Hiatus Kaiyote: 'Building A Ladder,' Live On Soundcheck

Hear the entire interview and session: soundcheck.wnyc...
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Hiatus Kaiyote makes a sort of enigmatic, genre-defying music that the band calls "future soul," a fun blend of electronic sounds, African grooves, silky smooth neo-soul, and hip-hop beats. (Think Erykah Badu mixed with J Dilla mixed with Oumou Sangaré mixed with Flying Lotus.)
The band formed in 2011, and after a ton of SXSW showcases, touring in the U.S., and even a guest spot at Brooklyn Bowl during Questlove's DJ set, Hiatus Kaiyote self-released its debut Tawk Tomahawk in 2012 and re-released it this past July. The record is a progressive collection of R&B and jazz-infused songs -- like "Mobius Streak" and "Nakamarra" -- that showcases lovely instrumentation and singer Nai Palm's alluring, gorgeous voice soaring above the mix.
Watch the band play "Building A Ladder" in the Soundcheck studio.
For more, follow Soundcheck on Twitter at @Soundcheck.

[@mzsarcastic90210]

CAN'T. STOP. LISTENING. TO. THEM. THEY HAVE TRANSFORMED MY LIFE I FEEL LIKE A MAGICAL FUCKING UNICORN WHEN I HEAR THEIR MUSIC IT IS EVERYTHING I'VE EVER WANTED THANK YOU GUYS FOR BEING AWESOME MUSICIANS SERIOUSLY I CANNOT COMPLIMENT THE MUSICALITY AND TIME SIGNATURES ENOUGH. I WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT THIS BAND!

[@zachgagnier6510]

Brittney O'Neal Well said :))

[@124Musick]

+Brittney O'Neal WORDERCORE

[@vincentasdf]

best reference ever, I. feel the same shit, and it's awesome

[@RockMikey]

+Brittney O'Neal Amen!

[@johnIZaUWL]

Refreshing to know creativity STILL can ever so utterly SURPRISE YOU 😎😯😎😯😔😔✌️😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@Tamisha710]

She looks punk but sings soul. Dope!

[@pastense]

Soul IS punk...if you think about it!

[@DolceVita]

@@pastense Really? how so?

[@pastense]

@@DolceVita how not so? Punk was a form of expression of one’s “soul”. Sure, musically different. But my definition of soul music is ultimately that, self-expression.

[@DolceVita]

@@pastense ahh i see. thanks for explaining, i really have never been into punk so i didnt know !

[@pastense]

@@DolceVita no worries. Give it a chance!

[@jkoff76]

She has great pipes but she also has the gift of unique phrasing. Very rare and very hard to pull off. Just sublime!

[@tamarareid2879]

literally could not agree more with this

[@ZorgShip9]

+jkoff76 well said

[@alexshmalex455]

phrasing is the most outstanding indeed,literally

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

She just has it all really, the lyrics are beautiful and soulful, and usually that's what I don't feel as much with most music. But what I love most about her: She is a part of the rest of the band, this girl doesn't know the meaning of the word _fronting._ And I think that's the most powerful place any musician can be. The same can be said for this entire band.

[@brenruano5473]

Yes her phrasing is wowww

[@dwightshumaker4587]

Hands down 100 if not the most underrated voices in music history

[@caitlintracy]

she's going to the top

[@normaeason933]

This is the first time I have replied to anything on the internet. The music is off the chain. Thank you. thank you. thank you.

[@manb4war]

I wouldn't go that far but she does have a nice rnb interpretation

[@himjohnson2256]

I've been listen to this song for over 2 months straight. And I'm still memorized by it. My daughter was kidnapped as a child but I found her 18 months later. She is now 11 and this is our song that we sing to each other everyday after school now. Nai, you made something sweet, even sweeter. 1

[@Pearlcollation]

That's one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. So happy your daughter is safe, sound and back home with you.

[@himjohnson2256]

Sophie Marguerite Thanks Sophie. I've been trying to get in contact with their promotion so that I can try to book them for her upcoming birthday. If destiny has it, my origami birds will be soaked full of tears of joy.

[@Pearlcollation]

You should friend Nai on facebook and message her directly, she's a beautiful soul and I can imagine it giving her and the boys genuine pleasure to be of loving service to you and your precious daughter. Bless you and good luck!

[@FindYourFree]

very touched by this...i couldn't even imagine. my daughter and i sing this together all the time, and my 2 year old son. so healing and beautiful..blessings abundant to you all

[@Soulshine711]

This makes me so happy... even more joy and happiness to you both for an eternity

[@EffDinero8]

Nai Palm is easily 1 of the best new vocalists today...

