On Our Radar: If there’s anyone who embodies the definition of “visionary,” it’s Kid Koala

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      With a multifacted career spanning three decades, if there’s anyone who truly embodies the definition of “visionary,” it’s Kid Koala.

      Renowned for his unique turntable style, which combines scratching with other forms of storytelling like animation and film, Kid—real name Eric San, born and raised in Vancouver, and Churchill Secondary’s coolest alum—is also a respected film composer and award-winning graphic novelist. And, not to mention, one third of Deltron 3030, the conceptual alternative hip-hop group featuring Del the Funky Homosapien and Dan the Automator.

      Always expanding his sonic universe in fresh and innovative ways, San just announced his forthcoming album, Creatures of the Late Afternoon: a double record that also serves as the soundtrack to an accompanying board game. The game is described in a release as being “built integrally into the vinyl gatefold jacket” and “set at a communal hub of DIY recording studios where various bands of creatures collaborate to explore different ways of expressing and enjoying music.”

      Creatures of the Late Afternoon will be released in four different parts and available in full on April 14. San also played all of the instruments on the record, including piano, drums, saxophone, electric guitar, harmonica, and upright bass—which he then cut to vinyl and reassembled on his turntables.

      "This is the most playful and dynamic album I've done to date. It was a fun time in the studio, exploring the writing/recording process in this way," Kid Koala said in a statement. "There is a wide range of moods on the tracks in terms of both energy and emotion and I'm excited about how the music has turned out. Now I can't wait to get working on the stage production!"

      San’s live shows are legendary, and more like interactive art installations. Take his Satellite Turntable Orchestra, for example, which had the audience sat at individual turntable stations where they were cued to play along with the sound collagist through his set. Hometown fans will get the chance to see what San has in store for this particular project when he plays the Biltmore Cabaret on Thursday, February 9.

      In the meantime, check out the incredible music video for “Jump & Shuffle (Live at the Hardware Store),” which features San’s own animation—1,038 drawings, to be exact! 

      Kid Koala performs at the Biltmore Cabaret on February 9. Tickets are available via AdmitOne.

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