It comes as no surprise that at only 17 years old, buzzing singer/songwriter, KIITA already has three EP’s under her belt. Displaying an affinity for writing early on, KIITA began creating stanzas, poems, and short stories in elementary school. At the young age of 4, she was already taking singing lessons and by her first year of high school, she started sharing her own original music to Soundcloud and Instagram, so to say that KIITA has been creating music in one way or another for the majority of her life wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Since March of 2019, KIITA has released three EP’s – her debut, Let’s Commit A Robbery, the follow-up, Anthemoessa and her recently released Epic Records debut, Bayard The Bloodhound. Each release was carefully constructed as well (all three EP’s rely heavily on metaphorical themes for her emotions) and serve as a perfect snapshot in time for KIITA. Although she is young, KIITA easily has proven that her knowledge of songwriting and music is well beyond her years – and she can only go up from here.
Listen to Bayard The Bloodhound and read the full interview with KIITA below.
The Prelude Press: You became interested in and got involved in music at a very young age. What first inspired you to start singing and eventually, start experimenting with instruments and writing songs?
KIITA: When I was in the car with my father I’d always sing along and learn every word to every song we’d play. Some songs by Coldplay, lots of John Mayer, Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Lenny Kravitz, Led Zeppelin etc. I started to form a dream in my young mind and that was to sing and write songs. My father was also the root of why I started to play instruments. He is in a band and loved playing guitar, and once he started playing I felt inspired, as well.
By the time you were sixteen, you had already released two EPs, on top of plenty of music that you had shared to Soundcloud and YouTube over the years. Was it daunting at all, when you first began releasing your music for the world to hear?
To be honest I wasn’t that scared of releasing the music, I was scared of what people would think of me… if the world were to see me. I’ve learned over the past year that the only thing that matters is what you think and if someone doesn’t like you for you, then forget about them. When I was 14 I started releasing my first songs and it helped me emotionally and mentally to get better. It healed me when I wrote and sung, and I do it for that reason to this day, also to help people. I am not scared of being who I am and expressing myself.
This year, you released your new EP and Epic Records debut, Bayard The Bloodhound. With two EPs already under your belt, what did you want to accomplish with this one?
I wanted to mix multiple genres in one EP, “Love Lakes” in more alternative while “Thinking About You” is on the brink of pop in my head. I like speaking to teenagers and I think that’s most of my audience, we get bored and I want to excite people when they listen, they’ll never know what kinda song will be coming up next.
How do you feel that you’ve grown as a musician with the release of Bayard The Bloodhound? Did you learn anything about yourself while you were working on it?
I feel stunned that I’ve grown so much. I’m very happy with my growth as a person and it’s noticeable in my lyrics I think. I did learn a few things, one being not every song has to be perfect to other people’s ears, only yours and if you’re happy with it then keep it just that way. Second, sometimes the song you like the best won’t be other people’s favorites, and that’s perfectly okay. Lastly, I learned that no matter what, the song should always have a personal meaning to it, a meaning that only you know and you could describe, those are the best songs.
Yes it’s extremely therapeutic and I even mention it to people when they are going through a hard time to write, even if it’s just mumbling in a journal, it usually helps. Ever since I was 13 I’ve been writing and it has healed a part of my head and heart.
What would you like for listeners to take away from your music, if they’re hearing you for the first time?
Mostly that everything is gonna be okay, no matter what heartfelt or pain one may feel. Time does heal and it will forever be that way. Another thing I want people to hear from my songs is be careful who you trust because it is so easy these days to get a part of you ripped away.
You have a wide range of musical influences and backgrounds – is there anything that you’re eager to explore in the future? Anything that you want to try that you haven’t done yet?
Yes, I want to explore with rock drums more, my song “Messed Up” from ANTHEMOESSA was my first go at that type of music and I really enjoyed it. It also helped vent my anger out. For something I haven’t tried… maybe something with an orchestra in it, strings are absolutely stunning and I think my voice would fit perfectly.
I know it’s been hard to go out and do anything musically with the pandemic, but have you been keeping yourself busy while at home?
Yes, I’ve been writing my thoughts down a lot instead of putting them into full songs. When I’m alone for a while I feel the need to talk to myself and writing always helps. Writing isn’t just a job of mine, it’s a full on mindset I have and even when I don’t have my laptop out in front of me my head is filled with scrambled words and music notes.
What are you looking forward to the most once the music scene begins to return to normal? Is there anything coming up that fans can keep an eye out for?
Some new music videos for sure, I have some really good ideas I’m prepared to share. I’m also working on a heartfelt love EP that is probably gonna come out the end of summer, definitely a massage to your ears. I’m looking forward to going back to California and seeing my team, I didn’t get much time to really get to know them but I really want to.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much.
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