Kikashima

Fresh off the 2023 Tiny Desk Contest On The Road Show and featured on WXPN's Key Studio Sessions, Kikashima is the band and moniker of Mexican-Japanese-Californian singer/songwriter, Carissa Matsushima. Now based in Philadelphia, Kikashima is made up of equal parts legacy and rebellion. They are a sensuous power trio that boasts heart-breaking melodies, down-to-earth lyrics and grooves that move both body and soul thanks to Parker St. Charles on bass and Max Azarmehr on drums. Dropping hints of funk, soul, and folk, their music is as multi-faceted and unique as Kikashima herself, whose gorgeous vocals range from whisper to wail, all in the name of beauty, grief, and the courage to feel everything. Their first single, “Running Away”, released in June of 2023, has been featured on WXPN's Local Show and WXPN’s Middays Show. Their second single “Not Goin With U”, a moody diss track/ghost story translated to ambient guitars and layered vocal arrangements is out everywhere now.



photos by Dylan Eddinger @dylaneddinger and Shay Overstone @shaydaylayway