Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
LARWOOD: We’re both based in SW London – I’m from Streatham and KOH is from Kingston/Twickenham. We actually met on Instagram in 2019 when I’d put out a couple of freestyles and KOH spotted one and got in touch. We’ve been working together ever since!
In terms of music, I have been writing since 2008 but only put out my first song on Soundcloud in late 2018. Since working with KOH a year later, we have been steadily building and releasing music. We have a lot more coming…
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
KOH: I used to be in rock and metal bands when I was younger playing bass. Over the years, I decided to get into production instead as my taste moved more over to rap/hip hop. My studio experience gave me a small head start!
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name LARWOOD & KOH?
LARWOOD: For me, I was introduced to American rap and hip-hop in the form of Jay-Z, Eminem and Nas; the usual suspects. As I got a little older, I became obsessed with the SBTV world and studying Ghetts, Skepta, Wretch, Chip and Devlin – again; the stalwarts of UK rap and grime. The name LARWOOD came about because my grandad was a huge cricket fan. One of his favourite players was a bloke called Harold Larwood. When my grandad died, this was the name that stuck.
KOH: My parents are from a Portuguese island and I live in the UK which is also an island. Finally, I so happened to be on an island in Thailand trying to find a name so I used KOH which means island in Thai. Knowing if I ever collaborated with someone, KOH on the end sounds the same as Co. I always knew it would work with someone’s name before it. As for influences, 9th wonder, Apollo Brown and J Dilla got me starting to use the MPC and chopping up old 70’s bangers.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Lungs’. Is there a story behind it?
LARWOOD: Yes, quite a significant one for us. KOH sent me the beat and I started mucking around with the lyric: ‘all I’ve got is this air in my lungs’. Towards the end of the song, there is a subtle beat shift which changed the tone of the tune and I penned a verse that focused on a conversation I’d had with my friend Luke Pierre after George Floyd’s murder. It touches on anti-racism, action and a reminder to myself not to get complacent around these issues. Luke directed the music video which is my favourite video to date. All proceeds from the song will be donated to two black-led charities – the Black Ticket Project and Stopwatch UK.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
KOH: Absolutely. We’re in the process of finishing off our second EP as we speak. No release date as of yet but expect it to be early Spring 2023. Keep your eyes peeled!
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
KOH: I can’t say we sound much like other artists to be honest. I feel like we have our own thing going which has a blend of multiple sub genres of rap and hip-hop. We’re influenced by so much so it can be hard to fit us in just one box – if you know what I mean.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
LARWOOD: Great question! In terms of fulfilment – when we finish a song or a project and it sounds as good as we hope; there is no better feeling. Naturally, when you put music out publicly, you want it to be heard and enjoyed but that is out of our control and that’s still something we are getting used to. Having said that, I am hoping that over the next few years or so, our fanbase grows and we get the opportunity to play bigger stages and reach a wider audience!
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
KOH: It mainly starts with me creating a beat and sending it over to LARWOOD and going from there. Beat wise – that can be sparked from anywhere; from a simple sample from a vinyl or the internet, a loop found somewhere, chords I’ve played around with or even starting with a drum break first. I don’t have a set way of going about it – I just go with anything I’m feeling at the time.
LARWOOD: For me, I tend to write something specific to the beat. When I hear the beat that’s when an idea, a word or a rhyme scheme comes about. Having said that, I’ve written verses to beats that haven’t been KOH’s and if I love it – I may try and use it!
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
LARWOOD: Another great question. Financial difficulties can be challenging – KOH and I both have other jobs in order to live and fund the music. Marketing and music videos can be costly and we are still finding the right balance on where we need to spend money.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
KOH: As cheesy as it may sound, linking up with LARWOOD. Teaming up with such a talented lyricist has opened doors for sure. Looking forward to more doors and opportunities to come. Being noticed by publications and new listeners giving us cred is always a nice touch. It lets us know to keep going and what we’re doing so far is getting people’s attention
