IN SESSION 003: BEN KIRILO
We're back for round three of In Session. This time, we're joined by Ben Kirilo, a New Zealand-based film photographer, graphic artist, and creative whose work captures his distinct perspective.
Who is your favourite creatives?
"Theo batterham who does all the Fred Again photos is an absolute inspiration. William Strobeck does a lot of the Supreme media, those were super influential to me learning to take photos when I was a kid. Tom Grut and Cam Marwick are two absolute weapons with the cameras that inspire me heaps.
Locally, I love Caru and Brandn Shiraz’s new tape, and Wellington’s own Clova and Pearly are on a well deserved tear right now too, and I have heard some of Mikeyy’s new tunes coming out later this year that are unreal. And my friend and flatmate 44kyn. I also really like a lot of the pants I Love Ugly makes right now they are pretty much all I wear."
What is a track that represents your style?
"Runnerz by Joy Oribison"
What is your advice for someone wanting to get into the industry?
"Get involved for the right reasons and it should hopefully work out. If you want to be around music for the wrong reasons people can tell. Be passionate and a half good person and people will recognise that, take every opportunity that comes your way and surround yourself with the right people, every big opportunity I’ve ever had didn’t come from relentless emailing and networking, just being in the right place at the right time and trusting the right people"
If you could recommend 3 tunes to someone, what would they be?
1) Best Believe by Caru and Brandn Shiraz
2) North Road by Napes
3) iPod Touch by Ninajirachi
What’s something you want to see more of in NZ’s creative scene?
"I would love to see less divide between scenes and genres, right now it feels like more grassroots and underground scenes are mutually exclusive to larger, more commercial events and scenes and I wish that weren’t the case. I love being around, listening and working at a local gigs and with local artists as much as I enjoy being at a big commercial festival or working with an international, the two things have their place and I wish there wasn’t such a divide, you can exist and enjoy both things."
Favourite project/pictures you’ve worked on?
"All the sets at Rhythm Stage at RNV last year and portraits from this year."
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in the industry?
"Similar to what I was talking about before, doing work for the right reasons, surrounding myself with people who have similar goals and values and not being led astray by the wrong things. I am super grateful to have some incredible friends in music who keep me super grounded and motivated."
What’s next for Ben Kirilo?
"I always set myself some goals for the year and this year was to go overseas and take photos which I’m doing for the first time in November, and I am hoping to do maybe an AUS/NZ tour this year too and fingers crossed something will happen. Next year I really want to tackle a Europe summer and hit all the big festivals there. And learn more about studio lighting."
You’re on flat dinner tonight. What are you making us?
"I’ve been learning to cook vegetarian for fun recently, I made a Sweet Chilli Tofu Stirfry this week so I would probably microwave you guys some of that."
Thats a wrap!
That's a wrap on our chat with Ben Kirilo. Big thanks for pulling up, mate!
It was great putting the spotlight on someone who's out there capturing moments that artists and their supporters will look back on forever. So much of music and creative culture is remembered through the lens of photographers, and without them, the scene just wouldn't be the same.
See you in the next In Session.