[@revlo1557]

Eff Dinero Word up!

[@giannim7222]

Eff Dinero Hallelujah

[@WiBouz]

+Eff Dinero what bout kimbra?

[@alterna7ivo]

+Carlos Arroniz Kimbra it's really good, but Nai is... i want to marry her

[@Moejave1TTV]

+Dee Eff what a cool name...

[@MegaCreamy]

Not gonna lie I thought she was black when I heard this song. Lots of soul in this one!

[@moe_rs8399]

Same

[@lilm0n3tt315]

Likewise. She can sang

[@nebri1i]

same, especially with her solo tracks

[@maryannappiagyei4277]

Too me

[@ivandutra5102]

BASED

[@MrAVGNdude]

I'm glad Drake sampled this. He put me on to this amazing music. Her voice is beautiful.

[@elo0326]

Fick drake

[@XSimonEntertainmentX]

In which song did he sample it?

[@clAssIcAllymINdless]

Free Smoke

[@MzReka]

MrAVGNdude yes! If it wasn't for Free Smoke I wouldn't know about them

[@miostoianovici]

lhopson 6540 dude if you appreciate this you would ve known, drake or not

[@Girlforaction]

This band is hot. Pure hotness. This band should be getting more attention.

[@Pearlcollation]

Uhhh...earlier this week they were nominated for a Grammy. I think they're kinda happy with the attention levels.

[@RichardPerez]

Sophie Marguerite Brian Lynch won a Grammy. Who? You might ask. Exactly. A Grammy nomination isn't always related to getting a lot of attention.

[@henrysmartt5149]

trumpet teacher from Miami? Old Jazz messenger? hes a badass!!!!

[@thinblacknoodles]

Girlforaction agreed

[@rvledbysaturn]

Theres something truly magic about this. my depression anxiety and stress is evaporating

[@alig2460]

she sounds like she listens to a lot of gospel music

[@camzpinkful]

I've literally watched this about 4 times a day every day for the past 2 months

[@acid9941]

do you still watch it?

[@3039576202]

Esperanza Spalding ..Gretchen Parlato.. and now her YES!! one of my new fav..

[@MaxIsBackInTown]

Have you heard Becca Stevens?

[@alichiagunter9021]

yesssss her and esperanza 🔥

[@pennylicious]

I don't think I have ever been as obsessed with a group of artists as I am with them. Not only is she an exceptional voice/songrwriter, but her band is exceptional as well. creating music I can't stop listening to. I really want them to come to the US. She has a show coming up with Erykah Badu in Australia. Now that would be an amazing concert to attend

[@Pearlcollation]

Penny Bridges I was there ❤️❤️❤️

[@Skyjuice70]

@@Pearlcollation lucky girl

[@lateaselashley5412]

Agreed. I just heard her music today. Amazing

[@MrLordofcoffee]

Man I keep getting recommended videos of these guys then just spend hours clicking on vid after vid...addictive sound.

[@asias3000]

same!!!!

[@masterexploder213]

MrLordofcoffee It's called Neo-soul. Beautiful genre of music if you can manage to pull it off as a musician.

[@siuta1346]

Damn them vocals and piano chord progressions are liiiiiiiitttt🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@AlexSimpson1967]

While medium talent at best “stars” get “fame” on tv reality shows, true talent like this goes vastly unnoticed - but hey that’s always been the way of the “music industry”

[@duujo]

My god the piano at the start is just beautiful!

[@User-uq1pj]

It is absolutely exquisite

[@JerBearDude]

Just as good as the recording, if not better... They be gettin' it, and homegirl can sing.

[@aniyah80]

Aussies/New Zealanders are coming hard with the music these days. Tame Impala, Pond, Kimbra (New Zealand) and now this brilliant group Hiatus Kaiyote. The only thing I'm angry about is that I didn't hear about them sooner. Just sooooo good

[@BILLIARDman2000]

It's true

[@Merlincat007]

Sorceress and Flite are also awesome acts from New Zealand. Plus Boy & Bear from Australia. Definitely check them out!

[@lemonpaper]

Aniyah Jung The Avalanches finally just released a new album too if you didn't hear

[@LaNoire27]

Aniyah Jung: Don't forget Jordan Rakei, I believe he's also Australian.

[@SirPentinite]

Check out King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. Also from Australia

[@tonireni699]

This woman has soul, I thought she was black. I have been listening to her music since I discovered who she is 2 weeks ago. Love it love it!!!!

