KINO of Pentagon, who has embarked on a new journey by starting his one-man label, NAKED, showcases candid and authentic music that portrays the artist with no frills. The lyrics to “Fashion Style” tell the listeners that they are beautiful just as they are. We asked KINO what type of music makes KINO the artist he is. 

KINO - “Fashion Style”

KINO: This is an easy-listening pop song that you can enjoy for a long time. It talks about how you are the most beautiful when you stay true to yourself. I wrote it with the hope that everyone who listens to this song gets to love themselves even more than before. It’s perfect for when you’re driving!

PinkPantheress - “Angel”

KINO: I listened to this song the most when I was writing “Fashion Style.” I think I might have absorbed the song through osmosis because I can tell the two songs took a leaf out of the same book. The relaxed melody layered over a fast-paced rhythm is why I like this song so much.

Harry Styles - “Daylight”

KINO: I sometimes let out a laugh when I listen to Harry Styles. I can see his whimsical personality trickled into his music. I want to make music like that, too. I want the people who listen to my music to feel what I felt when I made the song, whatever it may be.

Tyla - “Water”

KINO: This song is one of the biggest international hits at the moment. I’ve fallen in love with it, too. It has a great Afrobeat that makes it perfect for dancing. It’s made complete with the accompanying performance. I imagined myself spraying myself with water and dancing while listening to it!

Tems - “Not An Angel”

KINO: I think this is the coolest R&B track that I’ve listened to recently. There’s gravitas to the melody, but it isn’t too heavy. It also maintains good tension with minimal variation. I think it’s perfect in every way. I think it sounds particularly good after sundown.

Fudasca - “How It Was” (feat. KINO, lentra) 

KINO: This is a song that I featured in. I thought of someone missing and longing for their lover on the Malibu Beach when I sang it. I listen to it when I want to feel warmth in my heart.

Silica Gel - “NO PAIN”

KINO: I still remember the shock I felt when I first heard this song. The gravelly vocals, the calm melody, the words flowing like a poem—sometimes I feel like I might tear up as I’m listening to it. I am so grateful that there are musicians like this out there.

Taylor Swift - “Cruel Summer”

KINO: This is a classic example of Taylor being Taylor. The lyrics are idealistic but also realistic at the same time. I think the burst of sound at the chorus drew people in from all over the world, including me. It’s the epitome of pop.

MAX - “STRINGS” (feat. JVKE & Bazzi)

KINO: The song called “STRINGS” opens with string instrumentals. It’s actually really intuitive. But the music isn’t predictable at all. The Jersey Club bass rhythm behind the beautiful, out-of-this-world melody just drives me crazy. 

KINO’s Recommendations
Mac Miller - “Good News”

XXXTENTACION - “whoa (mind in awe)”

Olivia Rodrigo - “good 4 u”

Flint - “I Just Wanna Have Fun”

Black Eyed Peas - “Where Is The Love?”

Yaz - “Mr Valentine”

Drake - “Massive”

Elijah Woods - “24/7, 365”