5 Songs I Love w/ Misha & The Kings

We sat down with the incredible Misha & The Kings to find out more about what makes their unique sound on the release of their new album 'Too Hot'. Be sure to check out their new single 'Ecstasy' at the bottom, and follow them along on their socials!

'I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)' – Aretha Franklin

I was first introduced to this song through The Commitments, which was one of the first musicals I ever fell in love with. It opened the door to soul and blues music for me, and I remember being completely captivated by the emotion behind the performances. Hearing songs like this showed me just how powerful a voice could be when it comes from a place of genuine feeling. Aretha Franklin's delivery is effortless yet incredibly raw, and that's something I've always aspired to as a singer. More than anything, this song reminds me that the most memorable performances aren't about perfection, they're about making people believe every word. The Commitments was just the beginning of a lifelong love of musicals and storytelling through music, and that influence still shapes me as an artist today.

'Tear Me Down' – Hedwig and the Angry Inch

I only discovered Hedwig and the Angry Inch relatively recently, but I connected with it almost instantly. The energy, the theatricality and the unapologetic attitude really resonated with me. Tear Me Down has an edge that reminds me of what we're trying to create with Misha and the Kings. In the early days we'd often turn up to play half-empty bars, performing to audiences who had no idea what to expect from these colourful, theatrical characters walking onto the stage. Like Hedwig, there was always a feeling of being a bit of a misfit or outsider, but music gave us the freedom to embrace that rather than hide from it. The moment I put on the jewels and step on stage, I can completely be myself, and that's something this song captures so brilliantly.

'SOS d'un terrien en détresse' – Dimash Qudaibergen

I discovered Dimash through social media a few years ago, and this was the first performance of his that I ever heard. I didn't understand a word he was singing, but it didn't matter. His voice, his incredible range and, most importantly, the emotion behind every note made me feel like I already knew him. That's something I aspire to as a singer, to be able to move people regardless of language. I was lucky enough to see Dimash perform live in 2025, and I cried more than once because his voice genuinely touches my soul. Beyond his extraordinary talent, what inspires me most is the person he is. The love, patience and genuine care he shows his fans is something you can feel, and it's a reminder that being a great artist is just as much about how you treat people as it is about the music you make.

'Play the Greatest Hits' – Wolf Alice

I've been a fan of Wolf Alice since my university days, and one of the things I've always admired is that they've never let themselves be confined to one genre. They simply make the music they want to make, and that freedom has been a huge inspiration to me. Although Play the Greatest Hits came out in 2021, it's a song I've only really connected with recently. It has the same punk edge and chaotic energy that we sometimes lean into with Misha and the Kings, especially on songs like "CIA". Ellie Rowsell's stage presence is fearless. She plays with her voice, bends the lyrics and performs with the confidence that there are no rules. That's something I love. Music should be fun, unpredictable and expressive, and this song reminds me that the best performances often come from throwing away the rulebook and giving everything you've got.

'Baraye' – Shervin Hajipour

As someone with both Persian and British heritage, I grew up surrounded by Iranian music. Some of my happiest childhood memories are dancing around the living room to it with my family. Baraye is very different. Written during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in 2022, it's a song born out of hope, courage and heartbreak. Even though it's beautifully sung, you can feel the pain behind every word.

Raising awareness of the struggles faced by the Iranian people is something that's very important to me, and music is one of the ways I can do that. Misha and the Kings have performed several Persian songs over the years, including at our recent unplugged concert, and I'm incredibly grateful that the band has embraced that side of my identity. Being able to sing freely, wear what I want and express myself on stage is something I never take for granted. I only hope that one day everyone in Iran can experience those same freedoms.

'Ecstasy' - Misha & The Kings