KOSSISKO

• Kossisko portrayed a DJ in HBO’s wildly successful Euphoria, and portrayed themselves in two seasons of Netflix’s Sex/Life. Their music has been licensed in a variety of television shows and used in video games including Grand Theft Auto V. Marvel comics even paid homage to one of Kossisko’s early album covers. Their exceptional musical output has been lauded in publications like NYLON, Fader, SPIN, Vulture, VICE and Pitchfork to name a few. As an artist who has lived at the intersection of film, music and fashion, they’ve been featured in an iPhone campaign and additionally shined as a sought after model, working for Billionaire Boys Club, Mr. Saturday and Midnight Studios. All this visibility put the Grammy nominated songwriter in a circle with some of the biggest artist in the world, as their charisma and artistry could not be denied.Still with all that career actualization, Kossisko struggled with feeling like an outsider–quietly carrying that emotion from a young age. But after surviving a traumatic brain injury, a crossroad moment was at hand. Now, as a proud gender-fluid person of color, Kossisko embraces the power to live authentically. Fearlessly carving out a new path that merges artistic expression with living their deep personal truth. This free spirit now fully embraces the philosophy of P-funk mastermind George Clinton who shouted, “Free your mind and your ass will follow!”It’s no doubt that Kossisko has always had an edge. But with a new album and vibe dubbed WTFUNK, the artist takes that edge to another level. Beyond a sound that is less reliant on technology and more reliant on a raw, natural feel, this music also pays homage to vanguards like Lady Gaga, Rick James, Prince, Donna Summer and others. Because like them, Kossisko wants an inherent freedom, even a self-indulgence to express whatever the funk they want.Kossisko’s expression through this new music encourages everyone to not give a damn about what others think about you. Nor be marginalized because of your challenges. So whether it’s mental health issues, anxiety, depression or anything that would hold one back from having agency, his music affirms that we all deserve joy and the space to be who we are without being defined by people who don’t get you. Kossisko believes this attitude is the highest form of self-care, a self-care that lets you take your rightful place in the world.
• “I want to maintain a clarity about myself and my music so that I’m not projecting anyone else’s limited thinking.” – KossiskoStarting this latest musical journey in Los Angeles, Kossisko started to feel less and less connected to the world around them and soon felt contrived energies leaking into the studio. Instinctively sensing a change was needed, Kossisko traveled far away–very far away, ending up in Auckland, New Zealand. With sweeping views of the Tasman Sea and reflective strolls through the lush rainforest, inspiration emerged. With these newfound energies, a vision was starting to manifest itself. Kossisko says, “New Zealand brought on a sense of groundedness and a feeling of being more human.” The artist, who now identifies as they or them, really got into the roots of funk while recording in the beautiful South Pacific. Galvanizing a group of live musicians, Kossisko was more empowered to be organic, more empowered to spread love and even more empowered to just have fun. Kossisko knows for sure that this audacious music is what is needed now–and personally, this is exactly where this innovative artist wants to be. Herb Powell/2023

Event Venue

Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, San Francisco, United States