “I met them through a mutual musician network and we just hooked instantly. We come from different parts of the world yet the essence and reason why we make and play music is completely the same. It’s all a spiritual thing and all about connecting one to others. Hustling to reach where we need to be.”

“They are from long lines of griot families, known as historians, musicians, storytellers, diplomats, activists and so many other important roles in their traditional culture.” Kay enthusiastically explains, “They’ve been playing music for kings and their village for more than 700 years so they know exactly what the music does to you. Their sense of time and music are simply universal.”

Outlining the making of the opening track (and lead single) ‘Music’ it becomes clear that Kay is proud of the fusion that occurred. He picks up the story, “When I played these beats to Jally he was like “wow, wow, Kay! Set up the microphone! I need to play my kora on this beat!” So I recorded his first take and it was beautiful. Then when fellow griot vocalist and percussionist Babacarr came to my place, he listened to our session and did same thing. He jumped on the microphone and we were completely mesmerised by his expressions… Without doubt, they brought such a deep cultural essence to this album which is absolutely honour for me.”

Feeling a spiritual connection to Jally, Kay adds he feels “really blessed to be able to communicate with him through music. Like all the other musicians and singers in the album, he added his own blood and soul which makes the song more alive than my solo productions.”

An interview with Jally and Duchy reveals more about their collaborations in this video:

Kay plans to put out a second EP on his Round in Motion label in late October, making further decisions on the future as and when. Ever hungry to hear music that stirs him, he cites a few current repeated plays as: the “heavy afro funk tune” Hankuri by Madman Jaga (Soundway), Ezel’s re-edit of Africa by D’angelo, Kalabali from Herbie Hancock’s Sound-System album (“a spiritual tune from 1984!”), and Mark Pritchard and Steve Spacek’s Africa Hitech releases.

In addition to his musical pursuits Kay is also a sushi chef. When asked to share a recipe, he duly obliges, “My favourite these days is marinated mackerel Aburi. Cut a fillet of fresh mackerel, cover with salt and leave it for 45mins (so the fish marinates better!), then wash off the salt and marinate with sushi vinegar and a piece of dried Konbu (Kelp) for another 45mins. Dry the fish with kitchen paper then use a kitchen torch to cook only the skin part! So you can have crispy fish skin with soft and juicy marinated fish at the same time. Crispy and juicy, that’s the bipolar-ism.”

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Kay recently recorded a special edition of his b i p o l a r WAVES show on Deja Vu FM. Titled CONSCIOUS MUSIC MIX, in his own words, “this is the basic concept of conscious music”. Earlier in the summer he also guested on Dom Servini’s radio show, details of that chat and playlist here.

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