[@WalkingLotus444]

I knew this song before Drake and I was actually surprised he or whoever sampled them listened to Hiatus Kaiyote, but I respected him a little more for it

[@13thirteenthirteen]

MAAAASSSIVVEE Hiatus Kaiyote fan from way back!! I have been to countless gigs in Melbourne and they have inspired me to follow in the industry, not as a musician but as a studio engineer. Hopefully some day I get to be in the studio with them.

[@ShanuWral]

The music and the singing is anointed. Anointed.

[@Lele756]

That's sacred pure joy from the upper side. Totally love it.

[@ruicarmo7033]

Woosh. That just took me somewhere... Powerful.

[@zezuntxiduntxi]

Words fall short to describe this music

[@georgiesweet]

I love you Hiatus Kiayote and Nai Palm. The joy and freedom you have given me through your music is beyond anything I could ever explain.

[@SMONDERISLAND]

one of the most underrated drummers of today

[@Sirhc7000]

Been on this group since 2012 and this performance STILL blows me away every time I hear it. I need a new album from them like crack.

[@juanbrizuela2725]

4:37 aiyayayayyyaa 😍 gorgeus!

[@mattmarshall6003]

Crying and laughing at once, stunning me with the brilliance... Love and Aloha to Paul, Nai, Perrin and Simon... 🙌

[@idk.870]

this was my favorite song at one point. its been in my head alot more lately

[@shannongreene1796]

I still don’t see how this soul, pretty much beautiful, Philly neo soul; got here from down under. It’s a god move. Unite.

[@danealjee5365]

Man every member of this band is talented af. Half this music is soul, half is electro, its blowing my mind. And they are Australian, it has been so long since I have been able to like something from around these parts.

[@Michael-gq9cd]

Wheres the footage of the bass player?! Brother is laying it down

[@shoasa95]

2:12

[@shoasa95]

3:11

[@TROGULAR10000]

yeah it's a seriously sucky thing about this video hardly any bass shots

[@ankihansen2489]

Did you watch the whole video?

[@daltonblock7431]

Benderrrrrr

[@User-uq1pj]

Here I am almost 10 years late still in awe of that piano in the beginning. It is absolutely incredible 👏🏾.

[@fowliscurlew]

Hiatus Kaiyote Where have you been? I know, hidden by Pop Music. You are sublime. Please keep going (for ever) X

[@aboz8649]

She’s so pretty

[@MrSergioRmz]

Love how hard they groove at 2:45!

[@merrisss]

This is one of my favorite things on earth

[@mfboom3055]

1:24 "is it today" gives me goosebumps every time 😱

[@matthiassutter9848]

they‘re all great musicians... in this track the keyboards blowing me away - but all them outstanding artist... in front having a queen of soul 🙏❤️

[@markriddick2581]

Why are the not the hottest band out right now? This world makes no sense. Nai Palm has more soul in her pinky toe than most artists out.

[@asias3000]

I am still amazed at how fucking good they are I listen to at least two if their songs every single day for the last 3 years and have literally changed as a person bc of their music and listening to interviews n stuff like they are on some OTHER shit and I LOVE​ THEM SM

[@8020drummer]

Wow

[@armandowilliams7520]

2021... still DOPE AF. New album coming out soon, insha'allah

[@mountaintopszz]

Is it weird that I have never liked dancing or danced in anything either, but Hiatus Kaiyote is the only thing that makes me dance.

[@tetrahedron_in_space]

Definitely not weird, brother. I can get down to Hiatus Kaiyote in the car like I can to no other artist or band.

[@marijan532]

This song is pure joy of life. Freedom. 🦋

[@nathannowack6459]

certified KZbin gem, all of Choose Your Weapon is human-time-capsule-worth

[@guillermocava3568]

woahher voice and key game on that next level

[@marieferret8868]

This performance legitimately makes me HAPPY...

[@jameshoward4490]

She has an amazing voice I love it 😍

[@cauanbiscaiacordeiro372]

The best Hiatus song at all

[@victorrosser3786]

I can't get enough of this song or this band.

