kwn Talks Raw R&B, Bedroom Studios and Queer Representation
The artist sits down with Hypebae for an interview.
From selling out her first tour to a soul-snatching FLO feature, R&B singer kwn is breathing new life into the genre. The artist blew up after releasing “eyes wide open,” and shortly followed up with the single-turned TikTok viral song, “do what i say ft. Kehlani.” In conversation with us, the East Londoner talks us through her recent success, securing those collabs, queer representation and more.
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Most fans don’t know that kwn’s current run was bred after not receiving the credit she believed she deserved. She quite literally “locked in” to her bedroom studio and produced her first album, with all due respect.
For the singer, the term “bedroom studio” is both literal and metaphorical. Since going viral in 2024, kwn’s music has become a sex playlist must-add with “do what i say” embodying everything the girls love about R&B: it’s sexy – or “freaky deaky” as kwn jokingly categorized the project – and lets us live out our inner yearner. In kwn’s universe, it’s that and then some – by a queer woman.
Keep reading for our conversation with kwn on music, collaborations and more.
How does it feel to have your first sold-out tour?
Oh, incredible. Can’t believe it. Well, I can believe it, but I can’t at the same time. It’s amazing. Super grateful.
How did you get FLO to agree to that single?
They’re my girls, man. They’re the homies, so it was natural. I had a couple of sessions with them beforehand, working on some of their production and songwriting for them.
@kwnway avengers assemble @FLO ♬ talk you through it (feat. FLO) – kwn
I actually had a different song that never made it onto the project that I originally wanted them on. Later, I made “talk you through” and thought, “Nah, this is the right song for them.” I got them in the studio, and it was so natural. We all had a good time.
Are there any unreleased collaborations with FLO – writing or otherwise?
That’s actually the first thing that we have together.
What or who was your inspiration behind “do what I say?”
It’s crazy because I had no inspiration at the time. I was feeling super uncreative. I was going through beats, trying new things and nothing was working. Then, I pulled up this beat and wrote the first line and thought, “Oh, this is going somewhere.” When I finished it, the song was half the speed — it was super slow.
I sped it up and sent it to my manager and she said, “Yeah, this is sick.” It’s different for me because it doesn’t have many layers to it. There aren’t any crazy harmonies or background vocals on there. It’s just me spitting, so it was a weird one for me to fall in love with, but I did in the end.
You’ve previously shared that you love to record in your bedroom studio.
I always say I think I’m allergic to professional studios. They’re daunting and feel like so much pressure. You only book it for a certain number of hours and then you’re looking at the time like, “Oh my goodness, I’ve only got two hours left.”
I’m in LA right now and we have this Airbnb with a back house, so I’ve just recreated my bedroom studio in the back. I prefer to take my time because if I have to sing the same line 50 times over, I can. It’s just me doing my thing and I can give myself grace.
Do you have a dream studio location, though?
Um… my bedroom.
Which of the tracks from the project were the most challenging to write?
Probably “war to be over.” I wrote that in 2023. It wasn’t challenging to write, but I am a person who struggles to communicate my emotions in general. It helped me realize how I was feeling. It was a hard truth for me. I guess it was more emotionally triggering than difficult to write.
If you could have your dream feature tomorrow, who would it be?
I really want to work with Ty Dolla $ign. Lola Young, too, she’s great and she’s from the UK.
How important is representation to you as you establish your lane in R&B?
Very. I’m trying to send the message to just be yourself and not care what anybody else thinks. I hate that we live in a time of so much judgment and weird perspectives about people. I think that everybody should mind their business and get on with their own lives. I really just do me and I hope people are inspired by that. Don’t shy away from who you want to be or who you are right now.
This interview has been condensed for clarity.
While you’re here, take a look at TELFAR’s new drop.
