by pankhuri bhutani
Kiiara’s debut single in 2015, “Gold,” broke all kinds of records as it successfully achieved over 450 million Spotify streams. Grabbing collaborations with music legends Linkin Park and some highly acclaimed artists like Ty Dolla $ign, Future, David Guetta, Steve Aoki, Dimitri Vegas, and Like Mike, Kiiara garnered a massive amount of over 1.4 billion streams from listeners across the globe. Marking her entry into the world of pop music with such a bang, Kiiara is back with another phenomenal track of hers, “Never Let You.”
We caught up with Kiiara in an interview where she discusses her latest single “Never Let You,” the process behind the track, and hints on some really exciting upcoming projects, including the release of her debut album that fans should definitely look out for in the future!
Hi Kiiara! Thank you for joining us on Unclear! For the people who are yet to be introduced to your music, kindly tell us something about yourself!
Kiiara: “I am a 25-year-old singer/writer from Chicago.”
When was the moment you realized you wanted to set out in the music industry?
K: “I’ve always wanted to be a singer. When I was little that was always my answer whenever someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Six or seven years ago I started writing because it was how I coped with my anxiety, and that’s when I realized, wow, this is what I’d love to do for the rest of my life. Singing and writing really helped clear my mind. It was almost like going for a run. That’s when I knew I wanted to set out in the music industry.”
You recently released your new track “Never Let You.” Good luck on that! What kind of reaction are you looking forward to gain from your fans?
K: “I am hoping my fans understand me a little more with each song. This one highlights times when I’ve been discouraged and thought the grass is greener on the other side, when really every situation has its pros and cons.”
What was the creative process like with the song and did you face any challenges during the making of the track?
K: “The creative process for ‘Never Let You’ was effortless. If anything, it was almost like a therapy session. I just wrote/sang exactly how I was feeling in that moment. After that session it felt as if a weight had been lifted. I felt so relieved and just grateful to have turned a negative feeling into something positive that could potentially help others.”
You have garnered more than four million monthly listeners on your Spotify Channel. How does it feel to know that your music has such a global influence?
K: “It’s crazy to me that millions of people listen to my music. I am forever grateful for their support. This all feels like a dream. I’ll never be able to fully wrap my head around it. I’ve definitely tried.”
Having worked with some iconic artists including Linkin Park, David Guetta, Future and many more, how would you describe the experience to be like collaborating with them?
K: “My experience working with them was unforgettable. They give the best advice. Linkin Park specifically. I’ve learned so much from those guys. They really helped me understand what I need and what to focus on in order to stay grounded in this industry. They changed my outlook on a number of things. They made me really understand the importance of family and why you always need to keep them close.”
What is next for you? What can the fans expect from your upcoming projects?
K: “My debut album, lil kiiwi, comes out this fall!!! Fans can expect more honesty and transparency. I really want to let them into my world completely. I was really closed off early in my career because I was so unsure of myself as a person. I didn’t know who I was. I was and still am learning. I just have a better idea of who I am now as opposed to back then a few years ago.”
What are you currently listening to? Who are your musical inspirations?
K: “Lil Uzi Vert, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Chris Brown, Halsey, Eminem, blackbear, DeathbyRomy, and Frank Ocean.”
Lastly, is there any message that you would wish to convey to your supporters?
K: “One thing I want listeners to take away from my music is that they’re not alone in what they’re going through and experiencing, even though it may feel like it at times. I want them to always remember that odds are I’ve been through it too and if I haven’t, someone else definitely has.”