[@Ronnegsynthesis]

omg…this is music ,, raw , fresh ,, difficult but intelligently awesome

[@229rimi]

[Verse 1] x2 Free range of the mind Maps the fire coasting the sidelines Contact with an ease Tarnish point of the supreme Is it the strength of your fearless over throwing your pain You’ll see new heights you’ll be reaching Is it today that you will find your new release? And in your wake ripples your sweet fate [Verse 2] In the death of the grip of the mask That’s covering your simple love for the part Of your soul so warm and vast And I can hear the hinges struggle to last rusting Feel my feathers rush from the past [Chorus] x2 Building a ladder of love to you And I hope that love you build one too Building a ladder of love to you And I hope that love you build one too And then we fly away Hand in hand we fly away Hand in han

[@NearRivers122]

nice

[@nathanstoltzfus1544]

What a group of musicians

[@Carocarocaroline]

I still come back to this song. Absolute masterpiece ❤️

[@sarahmacdonald513]

LOVE Hiatus...Wish I lived in Melbourne so I could see them. I could listen to Nai's voice all day. much respect and love x

[@jonasdamion1627]

what could i be doing in my life to be more on these guys soul level

[@haziq880]

I can't help myself but grinning with a big smile on my face while listening to this. How did I miss this fantastic melody !??

[@osminni]

this is fucking amazing

[@katravialei3207]

obsessed w her.

[@PaisleyTheBeachRat]

I really wish I could like this more than once.. truly, I can't get enough of this band.. speaking my soul language.

[@markeisejenkins5529]

I love this song

[@LEMATTOFFICIAL]

Two years ago this band stole my heart, and dammit I love it

[@Astrolldownmemory]

When you find your wedding song :)

[@Mclenchie]

I'd marry any one now just to get this song played. Any takers? I am house-trained

[@allymc8884]

Omg! I thought I was the only one... definitely first dance level

[@SinnohStarly]

I never thought of this as a wedding song, but yeah I guess I could play this if I wanted to

[@thasista1]

I so love this music.

[@valeriedante]

My favorite Hiatus Kaiyote song. Beautiful

[@drellalorenzana5381]

Yes yes yes yes! Instant Goosebumps. Love

[@pintofGaddsplease]

What an absolutely f**king incredible rendition of what was an already amazing song. Don't know why I'm commenting now, I've been listening to this for years. Must be the beer. Cheers everyone!

[@christinagillam7365]

Ope hadn't seen this version before can't go back now. The piano on this one is so satisfying.

[@1cee1ceebaby]

Outstanding music and musicians. So glad I know about you guys. Your music brings me so much joy and peace.

[@rachelenkay9523]

This song is a true beauty.

[@000matjaz]

❤ Hiatus

[@dannimarie81]

I love this group it’s like all my stressors melt away when I’m listening

[@RosaReigns]

Her voice is absolutely beautiful. Really soulful. Love it.

[@raymonds2687]

One of my fave drummers! Respeck!

[@Sagay56]

@4:27 IS WHERE BABIES COME FROM!

[@icaruskidJB]

Absolutely killed it

[@christopherjackson2959]

just catching this vibe...fucking fire...!!! Where have I been...this girl is touching my soul...!!!!!

[@nikeemahimada726]

This lady's voice is so angelic

[@duujo]

So damn good.

[@DexDiamond4]

This is music! Amazing touching spiritual fire music. They could be purple or orange. Music from our souls has no color. I'm African-American. It's starting to insult me when we try to "color-label" good music.

[@andy_ceb]

I wanna see song with her and Chance the rapper.

[@conconconcon486]

andy. chance sampled Fingerprints by them for a track a couple of years ago, look up Hiatus by Chance

[@kennadiebarbour2041]

I'm in love with this song

[@ashleyallyce1889]

I can't get enough of this song!

[@40datboysha]

Hiatus Kaiyote is a terrific group. I am waiting for more albums tho.... Timeless jams

[@t-hug2597]

First Drake introduced me too Marys Joint and now this. I am in love with her vocals 😍🌺

[@princesst30]

Always nice, every time I hear them perform.

[@Skyjuice70]

This young lady's vocals is on par with the best of them. So special. She can take her voice to any range she wants. Simply exquisite! I love that little smirk-smile Nai gives at the very end..like to say, yeah, I got this shit.

[@VinnyHardy]

Damn! That was tight from start to finish! Sang it!

[@breannahudson6581]

I just fell in love

[@RCGB31]

Yes...yes...yes...yessssss ! Loooove it !

[@mintchocotaco]

Beautiful.

[@Elwooddudes]

these guys are so awesome!

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

1:25 If ever one note could bring a tear.

[@nickcederlind]

simply amazing vocals

[@riddel2617]

Sounds like one of the main singers in my church's choir!

[@leylahestia]

Adoro essa voz. I adore this voice.