New Artist Discovery: Goldilox
Imagine being a struggling artist who is sought out and signed by a multi-million dollar record company. Then imagine asking that very same label to drop you so you can continue your burgeoning career as an independent artist. Canadian DJ, singer, and songwriter Goldilox, formerly known as Kay, has been through and seen it all, and she’s finally ready to get the recognition she so rightfully deserves.
It almost seems unfair to label her a pop singer, with a variety of other influences evident in her work, from the disco era to Gwen Stefani. Luckily the unpredictability of her music works in her favor, because what makes her so electric is that she’s an artist who truly doesn’t sound like anyone else. A retro fusion of Madonna and Gal Gadot, she’s glamorously groovy and a self-proclaimed intergalactic goddess.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, music eventually took her to Los Angeles, where she was signed to Interscope Records after her debut single “My Name is Kay” went full viral, with views topping 480,000 on YouTube. Being unhappy with her experience and feeling reluctant to sign to the several major labels that also wanted ownership of her, Goldilox went fully independent after releasing her debut EP Skin with Sony in 2016. Luckily, her single “100%” and its accompanying video garnered popularity before she left, leaving fans to wonder what was next.
Now fully on her own, she’s able to create music that is authentic to who she is and it shows. Her lyrics are raw and drenched in emotion, interlaced with dreamy, psychedelic beats that blurs the lines between indie-pop and electronic. In an interview with Canadian Beats, she shared “In my lyrics, I don’t filter my adventures, my experiences, or my disillusions. This is how I find myself and proclaim my artistic freedom. “
Her songs will leave you intoxicated, thanks to producer TheRealG, who is the genius behind her iridescent, siren-like sound that is a far departure from the artist she was when collaborating when the likes of Diplo, Steve Aoki, Cobra StarShip and Pusha-T. From charting on the Canadian Hot 100 to essentially beginning your career from scratch, there’s a vulnerability that surfaces when an artist looks risk in the eyes and accepts. She’s distant, with a mystery about her that lures you in and leaves you thirsting for more.
Her visuals are sensual and dreamy, telling stories of forbidden freedom and a love so daunting. Her latest visual for the single “I Love You” will instantly transport you to the ‘70s, complete with a disco ball, metallic gown, and band decked out in silk vests.
Once serving as a maid in Beverly Hills, there was no hesitation to leave everything she knows and live brightly amongst the French art scene as a DJ in Paris. She’s finally nestled into the perfect environment to blossom in her artistry, thus her funk-fused album “Very Best” being born. “Sex Paranoia” is a fan favorite and must listen, but the single “Candy Girl” jumps out particularly. It has a Pharrell-esque groove that is tangible.
With plans to tour soon, one can only imagine what the Goldilox experience fans have in store is. In the meantime, if you still haven’t listened to Goldilox, now is most certainly the time to give this international music sensation a spin. And if you’re already a Goldilox fan, get ready to say "I told you so.”
