Today we’d like to introduce you to Iiris Kokko.
Hi Iiris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am KOKO, a musician, singer-songwriter, model and an entrepreneur originally from Finland. Based in Brooklyn New York. I have always been an artistic soul. I have played the alto-saxophone since I was 8 years old, been part of choirs, music conservatories, music classes and I also have a background in theatre and musicals. I love to perform, I love to share my truth.
Before moving to NYC, I was a radio host and a DJ in Finland. An interview with Erykah Badu changed completely the course of my life. I decided to come to The US to study sound technology to SAE Institute of Technology, and the rest is history. I started building my sound and artistry, and never looked back.
Living in a city like New York is vital to my soul. Throughout my whole life I have been very purpose and mission oriented. I have so much love towards my fellow humans, and every day I try and do my best to contribute and raise the frequency of this planet and bring people together. Connection is it truly. In the big 2026 my big focus is improving and taking space for women in male dominated fields, whether it is via music, skateboarding, or any form of activism I am part of. I just think women are the key and answer to the better future. Especially when treated with care and compassion. We have been suppressed for hundreds if not thousands, and I can’t deal with that anymore.
Having grown up partially in the middle Europe(Brussels, Belgium) and have the opportunity to do my high school studies in an international school, I have a good understanding when it comes to dealing with people from different cultural backgrounds. I speak many languages, but ultimately, it all comes down to connection. We are all One. Souls on an eternal journey having a human experience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would be lying if I told it was easy in any way. There has been a lot of turbulence whether it has been a betrayal after betrayal, heart breaks, financial struggle or even mental health at times. But I have known from a young age that I am a very old soul. I think it has brought me a lot of understanding about this concept of things always changing, circumstances changing, and like things always working out for the better. My soul remains, and having that knowing that I can just always connect within, remember all is Okay. It is a very soothing feeling. Being a woman who naturally leads, at times I also face resistance from my surroundings, but especially from certain male characters. I just always try and remember that is the best to take the ‘higher route’, and not to lower my frequency for any sort of drama. For some reason in my life I believe still in this concept of karma. That is why for myself, I am very big on doing my best to do things the right way. Even if it takes a longer time for me to ascend, but you want to create things that make an impact, and that are sustainable to maintain in the long run. Being a bad person towards anyone only brings loss in your own life, and does not benefit your surroundings.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter, musician, producer and I have a diploma in audio engineering. Aside of that I model a lot, and I am also in my activist bag. Skateboarding is a dear hobby of mine, and at this point also a lifestyle, as to me it is all very much connected and tight together.
People would know me for someone who works a lot, is very passionated and purpose oriented, always tries and treat everyone with respect and kindness. But I am a true baddie fr.
If you think about my brand, I have been a Hello Kitty girl for years at this point. I think she is a huge inspiration for me, because she is like someone who just choose to be kind and good to her surroundings. She is empathetic, uplifting, cute and inspirational.
Color pink is also what I am generally known for in this city. I just relate to it heavy I really feel like it is the color of my aura or something. I like the vibration / frequency of the color. It is very uplifting, joyous and pretty. When I wear pink I feel like I can conquer the whole world.
Examples of my work there can be a lot, but aside of making music and performing, I uplift women in music, I host a monthly all female jam at Funkadelic Studios. I give guidance and try and do my best to put girls on in music, whether is is connecting them with the right studios or videographers, listening to their demos, giving intuitive ideas for their releases etc. I create playlists and share and re-post things from my girl colleagues. I try and put them on with any interview platforms and opportunities I possible can.
A few organizations I have been involved with are Gsiaap(Global social issues awareness and prevention), BK Network and NY Network(basketball for the youth, shoutout to captain Zak and Coach Roc), Harold Hunter Foundation(Women and Girls Mentorship Program for Skateboarding), VALON Guild(shoutout to Colie), and the list goes on..
