Musician Willy Christie on Artistry and Emotional Depth

Leaning into the spiritual

Willy is a musician, ganjier, chess player and disc golfer. His band Kukuni is best described as psychedelic, indie, experimental art rock with pop sensibilities. Kukuni’s lyrics are rife with symbols, myths and fables—the language of the subconscious. The self-titled album was released by Liquid Culture Records.

We spent two minutes with Willy to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired. 

Willy, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now. 

I grew up in Overland Park, Kan., and now I live in Los Angeles.

Your earliest musical memory.

Helping my deaf mom pick out the lyrics to songs on the radio. She is a deaf choir teacher.

Your favorite bands/musicians today.

Weval is a Dutch duo making some of my favorite music right now. I keep listening to the Yaeji and Floating Points as well.

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on. 

My current project, Kukuni. The level of musicianship and professionalism in this band is a huge part of that. I also feel a lot more comfortable as a songwriter and singer at this point in my life. 

A recent project you’re proud of. 

The music video for our song “Forever.” My friend Leah O’Connor and I drove from L.A. to Kansas City. Along the way, we were able to capture footage from some of the most striking landscapes America has to offer. It’s a great document of our country’s natural beauty as well as a reminder of our decision to leave Kansas for California.

One thing about how the music world is evolving that you’re excited about.

I’m excited to hear more self-produced, singular visions from artists. As much as I value music as a collaborative art, there is something appealing about a clear, unified vision. 

Someone else’s work, in music or beyond, that you admired lately.

I admire everything new-age jazzy sax player Sam Gendel has done.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

I’m into this paranormal podcast called Otherworld. The host, Jack Wagner, lets people tell stories of events they haven’t been able to explain. It’s done through a moderately skeptical lens, but with a very open mind. It keeps the spirit of magic alive. 

An artist you admire outside the world of music.

Ida Lissner is a brilliant visual artist who makes hyper-ethereal sculptures and digital art. Her work blends the digital, surreal and the natural in a way that is wholly mesmerizing. 

Your favorite fictional character.

Leto II from the Dune series. I don’t want to spoil too much since the movies are coming out now, but man what a wild life to live. 

Someone worth following on social media.

@Arcane_Wit on Instagram is one of my favorite accounts. Esoteric memes based on psychology and metaphysics.

Your main strength as a marketer/creative.

I like to imbue all of my creative endeavors with some semblance of emotional or spiritual depth. 

Your biggest weakness.

I take some of my art too seriously while trying to imbue said depth.

Something people would find surprising about you.

I’m a 1700+ rated chess player and was a tennis and disc-golf instructor. My father is a legally blind tennis pro.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the music business.

Probably running a marijuana cultivation facility or brand.