Camp Kona is a Japanese-American alternative R&B artist/producer/DJ based in Los Angeles. As a self-proclaimed choir kid, she incorporates layered vocals and lush harmonies throughout her music, capturing the essence of fireside singalongs at summer camp. Having spent her life living in major cities while savoring the great outdoors, Kona blends crisp electronic sounds with warm vocals, basking in the in betweens.
Being a third culture kid, Kona leverages her bi-cultural identity to create more space for Asian Americans in music. She writes lyrics in both English and Japanese, bridging the gap between her two cultures.
Photographer: Mimi Miyamoto @mimingtonn
Ethnicity: Japanese-American
Location: Los Angeles (USA) / Tokyo (Japan)
Instagram: @campkona
Website:
GET TO KNOW - completed March 2025
3 words to describe you:
straightforward, kooky, and then idk a word for it but... i mean what i say and i stick to my word
Describe your sound:
Summer camp meets the big city - grittiness of natural sounds, layers upon layers of intersecting background vocals and counter melodies, paired with glittery precise drums and production to capture the excitement of summer camp with city slicker refinement.
Describe the moment you knew that you wanted to pursue music:
I have always loved words and writing, and when I learned how to play a guitar and set words to music, it was all over from there. Having the tools to tell stories not only through words but through subtle production, chord changes, transitions, and visual art are why I make music. I am constantly inspired by music and art I consume, and it's my contribution to the conversation.
How does your heritage impact your art?
I feel really tied to my heritage through language. Having a Japanese name, and speaking Japanese growing up helped me to feel really connected to Japanese culture even while living in the US with only one Japanese parent. Now, I try to incorporate Japanese language wherever I can whether it be adding katakana text in my visuals, or writing songs with Japanese and English lyrics.
What moment are you most proud of in your music journey so far?
First Japanglish song! Rely On (頼らない) song and music video release came at the end of multiple singles and videos in 2022, the last year I lived in New York, and it was so fun to create art with my friends.
Your next music goal:
I would love to play a west coast tour in the US, or start playing shows in cities outside of LA! Also.... release my EP :)
If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
Okay I am OBSESSED with FLO... I think everything they are doing is so polished and thought through from the songs to the creative direction ugh chef's kisss, but maybe one that makes more sense stylistically.
Lyrics you live by:
"When a girl feels good, it makes the world go 'round" (Girl Feels Good - FKA Twigs)
3 songs you're listening to right now:
Give It Up to Me - Shakira feat. Lil Wayne
choke enough - Oklou
Poppin Out (Mistakes) - Chxrry22
Your community shout out:
Sabrina Song (@iamsabrinasong) - friend and collaborator, I am so impressed by her ability to genre-bend. She is one of my favorite writer/producers, as well as an incredible artist in her own right. I love hitting shuffle and just listening to her entire discography.
