The Kobras were formed by Dessy Baeva (vocals) and Harry Thacker (guitar) in London in 2020, with Chloe Tayali later joining on bass. Combining Bulgarian eastern mysticism and British stiff upper lip cynicism with a psychedelic induced faith in love and oneness, their music brings an authentic rock sound powerful enough to break down the warped mirrors of one’s ego and get you grooving at the same time.
Who inspired you to make music?
By listening to great music and seeing it performed live. I think it’s an easy step to also want to do what the artists you love do, as well as put your own stamp on history.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
We are not sure since it’s been here the whole time we have. We are not particularly business savvy, but we funded the recording of this single and another one through Kickstarter. Definitely wouldn’t have been able to do it without the internet and are extremely grateful for all those that contributed. As much as it’s harder to stand out because the field is so saturated, we prefer to focus on making good authentic music and not be swayed away by internet trends and likes.
Have you got a ritual of sorts when making music?
Dessy has a few rituals, which she likes to do before going on stage. Breathwork, meditation, visualisation and the occasional mirror work. We don’t have a set ritual when making music but we believe in exposing yourself to new ideas and experiences as well as putting in the time with the tool you want to create with and generally something makes itself manifest.
How would you describe your music?
I hate that question but I like to say Rock’N’Roll and psychedelic rock if you want to get pedantic.
What’s next for you?
First on the line is our headline show at the Old Blue Last on the 3rd of May. Really excited to be back on stage. Followed by our next single release ‘Rabbit Hole’ coming out early summer , which we recorded together with ‘Stardust’ in Brighton. And then who knows, we’ll see what the Universe brings to our door.
What are your top two favourite songs of all time? Why those songs?
This answer will probably change every week but at the moment. Halleluhwah by Can, The Beautiful Waitress by Terry Allen. What I think both songs do is that they are completely unique and have a sense of timelessness. Halleluhwah is a lot more dirty and groovy while The Beautiful Waitress is both tongue and cheek and sentimental. They both make us feel things.
What was the last series you watched on TV?
Flight of the Conchords which hits pretty hard as poor musicians and artists.
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
Electricity seems pretty good, though maybe the moon cup tops it.
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
We worship our lucky pomegranate.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Was anybody right?
If you had to describe yourself as a flavour, what would it be?
Salty.
The Kobras make their highly anticipated return with the new single ‘Stardust’, out everywhere now.
Speaking of the track, the band say, “We don’t remember exactly how the track came to be. It was one of those songs that just emerges out of you without you having to do too much thinking.”
The band also share a captivating new music video directed and edited by Kat Terek, styling by lead singer Dessy Baeva and shot at Cold Feet studios. “We also had a little adventure outside on the beach in Kent. It was freezing cold and we had to go with hands and feet in the mud. We really wanted to capture the feeling of coming from an alien planet to the Earth for the first time and being confused, but also relying on each other to make it through.”
Written and performed by The Kobras
Produced by Jake Smallwood
Directed and edited by Kat Terek
Lighting by Petar Petrov
Video produced by The Kobras
Styling by Dessy Baeva
Starring: Harry Thacker, Dessy Baeva and Chloe Tayali