With psychedelic funk, electronic breaks, and bold stage energy, KaKaow isn’t easy to define, but impossible to forget. The musical alias of Ricky Brant, KaKaow is a Kingston-based artist blending electronic, funk, psychedelia, and Indigenous identity into a sound that’s entirely his own.
I’m a creator, a promoter, and hopefully a light for the community,” he says. “Kingston’s music scene has really allowed me to flourish.
Originally born in the Netherlands, raised in British Columbia, and shaped by Kingston’s vibrant music scene, KaKaow’s journey began when he got his first guitar in Grade 8. From there, he was hooked. He honed his skills through high school open mics and St. Lawrence College’s Music & Digital Media program, eventually co-founding the psychedelic funk rock band Shushlang.
Now, as a solo act, his music fuses textural bass, electronic breaks, funk, and high-voltage guitar work and what one listener has described as “a Nashville session guitarist jamming over electronic tracks.”
A sound that moves you
KaKaow’s music is driven by flow. “I don’t usually sit down with a plan to write a song,” he explains. “I let the track come to me.” His process begins with drums, evolves through instinct, and often results in full EPs that reflect a creative burst, what he compares to “a grouping of mushrooms, growing up together.”
Themes of self-awareness, gratitude, and personal transformation shine through, especially in projects like his recent EP Sweat. “Ever since I got sober, I’ve looked more at the positive side of life. That comes through the music, the energy, the dance, the lust for life.”
On stage, all in
Whether he’s playing a mainstage set or a late-night underground gig, KaKaow brings the heat. “There’s no experience like being on a stage and connecting with an audience,” he says. “I want every show to be full of movement, smiles, and moments of pure fun.”
He draws inspiration from guitar icons like Jimi Hendrix and Steve Vai but also channels the groove of Parliament-Funkadelic and the raw energy of festival culture. It’s no surprise he’s eyeing legendary festivals like Shambhala for the future. “I try to channel that underground energy,” he says. “People who are just there to let loose and dance.”
Moments that matter
For KaKaow, performance isn’t just about hype, it’s about connection. Some shows, though, go beyond the music. One that stands out is his performance at the 2025 Spring Reverb festival alongside Snotty Nose Rez Kids, followed the very next day by a showcase at the International Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto.
“That back-to-back experience helped me reconnect with my Indigenous identity,” he says. “I’m a city native, so I didn’t grow up immersed in traditions. But being part of those spaces where everyone is supporting each other and collaborating was powerful.”
He also points to Sonic Springs Festival as a career milestone. Initially postponed due to COVID, the show became an opportunity to bring his refined sound to a broader audience. “It reminded me what I’m striving for and how much is possible when you’re in the right space.”
Whether he’s holding down a local bill or stepping into the national spotlight, KaKaow’s performances are built on energy, intention, and elevation.
Building community through sound
While his music stands out for its individuality, KaKaow is deeply collaborative. He has worked with a wide range of Kingston artists, including hip hop/R&B artist Dupel (on the Mementos EP), Savannah Shea (on the funk-driven “If You”), and Spencer Evans, whom he credits as an early mentor. “Spencer really pushed my playing. He saw something in my funky guitar style and gave me opportunities to level up.”
At times, being one of the few local artists creating electronic funk can be isolating, but also empowering. “It’s a challenge and a blessing,” he says. “Not everybody is into bass-heavy underground music, but that’s my lane and I’m proud to be one of the champions of Kingston’s underground sound.”
What’s next
KaKaow’s newest EP, Sweat, is out now. He’s also performing at Kingston’s Intercultural Arts Festival on September 21. He will join Sarah Harmer on stage at The Spire for an event raising awareness about Bill C-5 and Indigenous land rights. Looking ahead, he’s planning a 2026 tour out west, bringing his one-of-a-kind sound back to British Columbia.
To explore more or connect, visit www.kakaowofficial.com or follow him on Instagram at @kakaow_official.
