It’s that time of year where every music outlet is compiling their best of, year-end lists, and none will be complete without the inclusion of Hiatus Kaiyote’s incredible Choose Your Weapon. Combining esoteric lyrics, intricate soul-stirring music that just feels good and Nai Palm’s expressive vocals, Hiatus Kaiyote served up a more refined and intentional version of the music that made us fall in love with them in the first place. 

Sure we know they’re from down under. Of course we know that lead singer Nai Palm has the best jewelry on planet Earth. Duh, we know that they have an incredible knack for creating compelling visuals. However, Myspace caught up with Nai Palm as the band wrapped their US tour to get to the heart of what Hiatus Kaiyote really is.
 

“By Fire” was the First Song Recorded for ‘Choose Your Weapon’ 

It also happened to be one of the first songs the group wrote collectively. With heavy subject matter and a very intricate musical landscape, if this is an early track, imagine where Hiatus Kaiyote will be ten years from now.

If Hiatus Kaiyote Could Collaborate with any Artist, it Would be Nick Cave

Known for his magical sound suit sculptures, Nai Palm exclaims, “His shit’s amazing!” She’d also settle for a giant Gamelan orchestra. Who is going to start the Change.org campaign to make this happen? 

It’s Pretty Impossible to Choose a Favorite Stevie Wonder song, but Currently “That Girl” is on Repeat

“The one that's stood the test of time would be ‘My Cherie Amour,’” Nai Palm admits. “I've loved that song my entire life.” Haven’t we all Nai Palm? *Dreams of a lovely summer day* 

“Breathing Underwater” is an Ode to Stevie Wonder

The meaning is open to interpretation for listeners, but it’s actually an ode to Stevie Wonder. “I wanted to write a song for Stevie that had a key change in it,” Nai Palm reveals. “It started from a guitar riff I came up with after listening to a lot of this incredible kora player from Mali in Northwest Africa called Toumani Diabate. The song is a love song to the world rather than being about romantic mediocre relationships. For example, the love a silversmith puts into his life's work, the love a type of cactus called a Jericho rose from the Sahara desert that can survive for over 100 years without water experiences when it finally rains. The love you put into making a friend a cup of tea when they're having a shitty day.”

Haitus Kaiyote Prefers Club Shows to Festivals 

Every artist dreams of a slot during festival season. It’s the one time for indie or niche artists to play in front of thousands that otherwise may never have access to them. Hiatus Kaiyote, however, prefer to rock with their day ones. “Definitely our headline shows. The dank sweaty high energy basement ones where you feel like a rap super star or something. It's always cool to look out into the audience and see how diverse our demographic is. Special mention to outside beautiful gigs that you can sing to the birds from, though,“ Nai Palm says.

The Band was Part of Chance the Rapper’s “Family Matters” Tour 

This fall, Chance the Rapper rounded up the artists that he’s a fan of and took them on a tour aptly named “Family Matters.” Hiatus Kaiyote was a part of that roster. Chance has been on the HK wave since the beginning. “He came through early in our career to one of our shows in Chicago and introduced himself,” Nai Palm says. “I had no idea who he was at the time but his energy was warm. Good people.” 

Nai Palm Loves Her Some Kendrick Lamar

When asked her favorite album of 2015, the answer was pretty clear. “Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly. Instant classic.” Nuff said.

Hiatus Kaiyote is a Full Service Band

Every member plays multiple instruments. “If it makes a sound we will try it out,” Nai Palm says matter-of-factedly. Here’s the full list:

• Bass
• Keys
• Synth
• Sampler
• Drums
• Guitar
• Vox
• Tamboura
• Sitar
• Kora
• Gamalan
• Cello
• Sax
• Theremin
• Megaphone
• Belaphon
• Rattle snake tail shaker
• A bike wheel with cutlery or a violin bow

Home is Where the Heart is for Nai Palm

Crisscrossing the world playing in cities unimaginable, nothing feels as magical as their homeland. “Definitely the Central Australian desert. I feel like my heart is buried somewhere out in that vast red earth under all those stars,” Nai Palm recalls. “Japan is also off the hook but in a hyper surreal magic video game world kinda way.” 

Hiatus Kaiyote’s Lyrics Read Like Pulitzer Prize-Winning Prose 

Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins or The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. Add these to your book club lists ASAP!