kiiara

With a sound and style that’s uniquely her own, Kiiara deserves a top spot on all your favorite playlists. We talked to the talented songstress about her latest album, mental health and more!

words by VANESSA SALLES photo by DENNIS LEUPOLD

Tell us about your debut album! How long has it been in the works and what does it mean to you to be releasing it now?

I had spent 5 years working on my debut album “lil kiiwi”! It’s nerve racking because I have never been this vulnerable and transparent in my career. I am so grateful to share this project with my fans and I wanted to make sure I told my story the right way. Early in my career and up until now, I was very closed off and never really opened up to anyone. I didn’t know who I was, so how was I supposed to let anyone get to know me ? With this album, I want to bring my fans in and let them get to know and understand me better.

What has the reaction been like from fans so far?

The reaction from my fans has been so positive. They’ve been so patient and kind. I’m very grateful for each and every one of them! I consider them my family. I’ve been reading all the comments and trying to respond to as many DM’s as possible! I love them more than they know.

Is there a track off the album that resonates with you the most?

“Accidental” is the song that resonates with me the most. It’s an apology. The song is about me being the absolute fucking worst when this guy showed me nothing but love. He was patient, caring, genuine, and liked me for me. I wish I would’ve handled my emotions differently. I was just young and overwhelmed by everything going on in my life at the time. I was scared because I really liked him and those emotions were something I had never felt before. I knew if I started dating him, it would be serious and long term. Something I wasn’t ready for at the time. I wish I didn’t push him away. If I could go back in time and take it all back, I would.

How would you describe your creative process?

My creative process is very go with the flow. I don’t like to plan too much when it comes to writing/creating music. I usually will go to the studio and write about how I’m feeling at that given moment. Authenticity is very important to me. I never want any of my projects to feel contrived.

When you think of your ultimate career goals, what comes to mind?

When I think of my ultimate career goals, I think of performing in stadiums all over the world. I think of having my own skincare line. I think of having my own fragrance and I’d love to be in movies. I love acting! Oh, and a Christmas album! That’d be fun.

How do you make time for your mental health?

Running is one of the tools I use to clear my mind. Sometimes, when I’m really overthinking, I won’t even listen to music while I run. I’ll just go 3 miles in silence. Singing is the other tool I use to really get out of my head. I have severe anxiety so it distracts me from all that unnecessary brain noise. My brain misfires constantly and that’s one of my main coping mechanisms.

Any special message to fans?

I wanna tell my fans to not put too much pressure on themselves. We’re all human and we need to remember that, especially now with everything that’s happening in the world. We need to be kind and helpful to one another.