Name: Artists You Should Know: Drift to the Oceanic House of Sounds of Walker’s New Single “KO”
Uploaded: 2023-09-22T10:00:00-07:00
Channel: Steven Ward
Description: The project of Cuban-Mexican artist Milan de la Rocha — a first-generation Latino — the single arrives as the initial steps of his music journey.

Los Angeles-based Sounds of Walker has shared a sublimely entrancing new song with the release of “KO.” The project of Cuban-Mexican artist Milan de la Rocha — a first-generation Latino — the single arrives as the initial steps of his music journey. It might be the only song he currently has out but its mercurial and immersive electro landscape lends it an exhilerating replayability.

“KO” overflows with all the opulent textures and pulsating rhythms of a mesmeric house track, it relies heavily on the anthemic propulsion of bass and iridescent synth-pop that radiates from its spiraling melody. Yet it also showcases Rocha’s devotion to crafting songs that are both intricately emotional and glamorously hook-filled. From its ecstatic instrumentals — including a particularly ravishing piano — to its dually enthralling and inspiring lyricism.

Written while on a flight between Bangkok and Koh Samui, Thailand — “KO” revels in the refulgent possibilities and identities that comprise any one individual. “As I saw what seemed to be hundreds of tiny islands strewn across the horizon, shimmering like stars in the sun’s orange glow, I had a strong feeling that we all are like those tiny islands,” he explained. “Whole worlds within, fully sustained, but yet connected in so many ways.”

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The new single also comes with a visually enchanting music video that only adds to the captivating surreality of Sounds of Walker. One that envisions Rocha alone in a room sitting at a table. Only he’s completely obscured by the camera’s mind-boggling distortions of color and shape — that is until he starts to glow a variation of blue and orange hues. As if brought alive by the song’s invigorating rush he starts to dance at his seat, waving his arms fluidly between disorienting close-ups of his prismatic features. The video mirroring all the kaleidoscopic fusions of sound that define his music.