KAKI KING PROJECTS GOOD FEELINGS AT THE HIGHLINE BALLROOM

A pristine white guitar rested on stage at the Highline Ballroom Friday night as Kaki King strode out, clad in all white from her shoes to her sunglasses. She picked up the guitar and sat on her stool as the room went dark and projections started to swirl not only behind her but on the guitar as well.

Throughout her set, the projections on Kaki’s guitar, and behind her, flowed with the music. Different spiraling patterns changed color around her as well as some video footage of the city. Her sound emulated the projections in a way; it was a wave of whimsical electric sound with undertones of country bluegrass.

The guitar even had it’s own part of the show where it “spoke” to the crowd through words written on the projections, and a funny video of the guitar walking around the city, about it’s life feeling different from other guitars. It’s seemingly a metaphor for Kaki’s life about how much music means to her and that even though she’s different from other musicians, all she had to do “was just keep playing.”

The entire concert was an excerpt from her newest piece titled, “The Neck is the Bridge to the Body.” Kaki explains more about her work and how she creates music below.

When did you get interested in music?

Kaki King: My parents started me on guitar lessons at age 4.

What does performing and creating music mean to you?

KK: It has entirely shaped my lifestyle and identity. I’ve devoted 30 years to the organization of sound.

What’s the premise behind “The Neck is the Bridge to the Body”?

KK: The guitar is a stand in for any instrument. I am just the facilitator of the music in this case, and the focus is on the guitar itself. Through the music and the visuals a story of creation, travel and adventure, of nostalgia, deconstruction, struggle, and serenity plays out on the instrument. It is the story of the guitar, and it is the story of my relationship to the guitar.

Tell me about the guitar you use and how it works?

KK: It’s my signature Ovation Adamas guitar. It has been painted white and is screwed into two stands

How long have you been using that guitar?

KK: I’ve been playing Adamas since I made my first record in 2003

Article by: Merissa Blitz