It is not always pink and fluffy and cute. Some of the most inspirational impact I think has been just to support and be there for women who have gone through domestic violence. It is impressive when first these women get out of their situations and like their self-worth and self-concept is low. But then One step at a time, practicing compassion, self-love and kindness, these women gain their power back and find their light and truth and reconnect with their purpose.
There are so many things I would like to build in the future when it comes to women empowerment and like helping people with mental health issues. I would especially like to help immigrant women a lot, because those are the stories that are the most damaging to the souls typically. When you are forced to give your power away, place your destiny partially on someone elses hands, and if that person decides to miss use it. Karma always comes.
This is some of the soul work, but I am creative af I can tell you that. I create with people in my community, by myself and also even with people outside of the state and even country,
There are so many people I would like to shoutout for real, but sending love to my Chicago peers(Bobby, Vinny&co..) cus they are always incredibly loving and supportive, and then special shoutout to Zeek, from Skazoodle brand. Zeek has been cretive directing and building certain things for my brand. He designed the original logo of my creative project KOKO KITTY NYC, and much more. He is from Australia but currently based in Italy. Zeek is a great friend and a creative mind in my closer circle.
I am also part of certain group chats were the empowering happens almost daily, and Pussy Power is one of them. Our safe space where girls come together and share their every day struggles.
I enjoy of the culture and have always been on my fly shit. I express myself a lot via clothing, but I do not pay attention as much what other people are wearing, because I always look at everyone as a soul.
Love for clothing and expression probably also lead me to model for tons of underground and street wear brands. Local Ones are so cool. A brand called BZR is One that I have had a creative partnership and friendship for over 2 years now. They are based in New Orleans. I also love AUNT NYC, and recently I have had a chance to collaborate on some things with Daniel’s Leather which I feel extremely flattered about. With Daniel’s brand, I for multiple reasons fw heavy, but the fact that He also came here by himself and built something so huge and impactful to the culture, it is meaningful to do anything with them really. And the fact that they are making it possible. Means everything.
Music wise I create with a lot of different people and also have a collaboration with Funkadelic Studios(shoutout Dawn, I love U! A woman owned studio by Times Square btw). There we rehearse with a band and make all type of magic happen.
Ony from Music Goals, they are in Ktown, I have enjoyed of working with! And this next song is produced together with Rainscaper. I write songs also currently to beats from this Russian Producer, and yea idk I just work with many different people.
If I could, I would be in the studio every day and just create the music I love. Right now I make Rock n roll music, inspired my my activism and the nature of our times. My new video is edited and filmed with Stony, but I directed and scripted it with him. Shoutout to Tiny too!
Throughout my artistry there have been certain people who have believed in me thru thick and thin. The last person today I want to shoutout is my stylist TJ. Without our collaboration and friendship a lot of things would have not happened. I love you so much TJ!
What sets me apart from the others is that there is only one me. I follow my vision, I do not try to be anyone else that I am. I am fully aware who I am as a soul, and this all has always been about putting my purpose and music first. That is how it all has unfolded, and will continue to unfold.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Very similar to what I am these days. I have always had this strong moral compass and I have genuinely cared for my fellow humans and doing the right thing. That being said I am not perfect tho. But I try my best at least.
But yea I was just curious and joyous and full of life. At the same time very observant and even introverted at times. I read a lot and listened to a lot of music. I went to library every week. I felt things strong and had very similar passions and interests I have till today. Music, culture, nature, making things happen together were all important things to me. I had many music and theatre related hobbies, but I was big on sports too. Growing up I played tennis, soccer, danced, and I was a cheerleader too. In the winter time I always went skiing with my dad, and summertime we were roller blading a lot together. My dad’s side of the family is from The Eastern Part of Finland and I truly always enjoyed embracing that more laid back, country side vibe within myself. I am originally a bit outside from the capital area of Finland(capital is Helsinki) pretty much, from like this place called Espoo. Growing up I was climbing trees and running in the forests and meadows almost every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://koko16.bandzoogle.com/home
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/koko.fly
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kokkofly
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iiris-kokko
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@koko.flyest/
- soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mademoiselle-bonfire
