UK-based singer-songwriter Cara Knox is back with her latest single, ‘Ronda’, a bold and genre-defying track that showcases her evolution as an artist. Known for her evocative sound and commanding live performances, Cara has steadily made her mark on the music scene, gaining attention from national and international radio stations, including a standout acoustic session on BBC Introducing. ‘Ronda’ is a dark pop anthem that blends minimalist grandeur with haunting layers of vocals, intricate harmonies, and brooding atmospheres, sitting comfortably between the likes of Christine and the Queens and Lorde. With ‘Ronda’, Cara has embraced a creative freedom that marks a pivotal moment in her career, offering a glimpse into the raw, unapologetic energy that defines her debut EP, ‘I dance with the dark so she loves me’, set to close out the year with a bang.
Watch the music video for ‘Ronda’ and read our interview with Cara below.
Hey Cara, how are you doing?
Hey PLAYY. I’m doing really well thanks, keeping busy and out of trouble with all things promo and gigs. Plenty of coffee has been consumed to get me through!
Congratulations on your Debut EP! How does it feel to have it out in the world?
It’s insane that it’s out there now. I think any time you work at something for months, it feels a bit surreal when it’s finally out in the open. I become a little attached and protective of my song babies, so the vulnerability associated with releasing them is equal parts terrifying and wonderful.
Walk us through your creative process for the lead single ‘Ronda’?
The concept of ‘Ronda’ was inspired by someone I admire very much for how they embrace their dark, feminine side, so I knew I wanted to write a song where my own expression of this could come through. My favourite place to write at the moment seems to be on the floor in my kitchen, with the lights dimmed and a couple candles burning, which is where I formed the basic structure and lyrics for the track. I wanted to create something moody and atmospheric, so it helps when the environment reflects this. Once I had this down, I took ‘Ronda’ to production with my collaborator, Greg Madge, which is literally a home studio set-up in his flat. We wanted to go for stripped back instrumentation with vocals front and centre, and a consistent beat. The mixing then involved retaining and emphasising a sense of realness and depth to the instrumentation. Many tweaks and a music video later, ‘Ronda’ was born.
‘Ronda’ lends itself to so many genres, ranging from electronic to avant-garde pop. Who are your biggest artistic influences?
So my influences have changed as my musical style has evolved. I started out writing folk/country-pop music, which really kickstarted with the Taylor Swift album, Fearless, and Taylor is definitely my source inspiration for her incredible storytelling and lyricism (number 1 Swifty over here). Then this progressed to artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Maisie Peters when I went down the commercial-pop route. The new EP, though, which is definitely feeling like my true artistic voice, is mainly inspired by the likes of Lorde and Christine & the Queens. So a real eclectic mix there, possibly why ‘Ronda’ is a bit confused herself…
What instruments do you play?
I started out on the piano when I was eight or nine years old. My dad grew up playing and so he gave me a gentle push in that direction. I have such love and respect for the keys now but being a loud, rowdy kid, I was more interested in making maximum noise. So I pleaded with my parents to “invest” in a second hand drum kit, but was short lived and we compromised on guitar lessons, which is now my main companion for songwriting and live performances. I don’t remember any music theory frustratingly, so it’s mostly through sound and chord combinations that I find my way!
Tell us something unrelated to music. What are your hobbies?
I love sports and I grew up in a household with two older brothers who are rugby fanatics. Rugby is close to my heart, and I’m a proud Springbok supporter (South Africa), which is an emotional rollercoaster! I’ve never played it though; I’m partial to non-contact sports that won’t hurt me, like squash. Beyond this, I love writing and I published a teen-fiction novel a couple of years ago. An interest in Film and TV is also a fancy way of saying that I regularly binge Netflix, anything from Rom coms to Sci-fi.
If you could meet one performer/artist who would it be?
Taylor Swift hands down. Except I’d completely and irrevocably embarrass myself so maybe not. But honestly just picking her brains about ruling the world would be top of my agenda. I also wouldn’t say no to Lana Del Rey or Billie Eilish – both incredible artists who have made mega waves in the industry.
And finally, what does the future hold for Cara Knox in 2025?
So many exciting things – I hope! I’m planning to push the gig and festival circuit hard for summer 2025, and I already have another EP in the works, so watch this space and if you like any of my stuff, please go check my socials out to stay up to date with all things music for 2025. Thanks a bunch!
Stream Cara Knox – I dance with the dark so she love me below:
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