Kenyan singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Binoy has released his new EP, Boyhood. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Raised by Indian and Sri Lankan immigrant parents, Binoy uses his song writing to "authentically pinpoint his experiences and feelings as a queer person of colour."
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Boyhood centres around his adolescence and prompts the question of what we would say to our younger selves if given the chance, exploring themes of masculinity, family turmoil, and queerness in the process.
Binoy co-produced Boyhood with producer, friend, and multi-instrumentalist Arthur Besna, who has worked in the past with XYLØ, Madison Rose, and Paula Jivén.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. I'm a Leo. I started playing music when I was just six years old!
How would you describe your music?
I call it pop music with global influences. I grew up surrounded by different cultures, ranging from my Kenyan upbringing to my Sri Lankan and Indian parents. Today I try my best to integrate those facets of my identity into my love of creating pop music.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Taylor Swift, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, Lorde, MIKA, and Lord Huron are definitely my biggest musical inspirations.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I had the honour of seeing Taylor Swift’s RED Tour in London at the O2 Arena back in 2014. It truly blew my mind and cemented my want to pursue music full-time.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Another Taylor Swift moment! I believe it was her third album Speak Now in 2010.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I really love Jessie Ware’s new album, so I’ll give it to her track Begin Again.
Favourite lyric of all time?
This is so tough because there are so many! I quite recently heard a lyric from one of my favourite bands, The War On Drugs, which goes, "Time surrounds me like an ocean/My memories like waves/Is life just dying in slow motion?/Or getting stronger everyday?" I think there’s so much depth behind these words and the song as a whole, which itself is called I Don’t Live Here Anymore.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
State of Grace by Taylor Swift.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find me on any and all streaming platforms under the name Binoy, on all social media @binoymusic, and you can also check out my website for music, merch, and more!
