Gotta start simple, what’s the meaning behind the name?
I thought that was apparent. I’m the lizard king. King Komodo, Sir Salamander Himself, The Dynamic Dino, the Ruthless Raptor, The Impossible Iguana, The Reptile Commander, Spindiana Cones, Lee Zardo, Ol Lizard Whips. Your friendly neighbourhood lizardman. The “Democratically Elected” Lizard King of New Zealand. Leader of the Lizardmen.
With Winter Minter just having happened, what’s on the horizon for King Komodo?
Well, we’ve done Spring Thing, Minter Winter (1 & 2), and Awesome Autumn. Next up is the TOTALLY NOT A BUMMER SUMMER. In between now and then, we’ve got more songs and art coming.
You describe yourself Bizzare Rapper, Artist, and Lizardman (which is fucking on), but how would you describe your aesthetic/sound?
Art wise? Vibrant trip-spec mind pulsation, and lizardmen (The ‘Zards).
Sound wise? Like if Aesop Rock, Inspectah Deck, and MF DOOM spawned a little lizardman. Thief N Zard (me and ThiefOfBaghdad) is like that with some Das Racist sprinkled in.
What’s your go-to snack? Post-gig, pre-gig, whenever?
Popcorn, inject that shit into my eyes.
Dream gig line-up? Who’s gonna be there?
Aesop Rock
Atmosphere
A-F-R-O
The Palmer Squares
R.A. The Rugged Man
Jarv
Nahte Remnus
and me and Thief.
But I’m also about that mixed rap/rock lineup (which is what we do for these Season Gigs), so probably some chaotic bands like Voodoo Glow Skulls or something.
If you had to recommend some artists you’re vibing with atm, who are we looking up?
The Woolyboyz
Nahte Remnus
Connor Mussara
Big Guts Billy
MOKOMOKAI
DURRY
JER
and F.A.I.R.Y. are all in my ears constantly atm.
Lastly, what about Kirikiriroa is so special to you?
This unfathomably vile, reprehensible hellscape? This place is like the Florida of NZ. I am just constantly not surprised by its consistent insanity. But despite its reputation, something about that churns out some of the best and brightest (and most overlooked) artists and minds in the country. You don’t build culture by being generic, mass produced, and shiny.
