Five Fun Facts with Karaboudjan
Karaboudjan
Two Stages Of Life In Song.
Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Billy Kim, aka Karaboudjan, just released his new single, and oh boy, it will hook you! "Let Go" is the sophomore single from his debut EP titled 'Imago' and it sounds exactly like what finding resolve would sound like. With its catchy and upbeat tempo, the track will have you dancing and hoping it never ends. While the lyrics are a beautiful and bittersweet message of someone reminiscing old memories and coming to terms with letting go. But don't take our word for it; give the song a listen below!
"This is actually the oldest song on the EP. I originally wrote the song instrumentally back in 2013. I knew I wanted the lyrics to contrast the light and laid-back dance vibe the music has. I also knew I wanted the song to be about losing my dad and the vulnerability that it ensues. Lyrically, I finished the entire song in an instant, all but the chorus. And that is how that song stayed until I rehashed it for this EP. It was an interesting experience to write a song in two different stages of life for me," he explained. "But it sort of feels like it was supposed to happen in the way that it did. It was also a bit comical as I had to just "let go" of how the old part sounded. Acceptance in two very different forms”.
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The California native grew up watching his parents play music together, and naturally, by the age of 17, he had embarked on his first national US tour. By 2016, Kim joined Tycho's touring band and relocated to New Jersey, where he wrote most of 'IMAGO'. And as far as his stage name goes, he shared that "it reminds him of the purity of his youth". In case all of these facts about him aren't enough and you want to get to know more about your new favorite artist, we got you covered!
While we eagerly await the release of 'IMAGO' and the joy it will bring to our ears, enjoy our Five Fun Facts with Karaboudjan:
I started teaching myself how to play tennis in 2017, shortly after attending my first professional tennis match at the Australian Open. A few years ago, I organized a flag football game every week until a D3 quarterback threw the hardest ball that ricocheted solely into my left middle finger. I was about to go on tour with Tycho for the first time, and I just permanently altered the use of my hand. Shortly after, I found tennis and have enjoyed playing it with some of the guys on the road. We’ve played in some interesting locations around the world, and I love the balance it gives, especially when you’re on the road.
I dressed up as a Gila monster during a Yo Gabba Gabba episode when The Flaming Lips performed on the show. I was beyond excited for this opportunity as I grew up listening to their records. I got to chat with Wayne Coyne briefly and was grateful for how friendly and approachable he was. It’s not every day you get to meet someone you’ve looked up to for so long.
Growing up, I had this strange gold baby trophy that said, “Healthiest Baby 1987”, and I’ve actually been a pretty healthy person all my life. I’ve never gotten Chickenpox, and I’ve had the flu maybe twice in my life.
When I was younger, I had decided that I wanted to become an aerospace engineer. I wanted to build spaceships and perhaps become an astronaut. That dream didn’t last very long as I entered high school and started a band.
When I was 17, I was on my first national tour, playing bass in a buddy’s band. We were in Georgia when our Florida dates got canceled due to some inclement weather. We drove directly from Vadosta, Georgia back to Orange County, only taking breaks for food, gas, and switching drivers. For some reason, our drummer had painted the van with house paint right before the tour, including the windows. It made for an insanely bleak drive home in a back of a dark van for 54 hours straight.
- Billy Kim (Karaboudjan)
Written by Piera Lolandes