IDA KUDO, who grew up in Denmark with a Danish father and Japanese mother, draws inspiration from her ethnic roots, blending Eastern mystique with Scandinavian precision. She is a graduate of the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen and BIMM in London. KUDO’s early music, marked by a fusion of tribal-inspired electronic beats and Eastern undertones, captured significant attention, starting with her self-titled debut EP in 2015. Her subsequent single releases, “Killer (2016) and “JINX” (2017), ignited acclaim in Copenhagen’s electronic music scene. Her collaboration on DJ Kongsted’s “Get Away” and her performance at Zulu TV Awards in 2018 further boosted her profile. She continued to explore and evolve artistically on releases including “Wolf” and “Ghost” as well as a collaboration with Yoad Nevo in 2019 on the song “Born In the Sun.”
KUDO’s new single “The Power That Is Woman” is the first song from her forthcoming Spring 2024 EP release ‘Proud’ on Pasadena Records. Writing and collaborating with award-winning British music producer Andrew Hunt, IDA KUDO creates a unique Scandinavian-Asian sound with a British touch in the production. The result is an eclectic mix embracing hip-hop attitude, ‘50s orchestration and backing vocals that range from graceful harmonies to chanting tribal choirs. It's vibrant yet subtle and full of feminine power and strength akin to artists such as St. Vincent, Fiona Apple and Kimbra.
Question the underlying expectations of modern society. Find your inner voice. Be true to yourself.
These are a few of the messages IDA KUDO delivers in a sophisticated musical offering with intricate grooves, memorable songs, and powerful statements on her new EP ‘Proud'. This project reflects her concern for societal issues and a desire for deeper values and inner freedom while continuing her tradition of blending diverse cultural influences.
“We live in a modern age where we’re becoming more and more detached from ourselves and from nature, slowly disconnecting with whom we really are and what we really stand for. I want people to wake up. The songs are a call to face the inner struggles, to stand up for our integrity instead of being dulled into conformity and seeking the easier choice," says IDA KUDO.
"We wanted to create something new. Sophisticated and credible, yet still pop. The songs are recorded with a musical depth and we worked hard at the songwriting; lyrics with something to say, verses that allowed complexity, balanced with choruses so catchy they’ll stick in your head all day", says producer Andrew Hunt.
IDA KUDO has earned a reputation internationally with her explosive energy and unique sound. KUDO has performed on prestigious stages, including the UHØRT! Festival, Cph Distortion, and the Copenhagen Pride Festival. Beyond her native Denmark, she has toured throughout the UK and Europe, even sharing a stage with Sting in Austria. International airplay support includes BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, Danish national radio, as well as radio in Germany and France. Previous releases (‘Gold', 'Jinx' and 'Wolf’) have been used in several TV series, including Netflix's 'Selling Sunset' and in international campaigns including Starbucks, Victoria's Secret, Facebook, Riott Games and Audi.
IDA KUDO ‘Proud’ EP
Pasadena Records/Nordic Music Society
Release date: April 19, 2024
Music and lyrics: IDA KUDO and Andrew Hunt
Producer: Andrew Hunt
Mix: Andrew Hunt
More about IDA KUDO:
BIO HERE
Photo credit: Sarah Sanctuary / Download
