Khruangbin, Marvin Gaye, John Williams: groove masters Rio Kosta share the tracks that influenced their new debut LP Unicorn.
With the type of sun-kissed style that shines a smile on the face of even the most cynical of listeners, LA-based groove-emitters Mike Del Rio and Kosta Galanopoulos bring bags of energy and undeniable craft on their rich and colour-laden debut album Unicorn.
There’s a vital roundedness to the project, a 13-pronged opus that swoons and swirls, jazzy and house-tinged, a worldly and decadent collection of cuts that draw you in and chills you out. But what inspired the work? Rio Kosta tell Wonderland all in our latest On Repeat.
Listen to Unicorn…
Rio Kosta Is On Repeat…
Santana – “Soul Sacrifice”
There’s so much energy and mysticism in this record. Santana has been a part of the RK blueprint for what we aspire our live shows to feel like. They’re channeling something spiritual and celebratory in a ceremonious way while also making your body move. A proclamation.
Ernest Ranglin – “In The Rain”
We Love Ernest Ranglin and this piece of music. Its cosmic, soulful and full of joy. There were plenty of late nights and early mornings when this song was a palate cleanser for us while working on the album.
Idris Muhammad – “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This”
An absolute classic, There’s so much to be inspired by on this one track. Idris as a creative force and drummer is on full display and his approach informed so much of what we do .
Chronixx – “Never Give Up”
This collaboration between Inflo and Chronixx is just gorgeous. Inflo is a master of capturing humanity and the organic nature of people in a room playing music together in a room while giving the sonics a modernity that feels fresh. We admire his work so much and consider him one of the best in the world to do it as a producer.
Khruangbin & Leon Bridges – “B Side”
The sonics of this track are perfect and hit your body where it matters most. it feels timeless and new at the same time.
John Williams – “Victory Celebration” from Return of the Jedi
This piece of music is everything. I remember the feeling I had when I was a kid when this theme came on at the end of Return of the Jedi and its become a core music memory. It’s full of wonder, grandeur, funk and euphoric ceremonious joy. We love traditional Peruvian music and John Williams’ take on it was the first time we were introduced to this specific frequency and color. That core memory has always informed our taste but specifically for RK, this song has so much of what we aspire to be in it. We play it after every show.
Jorge Ben Jor – “O Telefone Tocou Novamente”
Oh Jorge Ben, we love you. A leader of the tropicalia movement in Brazil in the 1960s, his music has such a yearning cry to it but also immense hope, joy and sexiness. Its so specific to him and the music of Brazil how the songs are so life giving and free sounding while also being grounded in real world pain and struggle. South American romance is completely different than European romance as in there’s more of an observational questioning of the meaning of things, the relationships we have and how we respond to the world that is not in our control. Jorge ben is the messenger.
Bunny Wailer “Mellow Mood”
A lot of Sly & Robbie bass rhythm section compositions were a big influence. This specific vibe was set for “My Dreams” when tracking that.
Richard Swift – “Broken Finger Blues”
Have always loved Swift’s sounds and productions. This vibe certainly went and got baked into Unicorn. Honoring the old capitol records and Motown records we all love.
Marvin Gaye – “What’s Happening Brother”
This played a role in the colouring and composition of the sound of the record.
Big. Mystic. Music for the people. No one has ever done it better than Marvin Gaye. Its so sincere and universal and his message is what the world needs more of.
