Finding your passion at a young age is important. Even more essential is having the dedication to put hard work and energy into your passion through the ups and downs that will inevitably come. Our recent find Kaia Black seems to have found her drive in writing storytelling songs.
We caught up with the young singer for a chat about his passion and goals for the future. Enjoy the interview:
First off, What is it that first drew you to music?
When I was really young, around 3 or 4, I started taking piano lessons with my neighbor who happened to be a passionate piano teacher. I fell in love with the instrument and played it for several years. Eventually, she moved and I moved only shortly after that. I slowly became detached from the piano, but I started singing in my school choir so I quickly got back into music. I wrote a poetic song that my teacher loved and used as an example in front of the whole school. I knew at that moment that music was a definite lifelong passion of mine.
How would you describe the Kaia Black sound?
I pride myself in writing lyrics which are genuine and come from my heart. I’m a tenor which is ideal for the type of songs I like to sing although I do have a wide range which is great because I do sometimes like to go crazy with my voice. I remember I made my vocal coach’s jaw drop one time when I hit a D7. That was a one off, but I do enjoy going there. If I had to sum up my voice in one word, I’d honestly say that “singer-songwriter” sums it up quite well.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on you?
I’ve taken inspiration from other younger artists like Grace Vanderwaal, Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera, and Maluma. I know it’s cliche since so many young artists talk about them, but I really do like their music.
What is it that drives you to create original music?
I love telling stories. I’ve been many things throughout my life so far and I hope to continue to be many more things, but one thing which I’ve always been is a storyteller. I love acting, singing, songwriting, and filmmaking. The thing about original music is that it’s the one thing in life where I can be totally unfiltered. That’s what I love about songwriting. It’s so deeply personal and it allows me to connect with myself on a deeper level and get to know myself more.
Tell us about your songwriting process?
People always expect me to have an elaborate process, but for me it’s very simple. I pick up my guitar, tune it and often pick up inspiration for melodies through hearing the notes as I tune and strum. I then pick up a notebook and start writing. I’ve tried to be structured before, but when it comes to songwriting, I’ve personally found that structure leads to a filter which I try to avoid when I’m writing my music.
What do you hope the listener will take away from a Kaia Black song?
There is no takeaway. Each song is different, but in general, I write for myself and put my music out there so that others who can relate to me and my experiences can enjoy my music and connect with themselves and others through it.
You seem to have a loyal social media following. How did you connect with them?
It starts with putting music out there. People who like it gravitate towards me. People who don’t walk away. I also take opportunities to engage with my followers to keep them and make a connection with them beyond my music.
Where do you see the future of Kaia Black going?
I don’t know and that’s the great thing about it. A few years ago, all I cared about was fame, fortune, and getting millions of people to listen to my songs, but I’ve slowly realized that I’m just a boy putting out his music for people who like it. The one thing I do see in my future is someone who won’t give up.
Keep up with more from Kaia on Instagram and Twitter at @kaiablackmusic
