Striking in attire and fascinated by the concepts of modernism and the possibilities of what can be seen as but a merely trashy medium, HK119 is a wilfully unique star for our far-flung times, and one that demands immediate investigation.
HK119 is the solo project of Heidi Kilpelainen, a Finnish-born multitalented writer-singer-producer and visual arts graduate. The name HK119 is itself a product code - an attempt to bring awareness to the contradictions of our society and the increasing alienation of modern man. Her second album, Fast, Cheap and Out of Control, is full of uncompromising, thought-provoking futuro-pop which pleases and disturbs in equal measure.
We caught up with Heidi to find out more.
Bjork once described you as “the perfect blonde woman”. How would you describe yourself?
The imperfect dark horse? The perfect blonde woman has a better ring to it, though.
How did HK119 come about? What is the thinking behind the project?
On the MA course at St Martins. I’d been making music for some time, so I did this video project to the songs I wrote. I married music and image, so the HK character was born out of this. The name was inspired by George Lucas’ fab film THX 1138.
How would you describe your music?
Contemporary state of the world/technology/science/society/life inspired eclectic electronic pop music.
Tell us a bit about the album. What can people expect?
Good pop with tongue in cheek attitude - with concept and DIY videos and visuals.
What are you most proud of about Fast, Cheap and Out of Control?
That I managed to bring honesty and feeling to the songs that seem to be just about space travel and so forth. I mean that they mean a lot more to me than what the song seems to be about and I hope this comes through.
Aspects of my personal journey and some ghosts from my past manifest in the fabric of the songs and their combination. I'm also proud that the album is so magnificently produced with the amazing I Monster!
Who are your musical heroes?
Iggy, Kraftwerk, Devo, early Bowie, Ms Jones, Scott Walker, Siouxie and Klaus Nomi.
Do you have any musical pet hates?
Not really hates, but perhaps some dislikes - copycats who want to sound like a dozen others.
We understand you’re a visual arts graduate – does your visual art inform your music in any way?
No and yes - it's work in progress, but I think yes, music comes first, though. And the relationship is different from the debut work.
"I have the most mental time with gays and transvestites. All that dressing up without a penny, using imagination to walk like a millionaire - some of that must have carried on to the debut videos, come to think of it!"
Do you think it’s important to make it on the gay scene?
Oh aye, I like I making it anywhere!
Do you think the gay scene is as much of a hot bed of new talents and trends as its often made out to be?
Instinct and experience tells me yes - I have the most mental time with gays and transvestites. All that dressing up without a penny, using imagination to walk like a millionaire - some of that must have carried on to the debut videos, come to think of it!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?
No guilt - just pleasure - would be nice. Guilt doesn’t get you anywhere. Basically I am stuck here watching philosophy on YouTube - yeah, that must qualify, what-a-boring-fucker-eh? My telly broke and I replaced reality shit TV with YouTube philosophy and stuff about multiverse. Or how about having a fag out of the toilet window after telling myself I am a non smoker?
What are your personal dos and don’ts in life?
Do to others as you want them to do to you. Love and positivity - try not to sink into negativity because it spreads like a disease until you spiral down. Let's not even go there - I've had my share. High frequencies please.
"Try not to sink into negativity because it spreads like a disease until you spiral down. Let's not even go there - I've had my share. High frequencies please."
What’s next for you?
Right now working on new visuals - very exciting! When that’s done, more vids, then lyrics, demos for the third album and stuff - lots of stuff like knitting and sculpting. I also want lots of holidays in the sun please, writing lyrics on the beach.
What else would you like to say?
Today let's say - be human, be yourself, use your ability to transform suffering into strength, power, health, positivity, all the good stuff.
Read Our Fast, Cheap And Out Of Control Review»
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Fast, Cheap and Out of Control, by HK119
Label: One Little Indian
Released: 29 September 2008
ASIN: B001DCQJOK
Want more of HK119? Buy Fast, Cheap and Out of Control online now. You'll save money to put towards her first album, HK119. Plus, check out HK119's electronic dance experimental workout to the track 'Mind' below!