Profile: Kai Undrell
It is very rare to come across a new artist that simultaneously pushes their creative boundaries while also having honed a truly unique sound. Chesterfield-born singer-songwriter Kai Undrell is one of those rare artists, and with just two singles under his belt, he is only at the beginning of a journey that is full of promise. As both a musician and a film-maker, the young Renaissance man doesn’t necessarily see his songs in straight-forwardly ‘musical’ way.
There is certainly a cinematic quality to his latest single ‘Can of Worms’, with it’s captivating depiction of everyday life and everyday love. Speaking to Only A Northern One, Kai told us how he doesn’t see a huge distinction or separation between the two worlds.
“What I hope to create is a visual universe for my music; videos which connect to one another, if not the records themselves. I'm well into the process of creating this, and if it's anything close to what I envision, people will be both confused and hooked.”
Undrell has written and directed a number of short films including ‘Stand Up’, which was released in 2019. The film depicts an aging comedian who returns to the spotlight after years in isolation. While the subject matter in this particular film and the story of young love in ‘Can of Worms’ couldn’t be more different, the nuance of emotion in the writing remains the same.
While we can’t wait to see how this visual universe manifests itself, it again shows how this young artist has high ambitions and the desire and talent to deliver on them. The musical influences that permeate ‘Can of Worms’ are subtle and yet come together to create a really captivating soundscape. There is undeniably a Nirvana-esque grunge to the bass line that kicks off the track, complete with Kai’s intensely melodic vocal delivery.
Alongside the clear Kurt Cobain influence, Kai Undrell holds other era-defining musicians in similar esteem - with his family playing a major part in defining his creative spirit and music taste.
“My parents were always supportive of my interests growing up, my dad was a musician and I began filming short movies on a camcorder aged 6 - so film and music were literally was my first loves, along with Cruella De Vil. Although my Dad was the musician, Mum was usually the one who'd turn the speakers up for ABBA, Blondie, The Beatles, occasionally Pink Floyd - it is no surprise that these became key inspirations whilst growing up - Bowie is king, by the way.”
While his family have clearly been a huge influence on Undrell, he also holds his hometown Chesterfield in particular reverence, and told Only A Northern One how the undercurrent of artist fervour in the town has directly inspired his creativity.
“It’s a working class place with an underbelly that is full to the brim with a lot of 'artsy'-types; musicians, writers, painters, pottery makers and filmmakers - so being surrounded by inspiring people has definitely contributed to my keen attitude, put it that way.”
What is reflected across both ‘Can of Worms’ and previous single ‘Stargazing’ is a true willingness to experiment, an impressive attribute given how these are only Undrell’s first two releases. His latest single ‘Can of Worms’ reflects his wide-array of influences, combining darker alt-rock sounds with soaring indie-pop melodies. With so much potential contained within two singles, to say Kai Undrell is one to watch is a real understatement.
Words: Chloe West
Read our review of Kai Undrell - Can of Worms here.
Listen to Kai Undrell on the Only A Northern One playlist here.