Milan de la Rocha, the talent behind Sounds of Walker, began his musical journey as a young boy creating his own art from a piano bench. He has since embraced the guitar, bass, drums and a multitude of other instruments, all of which culminate in a musical essence inspired by his Cuban and Mexican lineage.
As a first-generation Latino living amidst the vibrancy of Los Angeles, Milan's life mirrors the core of the city, a furnace of diverse cultures and influences. It's this rich existence that ignites his fervor to create music that transcends the boundaries of time and culture.
The artist's debut single, "Ko," was written on an hour-long sunset flight between Bangkok and Ko Samui, Thailand.
“As I saw what seemed to be hundreds of tiny islands strewn across the horizon, shimmering like stars in the sun’s orange glow, I had a strong feeling that we all are like those tiny islands,“ he said in a recent Grimy Goods article. "Whole worlds within, fully sustained, but yet connected in so many ways."
"Ko" conveys themes of self-discovery and personal strength in a rhythmic and wise way, as is exemplified through its encouragement of vulnerability, transformation and defiance of societal expectations. The lyrics convey a deep emotional connection with one's self, urging the ignorance of external and self-inflicted negativity.
The song is an ambient tapestry weaved with influences of vintage synth-pop and modern electronic styles. It begins slowly with isolated synth beats eventually blending into a full, electronic soundscape. The eventual beat drop immerses the song into a mellow and funky world of rhythm. The consistent melody is varied by two voices harmonizing together over semi-dissonant instrumentals, building up in intensity until the song ends with a delicate, yet abrupt, disappearance.
The accompanying music video is a perfect visual representation of the song's energy. The intense editing creates the illusion of a thermal camera, but with a cool blue and orange color scheme that stands out against a static background. The video lacks a definitive plot but is rather a hypnotic experience, complete with abstract faces floating in voided space. The video truly complements the song and elevates the music immeasurably.
Despite only having one track in his released discography, Sounds of Walker has created worlds within sound. His style is captivating and strangely nostalgic, containing elements of universal relatability. Any fan of music could find something enjoyable within the single, and certainly within whatever is to come from Sounds of Walker.
