Kilian Wes is a versatile artist hailing from Cape Town, South Africa. Initially known as a session musician, Kilian has toured and recorded with some of the country’s biggest acts.
Over time, his artistic journey evolved, leading him back to his roots as a producer and songwriter, and more recently stepping forward as the vocalist on his own records, alongside his work as an actor.
From a young age, Kilian was deeply involved in music and performance, using his imagination to transcend the limitations of his small-town upbringing. His early creative explorations spanned beat-making, school plays, painting, writing, and animation, laying the foundation for a multidisciplinary approach that continues to shape his work.
As a teenager, Kilian honed his drumming skills and later studied Music and Production after high school. His passion for drumming led him into recording studios and the local music scene, where he established himself within the South African session circuit.
Inspired by artists who transitioned from working behind the scenes to releasing their own projects, Kilian began releasing music under a different name. He connected with artists through social media to feature on his tracks while continuing to produce for others, gradually building a creative identity beyond session work.
In recent years, periods of creative reassessment led Kilian to refocus on producing, touring, and acting. This time of exploration sharpened his artistic perspective and reinforced his desire for versatility rather than a singular identity.
Kilian’s musical approach is intentionally shape-shifting, much like his love for film and character-driven storytelling. He avoids fixed genres or formulas, instead approaching each new song as a fresh perspective, allowing the project itself to dictate the sound and voice.
Killian Wes is Embracing Reinvention and Ongoing Evolution
With a renewed creative focus and a growing body of releases taking shape, Kilian Wes continues to evolve, embracing reinvention, vulnerability, and curiosity as central pillars of his work.
“Tell Me” marks Kilian Wes’s return following his collaboration with Arno Carstens on “Fascinated”. Known for taking a new approach with every release, Kilian once again pushes his sound in a fresh new direction, reaffirming his commitment to creative reinvention rather than repetition.
The track harkens back to his teenage years of producing dance music for friends and family, reconnecting with the playful energy that first sparked his love for production. “Tell Me” reimagines that spirit through a modern lens, feeling both new and familiar, while remaining unmistakably Kilian Wes.
Lyrically, the track is striking in its simplicity. Built around a single repeated line – “Something’s on my mind, tell me that you’re mine” – the song captures the tension and desire for reassurance in a relationship. At its core, “Tell Me” explores commitment in a time when it often feels elusive, and the need for genuine emotional connection.
Kilian Wes is stepping forward as a Solo Vocalist
The release also represents a significant shift in Kilian’s artistic journey, positioning him as a frontman for the first time. Known for writing and producing his music while collaborating with a range of guest vocalists, Wes initially approached “Tell Me” in the same way. After recording the demo, however, he chose to keep his own vocal in the final version.
The result is the first unaccompanied Kilian Wes track since his earliest releases, marking his debut as both producer and singer.
While this signals a new creative direction, Kilian emphasises that collaboration remains central to his process. “Not that I’ll stop working with other singers,” he explains. “I love collaborating with other artists; it drives me creatively. But this is definitely something I’d love to explore more.”
Collaboration Rooted in Trust and Familiarity
True to his collaborative spirit, Kilian invited two long-time musical companions to contribute to the track. South African artists Joshua on guitar and Grandall on organ – both frequent stage collaborators – add texture and personality to the song.
Rather than prescribing parts, Kilian encouraged freedom. “They’re incredible at what they do,” he says. “I wanted people on this track who sound like themselves. I didn’t give them any instructions; I just told them to have fun with it, and they more than delivered.”
You can stream Kilian’s Music on Spotify and all other major streaming platforms.
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