In 2004, Nels Truesdelland Bob Kress formed KAVA KON as a magical escape from the urban decay surrounding them in their former home city of Detroit. The duo created a new form of music combining the modern with the primitive; electronica and exotica! Kava Kon’s music is influenced by the classic exotica sound of Martin Denny, Arthur Lyman and Bob Drasnin, obscure thrift store vinyl, Hollywood B-movie soundtracks of the ‘50s and ‘60s, Dub pioneers of Jamaica such as King Tubby, Scientist, and Lee "Scratch Perry" and early Detroit techno sounds of Juan Atkins, Drexciya and Jeff Mills.Bob Kress draws from his background of writing and recording jazz and classical music using exotic instruments from all corners of the globe.
Nels Truesdell’s eclectic background in electronic music production and his collection of vintage electronic music equipment gives “Tiki for the Atomic Age” a hypnotic, flowing and modern sound. Cover art by Canadian pop surrealist painter Heather Wattstakes Kava Kon’s unique sound into the visual realm.