Interview: Misha & The Kings Release New Album 'Too Hot'

You've built a reputation as one of the most energetic live bands in Wales, so "Ecstasy" feels like a left turn. Was it a conscious decision to go somewhere quieter? We never had any doubt that "Ecstasy" was going to be on the album. It's certainly different from the high-energy songs we're often known for, but that's exactly why it deserved its place. The song starts intimately, with layers gradually building until it erupts into this huge, emotional wall of sound. One of the things we love about being in this band is that everyone writes. We all bring different influences and different musical styles to the table, and we're very open to letting each person's individuality shape the songs. That means our album isn't one-dimensional — it reflects all sides of who we are as musicians. "Ecstasy" also gives us a chance to connect with our audience in a different way. At some of our shows we've handed out red roses during the song, which creates a really special moment and changes the atmosphere completely. Just because we're known for energetic, theatrical performances doesn't mean we can't explore quieter, more emotional territory. "Ecstasy" is one of those songs that feels genuinely special to us. We don't play it at every gig, it depends on the mood and the event, but there was never any question that it belonged on Too Hot.

The song deals with temptation and the pull towards something you know isn't right for you. That's pretty vulnerable territory. How did it feel to put that into a track that's now out in the world? At first, I was quite scared to confront this song because of what it means to me. I worried that people might judge it, but ultimately it's just a song about being human. We all experience moments where we're drawn towards something we know isn't right for us, and we all have to make choices about who we want to be.

The lyrics aren't based on one single event. They're a blend of different experiences, emotions, memories and imagined scenarios, all woven together into one story. That's why it's difficult to give one simple explanation of what "Ecstasy" is about. I actually like that people can interpret it in their own way and connect it to their own lives.

For me, the song is about standing at the edge of something and choosing to step back. It's about the conflict, the temptation, the guilt, and the endless "what ifs" that can stay with you afterwards. But ultimately it's a song about finding freedom. That's exactly how it feels to perform live too. It begins from quite a vulnerable place, but b.y the end there's a real sense of release, as though you've let go of the weight you've been carrying.

"Ecstasy" was developed in your living room before you took it into the studio. How much does that process, starting small and building outward, shape the way the band writes?

Every song seems to come into existence a little differently, and that's one of the things we love about writing together. Sometimes an idea arrives almost fully formed, while other times it grows gradually through rehearsals and experimentation.

"Ecstasy" started life in Misha's living room with a melody, some lyrics, a keyboard, and us working through the chords until everything clicked. From there, it evolved very naturally. We firmly believe that if a song can stand on its own with just a piano and a vocal, then you've got a solid foundation to build on.

Once we took it into the rehearsal room, it became a true Misha and the Kings song. That's where each member brings their own ideas, influences and personality, and together we shape the arrangement into something none of us would have created on our own.

By the time we finally recorded "Ecstasy", we'd already been playing it live for around a year. That gave the song time to find its identity before we ever thought about pressing Record. We knew what connected with audiences, what moments needed space, and where the emotion naturally built. That journey from living room, to rehearsal room, to the stage is a huge part of how many of our songs find their final form.

Too Hot was almost entirely recorded in a home studio in Aberystwyth. Do you think that DIY approach changes what the music sounds like, or what it's about?

Absolutely. Recording Too Hot predominantly in a home studio gave us something that’s often difficult to find in a commercial studio: freedom. Without constantly watching the clock, we were able to let the songs develop naturally, revisit ideas weeks later, and keep experimenting until they felt complete.

Rather than simply capturing what the four of us play live, we treated the studio as another creative instrument. We asked ourselves, “If there were no limits, what would this song need?” That led us to use layered vocals, orchestral textures, live brass, samples, sound effects and even quirky intros whenever they helped tell the story of a song.

That said, we also recognised when a different environment would serve the music better. Two tracks were recorded with producer and engineer Ed Cutler at Magnum Studios in Cannock because they relied on the energy of us performing together as a band. Those songs needed us in a live room, feeding off each other, and Ed gave us the perfect environment to capture that performance while bringing his own experience and ideas to the recordings.

One of the biggest surprises came during the making of “Last Tango”. It wasn’t until we were well into the recording process that we realised the song needed another voice. That’s when we invited Liam Rickard, better known as The Worldwide Welshman, to perform the Welsh interpretation alongside Misha. It completely transformed the song and became one of those moments that simply wouldn’t have happened if we’d been rushing to finish before the studio clock ran out.

Ultimately, we never set out to prove that one way of recording is better than another. We simply chose the approach that best served each song, and we think that combination of home recording and studio collaboration helped make Too Hot the album we wanted it to be.

You went to San Marino for Eurovision selection, played to a packed church, filmed a TEDx performance. It's been a big twelve months. What's actually surprised you most about this period?

It’s been an incredible twelve months. We’ve had our first international trip as a band, travelled to San Marino for the chance to compete to represent the country at Eurovision, performed at TEDx, played to a packed church, and celebrated the release of our debut album. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has happened in such a short space of time.

What has surprised us most, though, has been the incredible support we’ve received from our local community and from fans much further afield. As a band from the small seaside town of Aberystwyth in West Wales, we never imagined so many people would get behind us and genuinely care about what we were doing.

When we announced the San Marino opportunity, the excitement around the town was amazing. Then came our church concert, where every pew was full and we honestly could have done with a few more! Our album launch was another unforgettable night, with so many familiar faces coming out to celebrate with us.

It’s moments like those that stay with you. One of our superfans even offered to drive us to Heathrow Airport if we’d made it through to the next round of Eurovision! It’s that kind of kindness and belief that keeps us going. We honestly couldn’t ask for a better community or more supportive fans, and we’re grateful to every single person who’s joined us on this journey.

For anyone coming to Misha and the Kings for the first time through Too Hot, where would you point them next?

I'd start with Too Hot, because it really is the best introduction to who we are. It captures so many different sides of the band, from the big, high-energy anthems people know us for to more reflective songs like "Ecstasy." We wanted the album to show that we're not afraid to explore different emotions and influences.

That said, Too Hot is only the first chapter of what we're building. We're incredibly proud of it, but we're already looking ahead. We've been performing some brand-new songs live, we've got more fresh material waiting in the wings, and we're already talking seriously about album number two.

We're not interested in standing still. Every song we write, every show we play and every experience we have shapes where we go next. If people decide to come along for the ride now, they'll get to see the band grow, experiment, mature and discover new sides of our sound. That's one of the most exciting parts for us — we're only just getting started.