The Kemistry are a new three-piece band from London who describe themselves as ‘a new-wave Massive Attack,’ and their music to be like listening to ‘a Mary J Blige and Roots Manuva collaboration whilst on speed.’ Their name came from a nickname for the band’s lead singer, Kemi. The latter, a Hackney-based band member, filled us in on how they met and her East London hometown:

How did The Kemistry form?
It was kinda random, actually. A mate of mine from college put me in touch with her boyfriend’s brother and he sent me a track, which I then wrote lyrics for. We recorded it and it sounded wicked, so we decided to make more tunes and started playing them live. There are 3 of us who make the music – myself, MC/musician Smokey, and our producer Bare Beats.

What do you think are the essential qualities a good front-woman should have?
For me, vocals are the most important thing. I’d never buy an album by a singer who was actually bad at singing. It’s pointless. I think individuality is a good thing. Someone who is themselves, and isn’t a replica of something that once was. It all starts to get a bit boring.

If you weren’t in the band, what would you be doing now?
I’d probably be working in a boring 9-5 job, or unemployed looking for a boring job…

You live in Hackney -- where are your favorite places to eat out there?
Me and my mates go to a Turkish restaurant called Testi. The food is great and we like the fact that it’s called Testi, as it reminds us of testicles.

Where’s your favorite drinking spot?
I’m not sure, as there are so many places, so it really depends on what kinda vibe you’re after. I think I spend most of my time hopping from venue to venue. The good thing is that there are a lot of club promoters in Hackney, so if you know what’s going on, you know where to go.

Describe Hackney to someone who’s never been …
Hackney is a borough, so it’s got the elements of most other boroughs. Poor parts, rich parts and hipster parts. And there’s a Tesco on every corner.

Has Hackney changed much over the years?
I’ve lived in Hackney all my life, so it’s home to me. It’s definitely changing now though, because all the rich kids are moving in and making shit expensive. And they’re starting to build new apartments, so it’s getting ‘trendy’ and annoying.

Have you ever had your heart broken or fallen in love in Hackney?
Well, I’ve been here all my life, so I’ve done the same things I would have done if I had lived anywhere else in the world?

If you can change one thing about Hackney, what would it be?
The inflation of rent prices due to the influx of hipsters moving into town.

What do you love most about Hackney?
It’s home so it’s all I know, I guess. If I lived somewhere else, I’d probably experience all the same things. It’s probably got a higher crime rate than most, but the hipsters seem to find that cool.

~Donald Crunk @ Styleslut


Go There:
Clicia, 97 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0UD, 02072541025
Bungalows Café, 80 Mare St, E8 3SG, 02089851467
Rasa (Indian), 55 Stoke Newington Church St., N16 0AR, 02072490344
The Dove Freehouse, 24-28 Broadway Market, E8 4QJ, 02072757617
The Spurstowe Arms, 68 Greenwood Road, E8 1AB, 02072544316
The Albion, 36 Lauriston Road, E9 7EU, 02089854064