Kohla has released her new single ‘Sweetest Love’.
The Edinburgh singer-songwriter crafted her latest dreamy release with collaborator Dave Llyod from Stillhound, spotlighting her Hollywood and vintage cinema inspired soundscape.
Speaking of her new single, Kohla said: “‘Sweetest Love’ is a nostalgic reflection of my early 20s. My life at that point…I was a little directionless. I was releasing and performing music to not much notice. But I was in love and enjoying the small things – my boyfriend was in a band and I’d spend my weekends watching him perform and having fun in the old bars in Glasgow. There is a soft naivety to the lyrics – at that age, we weren’t fully grown. But it was also quite a magical time in my life. I wanted to illustrate how beautiful and painful love is, but also honouring that relationship for what it was – ‘I lost myself to you’.”
To celebrate her single release, Kohla shared 5 tracks that influenced ‘Sweetest Love’.
Audrey Hepburn – Moon River | Listen via Spotify
This song is so gorgeous and dream-like, it’s definitely a major influence on ‘Sweetest Love’ but also my project as a whole. Audrey sings so softly as if she’s whispering in your ear – which I think makes this lonely lullaby even more powerful.
Claude Debussy – Clair De Lune | Listen via Spotify
‘Clair De Lune’ is one of my favourite songs ever created. It’s amazing how much emotion one instrument can bring if it is played well. This song always soothes me – it feels like moonlight walk beneath twinkling stars. I often listen to this song on a one-hour loop when I’m painting. I was brought up on classical music and ‘Clair De Lune’ takes me back to happier times.
Marilyn Monroe – I Wanna Be Loved By You | Listen via Spotify
I adore this classic performance by Marilyn, she’s so charismatic, and direct but also sultry and soft. I am definitely influenced by Marilyn’s natural vibrato in her voice and the control she has. I also love the beauty and simplicity of the lyrics in this song – it’s so open, honest, and refreshing.
Tamzene – Like It Never Happened | Listen via Spotify
I’ve always been a massive fan of my friend and fellow popgirl Tamzene. She’s so talented and I love the timeless, vintage influence on her music. I find this song in particular really magical – her soft harmonies that flutter in every chorus and the lush strings that swell around her felt piano. Tamzene has a talent in transporting her listeners into another world. I could gush over her forever! Her music is so emotional and beautiful. She’s also a really sweet and kind person.
Mary Costa – Once Upon A Dream | Listen via Spotify
This song brings be back to childhood – how naive I was as a young girl that love would be as pure as Disney movies! However, I have a lot of respect for classic Disney’s artistry in music. There is so much joy and romance in this performance – the shrill of Mary’s voice which compliments the backing chorus so beautifully, and the shift in tonal dynamic when Bill Shirley begins to duet with her. This song to me is the epitome of vintage Disney.
You can listen to Kohla new single ‘Sweetest Love’ via Spotify below: