Interview with Kyera
Kyera is a R&B and Pop musician.
Why did you want to do music professionally?
Work takes up around 70% of our lives, so I enjoy using that time doing something I am passionate about. Music is a powerful tool; although it can be subjective, it has the ability to unite people and create special moments, regardless of any differences they may possess.
What inspires your music?
Writing music is one of those activities that I have never been able to explain. One moment, I'm minding my own business with nothing particular on my mind and the next, ideas for lyrics and a melody are practically pouring out of me. There isn't any secret technique or method I use. it's mostly being open and being willing to allow myself the freedom to explore creativity and just go with the flow. If there's one thing that has driven this process in me, it's my passion for life - capturing its beauty and raw emotion through musical words and sounds. Anytime the creative process strikes me, it feels truly amazing and almost magical - like lightning striking but not infrequent.
What things get you in the mood to write songs or do lyrics come spontaneously?
Melodies or lyrics come spontaneously.
How do you want your music to affect people?
My goal is crafting songs that feel like a trusted companion - providing a unique experience each and every time. With chords that ignite emotion, layers of thoughtful sound design, and irresistible grooves, I hope that listeners will be moved by what they hear - creating memorable events that make the world come alive in ways only possible through music.
Do you test out your songs before releasing them? How do you do this?
Music is a subjective art form like any other, so it can be really hard to say whether or not any given song will resonate with people. Rather than try to second guess what an audience might like, I choose to put out new music without overthinking it too much. After all, there is no scarcity of potential songs I could create in the future, and I'm confident that more great ideas are on their way - so if one of my tracks fails to catch on, then there's plenty more on the way. Above all, I want people to connect with my music; it's a special kind of communication from me out into the world and either people choose to accept that offering or they don't - either way it's fine by me.
How do you prepare for a gig?
When I'm preparing for a gig, I always make sure to enjoy it and take some time to laugh. This helps me adopt a more playful attitude; knowing that what I am doing is not only something I love, but also something deserving of joy and celebration. Taking the time to soften into the experience and get familiar with the venue can really bring an extra layer of comfort to my performance. It's like forming a connection with the space; becoming partners in celebration
What is your favorite song that you've written?
There's no doubt that my favorite song is always the last song I've written. Right now, I'm loving "Look, Don't Touch!", an anthem dedicated to self-acceptance and uniqueness. The inspiration for the track came from a conditioner line I created with the same name. In crafting this song, I had a blast experimenting with sounds and crossing genres because it was like unlocking my imaginative world!
Has there been a reaction to one of your songs that you've been surprised by?
After the initial surprise of hearing from someone I hadn't kept in touch with after high school, I was astounded that she had found out about my work through her friend who lives in Taiwan. It certainly wasn't something I had expected when creating "Dragon Slayer", yet it was incredible to hear it had specifically become her favorite song. Of all the songs I've composed, it brought me great joy knowing that this embodiment of feminine strength had been embraced internationally and this individual could lose herself dancing to it. Listening to her story made me feel like my music mattered enough for her to take the time and track me down, this is a moment I'll always remember fondly.
What are some ways that you promote yourself?
My hair and performance style are integral parts of my overall brand as an artist. I meld together elements of different genres, making a unique blend that I'd describe as alternative R&B with cinematic influences. It takes people on a journey and has an epic feel that sets it apart from other styles of music. My goal is to bring people together in a meaningful way through the power of sound, and crafting my own distinct style helps me stand out. By promoting myself through my hair, performance, and multi-genre approach to music, I'm able to craft an experience that resonates with listeners both at my shows and on their favorite streaming service.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Despite years of working hard, putting in the effort and dedicating my time to developing my music in my makeshift home studio, making industry connections (like a network) has been a struggle for me. In 2018 when one person heard my music and loved it to the level where they wanted to connect me with grammy winning artists, it felt like a dream come true. However, due to lacking the team and knowledge on how to create momentum around this opportunity combined with the financial restraints I faced, ultimately I wasn't able to use this opportunity to catapult my career. But it still serves as a reminder of the impact my music is able to make and helps fuel my ambition.
What have been your favorite places to tour?
Houston, New York, and Orlando (Disney Springs)
Are there advantages to being an independent musician?
Being an independent musician certainly has its perks, chief among them being the ability to make your own creative decisions without interference from any higher powers. While it's understandable for certain musicians to want to outsource the stress of making complex industry-level decisions and just focus wholly on their music, this convenience comes at a price: that of relinquishing all or partial creative control. This effectively implies having someone else dictate your musical direction - not exactly ideal! Sure, sometimes it pays to take outside advice but ultimately you should be the one choosing the course of your music career. After all, if it fails, it's only you who will have to live with the consequences. There's something trustworthy and rewarding about taking control and making sure your story is told in how you want it to be without anyone else gaining unlimited say over it.