Oregon-based artist Kabir Green has just released his first single since 2008 – “I See Gold” is an indie pop gem with gospel-style layered vocals and dreamy synths. We caught up with Kabir to chat about the new music, his influences, and his non-musical hobbies.

From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “I See Gold”. 

Kabir Green: It’s about struggling with one’s doubts and demons, and discovering hope and light by seeing the world through the eyes of a loved one – even if they feel lost themselves. It’s about how we find ourselves through connection.

This was my first experience moving away from the roots music I’d been playing for close to 30 years and diving into the infinite digital world of synth tones and textures. I recorded it at home, playing every instrument and singing every note. It emerged out of a new stream of consciousness approach where I was able to get out of the way and let something new emerge.

From The Strait: What first made you want to become a musician?

Kabir Green: It all started with harmony; the idea of many voices joined in song to make a new sound seemed magical to me as a kid. It still does. The Beatles were huge too. Listening to Revolver and Rubber Soul in middle school lit a fire under me to create art that can be endlessly creative and touch the soul at the same time. I’ve wanted to open up the hood and try to figure out what gives a great record its heartbeat. There’s a blessing in being completely self taught; it’s allowed me to keep my curiosity and hold onto a sense that there’s always some new musical delight just over the hill waiting to be discovered.  

From The Strait: Who were your musical influences growing up, and how do they differ from your current ones?

Kabir Green:  I grew up loving the great rock and folk singer songwriters like the Beatles, Jackson Browne, Niel Young, Paul Simon. I still love them,

From The Strait: Every artist has their own way of creating songs – what is your songwriting process like?

Kabir Green: For this record, everything started with the music. I would give myself total freedom to play around with synths and guitar tones and beats until I found something that would inspire lyrics and melody. A big departure from the more literate and linear songwriting I aspired to until this point in my life.

From The Strait: What are some of your non-musical hobbies?

Kabir Green: I love to cook. I do woodworking and carpentry. I play basketball every week. I spend time outdoors hiking, biking and skiing. I read to my kids.

From The Strait: If you could curate a festival (with you headlining, of course), who would you want on the bill and what would it be called?

Kabir Green: It’d be called Inspiration Station, with a bill full of the musicians who are lighting a fire under me right now: Lief Vollebeck, Sylvan Esso, Blake Mills, Jacob Collier, Bonny Light Horsemen, Daniel Lanois, John Craigie, Hiss Golden Messenger, Flock of Dimes

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Check out “I See Gold”, the latest single from Kabir Green!

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Follow Kabir Green on Instagram

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