KIIA – Around the Globe

By starrymag | June 23, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) East meets West. Electronic/R&B Pop production with a flare of eastern melodies/ harmonies.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Sting, Russ, Michael Jackson, Tracy Chapman

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Around the Globe.”

A) “Around the Globe” is inspired by a true love story. It’s about going around the globe on a daring adventure with the love of your life. It’s a sexy, upbeat summer track produced to spread love and positivity vibes around the globe.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I believe they’re definitely connecting to the lyrics and the catchy melody because we all crave that special someone who is passionate and crazy about us. Oh, and obviously the beat helps. [winks]

 

Q) The song dropped on May 22nd. How did you celebrate since big premieres are currently unavailable?

A) Been on the lockdown staying home, so after I was done with the home-studio interviews and press, etc. I grabbed a bottle of champagne and celebrated with my mom at home and raised a glass on FaceTime with my best friends.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The video displays a daring, adventurous relationship and exploring “Around the Globe” with that special somebody. It also features a scene in the gym to intertwine my fitness background.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I write every single day and sometimes there are verses or a great chorus in there. But usually I prefer to have the chord progression or outline of the music, which helps get in the mood and write lyrics for that specific creation.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I am very involved in the production of my music from A to Z! I write all my own music, so usually it starts with something I wrote on the guitar or in my notebook which I then take to my music producers who create a beat for it. I like to work with people who are amazing at what they do, but I like to be very involved in executing the vision because that’s what makes art unique – your own essence/ flavor that goes into every step of the production process.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) Yes. It’s called LIEL (Love in Every Language) which will be released in 2020.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) Toronto Dundas Square is one of the iconic places I had the pleasure of performing at. Toronto the city I was raised in since eleven years old and to be asked to perform in the heart of the city means a lot to me on a personal level. The next significant location for me is Los Angeles Convention Centre because it was totally unplanned and divinely guided. I was working at a Tony Robbins seminar and some of the crew members passed my music to the DJ and passed me the mic totally unexpectedly and I performed. I’ll never forget that day because the universe had everything lined up and it felt like divine intervention.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Sting, Ed Sheeran, Yas (who I had the pleasure of working with), Pitbull

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) One Republic (lyrics, the inspirational vibe and great sound), Russ (writes, records and produces all his own music and is the definition of successful independent artist, Zhu (I love his production style, taste and sound quality)

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Nowadays with social distancing and COVID-19 pandemic protocols, virtual connection is stronger more than ever! I love people and the human connection. Social media is playing an important role nowadays to connect people from all over the world. I love that I can share my music with people across different continents at the touch of a finger.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I’d like to say THANK YOU! You are the reason I write music and your support means more than you can imagine!

P.S. Can’t wait to share my new EP Love in Every Language with you!