Artists

Brothers Chris and Evan Brown started Kotadama in New South Wales, Australia around 2007. Writing together, they create a sound blending pop and melodic rock together in a rare form that relaxes the ear drum. In the beginning, they were only covering U2 songs, but figured out that playing music was their passion and wanted to form their own style. Spending time recording their new found style in a studio, they were un-satisfied with the results. They decided to turn an old barn into a recording studio for themselves. What came out of that barn was not only original, but a remarkable example of musicianship.

After a hard fight, Kotadama began getting radio play, not in just their area, but internationally. Their music has gained recognition around the world, and they’ve been invited to play at a few different music festivals, and are finalists for Festival4stars Song Writing Competition in London. Kotadama is stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight of the pop/rock music scene. Listen and fall in love with their flowing and melodic music.

Here at HotIndieArtists, we got the opportunity to ask Kotadama a few questions. Enjoy!

Written by: Xan Mandell

How did you start your band? I was sitting for my University Entrance Exams and needed a break. Evan and I were keen U2 fans so we thought we would teach ourselves to play some instruments. I worked on guitar and keyboards and Evan worked on the drums. Before long, we were covering U2 songs and decided that we wanted to create our own sound.

How would you guys describe your music? Our music is best described as soft  melodic rock with keyboards and strings being a major part.

What bands influence you? Mostly U2

What are things you think are important for somebody who’s never heard your band to know? Words are a powerful thing, Each song has a story to tell. They are stories that most of us can relate to through life experiences…..covering most human emotions. Some songs are statements of how our world is structured and the part we play.

Do you think it is easier or harder to be brothers in a band, do you feel it shapes the music you play, (If you were both in other bands, do you think they would each sound different)? I think easier…. We both have the same goals and  the same tastes in music so we both know our jobs and parts when it comes to the creation and production of our music. I don’t think I would survive in any other band as I’m way to fussy  and particular when it comes to our songs.

Why the name Kotadama? Where did you come up with it? We tried to come up with a name that had meaning for us. We did not want a name that lots of other bands across the world had. Quite by accident, we came across “Kotadama” and really loved the meaning. We’ve always been strong believers in the power of words and the concept behind words and the intentions behind them having an impact on the immediate environment, so this just seemed to stick.

How did it feel to have had acceptance from other countries? Initially, we tried very hard to gain exposure in Australia.(very difficult, as all indies know)  After several months of effort, we decided to send our music overseas and have had a wonderful response since. It was a amazing feeling to be accepted by other countries and invited to perform there. We have been invited to perform in Japan, Barcelona and US. KISS FM, NY have also offered us their support when we come to New York. These we’re very important milestones in our career as one of the hardest triumphs in music is self belief. After trialling several recording studios as well, we decided to produce our own material….it gave us a lot more flexibility and creativity at little cost.

Are you pushing to get yourself out there and get signed, or are you comfortable where you stand so far? We have no plans to get signed at this stage. We believe that if we are able to continue creating our songs, and keep putting it out there, then the world will hear us at some point.

Is there any place for fans to purchase or download your music, or is MySpace the only way to listen? At the moment, you can hear our songs at www.myspace.com/kotadama and www.kotadama.com. We are currently taking down our single and will replace it with the final version. We are also finishing our first album, “Dichotomy” and this will be available in a few weeks. The preliminary album has had some magazine reviews already and they have been very positive.

What are the upcoming plans for the band (tours, new music etc..)? Our plans for the immediate future depend on the outcome of our songs in competitions. Currently, “See you Tonight” is in the finals in Festival4stars competition in London. If we win our section, then we will go to London in early November to perform. Also, we have been nominated for HMMAwards in LA. If we make the finals there, we will come to the US to perform there and likely stay a while. We have just partnered up with David Kershenbaum to work together and hopefully get exposure and become known in the US. Two days ago, we were invited to play at the Viper room series…early next year. We have also,  in the last few days been selected for promotion in UK and Europe by two companies,…. so I guess we may be looking to tour Europe next year if all goes well. We will post any developments and plans on our websites.

What would be a dream band to play with?

Dream band to play with?……..Easy answer…….. U2

Make sure to leave your comments on this talented band!!!