Kilian Wes: Cape Town’s Versatile Musical Innovator

Kilian Wes is a multi-talented artist from Cape Town, South Africa, whose career spans session work, production, songwriting, and performance. Initially recognized as a session musician, Kilian toured and recorded with some of the country’s top acts, gaining valuable experience in South Africa’s music scene. Over time, his creative journey evolved, leading him back to producing and writing his own music, and more recently stepping into the spotlight as a vocalist. Alongside music, Kilian has also explored acting, reinforcing his multidisciplinary approach to storytelling and performance.

From a young age, Kilian immersed himself in music and the arts, using imagination to overcome the limitations of his small-town upbringing. His early explorations included beat-making, school plays, painting, writing, and animation, laying the groundwork for a versatile creative identity. As a teenager, he developed his drumming skills and later pursued studies in Music and Production, eventually carving a niche in the South African session circuit. Inspired by artists who transitioned from behind-the-scenes roles to solo projects, Kilian began releasing his own music while continuing to collaborate with other artists, steadily building a distinctive creative voice.

In recent years, Kilian has undergone periods of creative reassessment, focusing on producing, touring, and acting. These experiences sharpened his perspective and reinforced his commitment to versatility rather than a fixed artistic identity. His approach to music is intentionally fluid, allowing each project to dictate its own sound and style. Kilian avoids adhering to a single genre, instead prioritizing fresh perspectives and character-driven storytelling, reflecting his love for film and dynamic creative expression.

“Tell Me” marks Kilian Wes’s latest release, following his collaboration with Arno Carstens on “Fascinated.” The track reflects a return to the playful energy of his teenage years producing dance music, reimagined through a modern lens. Lyrically, the song is simple yet striking, built around the repeated line, “Something’s on my mind, tell me that you’re mine,” exploring the tension and desire for reassurance in relationships. The track captures the search for genuine emotional connection, balancing familiarity with innovation in both production and vocal delivery.

With “Tell Me,” Kilian steps forward as a solo vocalist for the first time. Initially intending to feature a guest singer, he ultimately chose to keep his own vocals, marking his debut as both producer and singer on an unaccompanied track. Collaboration remains central to his process, however, with long-time musical partners Joshua on guitar and Grandall on organ contributing freely to the track. Kilian encouraged them to bring their authentic sound, resulting in a textured, dynamic recording that highlights both his vision and the talent of his collaborators. “Tell Me” underscores Kilian Wes’s ongoing evolution, emphasizing reinvention, curiosity, and versatility as cornerstones of his artistic journey.