KAIRO Breaks Boundaries with ‘Are We There Yet?’: A Bold Debut Celebrating Roots and Redefining Pop

ALBUM RELEASEPOP

Nov 12

— November 12, 2024 —

Nigerian-born, Houston-raised twins EJ and AK, known together as KAIRO, offered a glimpse into their journey, influences, and creative process as they prepared to release their debut album, ARE WE THERE YET? on November 13th. Originally computer science students, the duo pivoted to pursue music, driven by a shared passion that had been a constant since their childhood.

Raised on gospel in their father’s church, music has always been central to their lives. “We would sing in our dads church when we were younger,” AK noted during the º1824 press conference. Though EJ was the first to put out a song on SoundCloud during high school, both brothers quickly became invested, with AK adding, “The passion was the same.”

Their roots in Houston were instrumental in shaping their approach to music. EJ described the city’s creative energy and close-knit community as teaching them the value of ambition and drive. “Growing up in Houston taught us to be hungry,” he noted. Moving to Los Angeles later on revealed a new world of possibilities, yet brought its own cultural shifts. “Everyone acts different in LA,” AK said, noting the diversity and competitiveness of LA’s music scene. While LA’s resources opened doors, Houston’s influence remained core to their work.

The making of ARE WE THERE YET? was an extensive and exploratory process. After working through over 200 demos, they cut the list to 13 tracks, aiming for depth and variety within the album. “If we wanted to try a genre, we wouldn’t stop until we felt like we had a good song,” EJ explained. They hope to move beyond fleeting TikTok hits, instead prioritizing a lasting connection with listeners. “A lot of people can write a cool song, but what past that makes people want to stay and listen?” EJ asked.

The º1824 press conference members were able to get an exclusive listen to their single, “ANYBODY HOME?”, off the album before the official release on November 13th. The song centers on their immigrant journey and family experiences, offering a candid look at their past and aspirations. “It feels like a genesis for the album,” AK said, likening the sound to artists like Brockhampton and Daniel Caesar. Both brothers emphasized that ARE WE THERE YET? represents more than just their musical journey—it’s a celebration of representation and a testament to their heritage. “We want Black boys in pop,” AK added, describing their desire to bring fresh perspectives and stories to the genre. “Khalid was a crazy pioneer in pop. We want more diversity in what we are experiencing.”

Working as twins has been both a benefit and a challenge. They admitted to occasional disagreements, though they felt their bond was an asset overall. “People expect us to fight over what part to sing,” EJ joked, but added that their shared voice and vision kept them on track. “Having a sibling in the industry is a blessing,” AK said. “We go through the same experiences and can talk about it—and write a song about it.”

For EJ and AK, ARE WE THERE YET? is the most confident project they’ve created, the culmination of years of dedication and shared ambition. Despite the pressure of social media and the drive to make commercial hits, they are committed to promoting an album that fully represents who they are. “The confidence for this album is at an all-time high,” AK said. “We are not going to stop promoting it.” With ARE WE THERE YET?, KAIRO is poised to introduce their unique voice and vision to a wider audience, offering an authentic snapshot of their lives, passions, and culture.

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