What is your name?
KiNG MALA
Give us a little bio about you.
My name is Areli and I’m from El Paso, TX and Im currently based in LA. I started playing writing music in high school and when I graduated I moved to LA to go to school and ended up starting my project KiNG MALA. After playing shows for a while with my band, I met my producer and we started writing and recording our new EP GEMiNi in early 2020. After the world shutdown we decided to spend all of lockdown writing more music and focusing on the project.
What made you go into music?
I can’t really remember the distinct moment in my life when I decided to pursue music, it kind of always felt like what I was gonna do. But when I was growing up I knew I had a passion for music and that I wanted to go into a creative field. I always knew that making music and being creative is what brought me the most joy.
Who are your influences?
I grew up listening to soul and blues music like Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. So that kind of song writing and melody style really influences my writing. I also draw influence from Alternative Rock, Hyper Pop and Indie Pop artists. Some of my favorite artists are Donna Missal, K Flay, spill tab, boy life and mercy merci.
Are you a signed?
I am! Im signed to an indie label called Handwritten records
You released your debut EP ‘GEMinI, tell us more about the single.
Im so excited to finally have this EP out, it feels like I have been working on it for so long and the fact that its finally out still blows my mind. This EP is kind of a look into my brain a bit. There are moments of hyper confidence but there is also a lot of vulnerability on the record. The production style is really fluid and follows the story of each song, creating so many moments that really emotionally impactful.
What is the meaning behind the EP?
I named the EP GEMiNi because when it was finally finished and I listened back to all the songs I noticed these two characters emerge throughout the record. This super confident version of myself, and a softer, sweeter version. There are two conflicting parts of myself that I think you can hear throughout the record, and I think that a lot of people can relate to feeling like there are different versions of yourself.
Describe each track in two words.
● sugarblind: sweet tooth
● If I Try To Find You: healing hurt
● Homebody: antisocial butterfly
● B4U: in love
● Give Me: unapologetically demanding
● Funeral: transformation, reborn
Who did you work with on the EP?
I worked with my producer Rob Auerbach, my mixing engineer Tyler Spratt, our mastering engineer John Greenham, my label Handwritten Records and my manager Matt Lieberman
Will we see a music video for any of the tracks?
Yes! There is a music video for sugarblind and Homebody already and there is a new one coming in 2021.
What else can we expect in 2020 and Early 2021?
More music! I want to start releasing all the stuff I have been working on throughout 2020 as well as create a lot more content and merch!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Touring the world with my first album released
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Say yes and figure it out later
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My mic, my bass, a tuning pedal, some tea and dope outfit.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes! Its @kingmalamusic on everything!
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