Lou Rhodes, best known as the voice of Lamb and the iconic track Górecki, sits down to talk about her new musical chapter with Kiiōtō — a project born from creativity, chance, and a return to pure musical expression.
In this conversation, Lou reflects on how Kiiōtō emerged organically at the end of lockdown, when she and Rowan Heath (formerly of Urban Cookie Collective) reconnected and began making music without expectation or pressure. What started as spontaneous moments — cooking in the kitchen while Rowan played piano — quickly turned into something deeper, with songs forming naturally and intuitively.
Lou speaks openly about stepping away from the traditional music industry, and how Kiiōtō represents a more honest, independent approach. Without record labels or external demands, the project has allowed them to create music that feels personal, organic, and true to who they are today.
We also explore Lou’s roots in Manchester, from working as a photographer for City Life and The Face, to capturing moments at the Haçienda and being part of a generation that experienced the city’s cultural explosion first-hand. She shares memories of clubbing at the Haçienda and PSV, and reflects on how interconnected the Manchester music scene has always been.
Of course, we talk about Lamb — their journey, their place in alternative music, and the impact of their biggest track Górecki. Lou reflects on why the band eventually came to an end, and why she feels creatively fulfilled now with Kiiōtō.
The conversation also touches on resilience, creativity through difficult times, and how something meaningful can emerge from challenge — a theme that runs through both Lou’s story and the music of Kiiōtō.
Lou also shares a beautiful recommendation to close: Peace Piece by Bill Evans — a track that inspired the early sound of Kiiōtō and reflects the calm, reflective space from which the project was born.
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