A Brief History Of KK
Kevin Kerrigan (aka “KK”) is a UK-based music artist, composer, and producer with over 30 years of experience crafting unique, emotionally rich music across an extraordinary range of genres and mediums.🎶 A Life in Music
KK’s musical journey began in the 1990s in an unlikely place: finding a broken piano in a dumpster. He fixed it, taught himself to play, and began composing. Growing up in rural Devon, he studied classical music while experimenting with early computers and electronics. Eventually, he moved to London to study Sonic Art, play in bands, and work in recording studios — where he began to master the art of composition and music production.🌍 Collaborations & Career Highlights
His professional break came in the early 2000s when he worked with legendary producer Stephen Street (Blur) at Mercury Records. KK’s signature sound — blending experimental electronics with classical and traditional forms — caught the attention of Brian Eno, who dubbed him an “alchemist” and mentored him. Together, they co-produced James’ critically acclaimed album Pleased To Meet You, and KK co-wrote two of Tim Booth’s solo records.
He later collaborated with Björk, contributing to some of her most experimental and celebrated work, and entered the whirlwind of mainstream pop, working with artists such as: Dido, Britney Spears, Kylie, Sting, Craig David, Will Young, KT Tunstall, Melanie C, Santana, Natalie Imbruglia, Beautiful South, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Shaznay Lewis (All Saints), Mediaeval Baebes
… and producers including Nellee Hooper, Jon Kelly, Rick Nowels, Dave Stewart, and Cathy Dennis.
🎥 Film, TV & Beyond
KK’s film scoring career began when James Newton Howard invited him to create atmospheric sound design for the Michael Mann / Tom Cruise thriller Collateral (Paramount). Since then, he has composed scores for numerous US feature films and award-winning shorts, including:Consumed (2022), The Alternate (2021), The Thompsons (2012), Holy Ghost People (2013), A Beginner’s Guide to Snuff (2016), The Night Watchmen (2017), Star Light (2019)
His work for television spans major networks like BBC, Netflix, HBO, Channel 4, ITV, and Discovery, with compositions featured in popular shows like Stage School (E4) and Lookalikes (Channel 4). His music has also been used in campaigns for British Airways, Land Rover, Penhaligons, B&Q, and more.
🎪 Other Creative Ventures
Never one to stay in a lane, KK has also:Directed music for theatrical and circus performances (National Theatre, Shunt)
Co-created the horror-themed board game Raw Fear
Released his own cinematic ambient/classical music
Traveled the world — climbing mountains, trekking jungles, and diving oceans — drawing inspiration from the natural world and human spirit, all of which infuse his music with a sense of vivid, emotional storytelling.
🌈 The Rainbow Collections
In 2004, KK co-founded The Rainbow Collections with Sophie Barker (Zero 7). Their debut, Lullaby, became a beloved family classic and launched a platinum-award-winning series of children’s albums (via Sony Music). Together, they also founded the Rainbow Collections Children's Foundation, supporting projects with Great Ormond Street Hospital and communities in Kenya, Cambodia, and Mexico.🎵 Solo Work
As a solo artist, KK releases immersive, genre-blending ambient/classical albums that explore memory, emotion, and place. Notable works include: The Hidden Waterfall (2024) Shipwrecks (2022) The Comet Tides (2020) Chiaroscuro (2019) Solasta (2017) Empty World (2011) The Magic Lantern (2009)👥 Mentorship & Community
Passionate about education and mentorship, KK regularly shares his knowledge with the next generation of music creators. He has lectured at institutions like Guildhall School of Music, ACM, and Point Blank Music School.Today, KK continues to work with a brilliant collective of musicians, artists, engineers, and studios — crafting a rich tapestry of sound shaped by imagination, collaboration, and lived experience.