Hiatus Kaiyote: 'Nakamarra,' Live On Soundcheck

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Hiatus Kaiyote makes a sort of enigmatic, genre-defying music that the band calls "future soul," a fun blend of electronic sounds, African grooves, silky smooth neo-soul, and hip-hop beats. (Think Erykah Badu mixed with J Dilla mixed with Oumou Sangaré mixed with Flying Lotus.)

The band formed in 2011, and after a ton of SXSW showcases, touring in the U.S., and even a guest spot at Brooklyn Bowl during Questlove's DJ set, Hiatus Kaiyote self-released its debut Tawk Tomahawk in 2012 and re-released it this past July. The record is a progressive collection of R&B and jazz-infused songs -- like "Mobius Streak" and "Nakamarra" -- that showcases lovely instrumentation and singer Nai Palm's alluring, gorgeous voice soaring above the mix.

Watch the band play "Nakamarra" in the Soundcheck studio.

For more, follow Soundcheck on Twitter at @Soundcheck.

[skyboundzoo]

live recording sounds just like studio recording.. wait..
studio recording sounds just like live recording..
wait..
talent sounds just like talent
..yeah

[jonplaysbass]

that fuckin bass lines man... it just... blows my mind

[MegaENCHANCER]

thier kind of songs are the ones that dont bore me halfway like all the other repetitive songs. their songs take me on an adventure...

[lukeofkeys]

Those chord changes + simultaneous jazz vocals. Huge respect! Love that tune.

[mattcholiibre]

one of the most gorgeous combination of musicians to ever make music together. Seriously. Just listen to what everybody is contributing. This makes me feel alive man.

[nathanperkins]

When I listen to this, there's a feeling of pure euphoria and joy. Makes me think of all the best memories.. Her voice, the music, just all of it makes me wonder about the music I hear on the radio. Rambling now, what an amazing song and talented group of people

Esperanza Spalding & Gretchen Parlato...and now this sister  WOW!!!  love great music!

[skioakenfull]

man, the drummer's feel is so wicked. switching to swing time at the end... love it

[wweishh]

It makes my heart smile and cry at the same time. To watch them grinning at and playing with each other with such genuine love and joy and freedom of spirit... all while playing the most complex of rhythms and most innovative of melodies... <3 <3 <3 </3 </3 </3

[yelynnh]

Wow.. her voice is the perfect blend of sweet and soulful rasp <3 I can hear a bit of Corinne Bailey Rae and Amy Winehouse

[kjarsenal]

These Australians straight putting it down. Gotta say, feeling it.

[ge]

this may be one of the best live vocal performances i have ever seen

[indriadrayton]

Good drummer. Loving the keyboards, bass, the whole thing. Remember this from the early 70's. This style goes wayyyy back.

[jhoaoobando]

Pure Groove Feeling Smoothness, Love so much this band

[Skyjuice]

Hiatus Kaiyote band members, you guys are the cat's meow. Wishing you continued success and all the best. God Bless.

[mickdanger]

Just the style of drumming is really reminiscent of Questlove, am I just crazy?

[moomgy]

WOW.  STEVIE WONDER in young female form!

[harmaseeband]

Didn't think they'd be able to pull this off live! Outstanding

[Porgieporgemusicman]

Never get sick of hearing these guys....

[jonasgovenius]

I do Agree, the drummer is fantastic and so is the rest of the band. A new sound. JG