Kivo Van Twist checks into 'Room 17' to tackle bullying

What happens when your most important room has no door, no windows and no way out? Luxembourg rock act Kivo Van Twist explores the answer with 'Room 17', a dark, atmospheric new single tackling bullying, its consequences, and the things we should think about before we speak or act.

Kevin Misci, better known to Luxembourg music world as Kivo Van Twist and guitarist with heavy-metal outfit Serpent Bite, has teamed up with Vanessa Tani, president of anti-bullying organisation Respect Each Other, for a song with a message that goes way beyond the music.

Originally part of a project between Kevin and Vanessa, 'Room 17' evolved into something more focused: a musical warning about the devastating impact bullying can have on young people, and the scars it can leave long after school years are over.

For the track, Kivo brought Luxembourg artist Leykard on board as a featured vocalist, bringing a hip-hop influence to Kivo Van Twist’s rock-driven sound.

Welcome to Room 17

So, where exactly is this mysterious Room 17? Well, that's the point: it isn't a physical room.

The title represents the body and soul at around 17 years old, a time when teenagers can find themselves caught between childhood and adulthood, while dealing with pressure, insecurity, fear and, for some, bullying.

The "room" is the inner space we all carry around with us. And, as Kivo Van Twist explains, that space is shaped by everything we experience, including the words and actions of the people around us.

The accompanying music video, filmed and produced by Ornello of Orunero Studio Lab, brings that idea to life. Moving between the perspectives of teenagers and adults, it explores how bullying can become trapped inside someone's thoughts and emotions, affecting their mental well-being and potentially shaping the person they become. "Think twice before you speak or act. It's a small effort on your part, but it could prevent damage that lasts a lifetime," said Kivo Van Twist.

The video also plays with the contrast between good and evil, with Kivo Van Twist taking on the role of the anti-hero while Leykard represents the darker side.

Rock meets hip-hop meets Dark Pop

Room 17 also sees Kivo Van Twist and Leykard stepping outside their usual musical territories.

Kivo's roots are firmly planted in classic rock, hard rock and gothic rock. Leykard, meanwhile, comes from a hip-hop background. Rather than trying to force the two styles together, the pair searched for common ground, eventually finding it somewhere between Dark Pop and New Wave.

The result is an atmospheric, emotionally charged track that combines modern production with elements of both artists' musical worlds.

And it isn't a small production either. Around ten people were involved in bringing the project together, with several studios and associations contributing to help get the anti-bullying message out there.

A little kindness goes a long way

At its heart, Room 17 isn't simply telling people not to bully. It's asking everyone to think a little more carefully about the effect they can have on someone else.

Kivo Van Twist hopes the song can reach teenagers and adults alike, and encourage people to choose empathy over hostility.

"I believe we should spend more time thinking, helping others, and creating something positive in this world. We need to work with each other, not against each other. Through Room 17, I want to remind people that kindness, understanding, and working together can make a real difference. We can be the change. That's not asking too much," explained Kivo Van Twist.

It's a simple message, but perhaps that's exactly why it matters. Everyone carries their own Room 17 with them and you never really know what's happening inside someone else's.

Listen to 'Room 17' now on YouTube (above), Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.