You just released the “Boo Radley” off your new EP “Negative Space” !! What has been your thought about the reaction to the single?
Yes! The whole EP is out now and the response has been amazing. About a week ago I woke up to an email from Spotify saying Boo Radley ended up on fresh finds playlist. It’s a crazy feeling and I’m so happy people are enjoying it.
Negative Space: https://soundcloud.com/kyosimusic/sets/negative-space/s-Qrv9Y
Can you tell us how this song came about and the meaning of the song?
I was at a rehearsal in SoHo that was located in the basement— the unfinished basement of a luxury building. I left and got to thinking about how all these artists had studios down there and millionaires and the 1% live on top of them. But the only reason it’s appealing to that 1% is because there’s a vibrant art scene somewhere close by. I don’t remember how the To Kill A Mockingbird reference crept in but Boo Radley was one of the more recognizable figures in literature and I thought it would be fun to reimagine him as a modern Everyman and cog in the machine.
Your new EP is also coming out soon!! Can you spill any details about the new project?
It’s out and you can listen to it on Spotify! The only detail I’ll spill is that we are in the middle of making a Boo Radley video. Myself and my collaborator Todd Brozman shot footage of two dancers— Shareef Keyes and Frankie DiCiaccio dancing and are turning it into something very weird and very cool.
What do you hope your supporters will think of the new EP?
I hope they love it! It’s really personal stuff, so before putting it out I had to separate myself too much from thinking about whether or not people care. Of course I hope it moves people and I believe it has the power to do so. But if it’s not for you I have plenty of other songs to write and there are quite literally millions of other artists you might love. There’s room for all of us.
Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
The video for Boo Radley, as I mentioned. I am also about to begin work on a podcast for Camel Assembly. If you don’t know about them please check it out. It’s a global community of artists and activists. I’m very excited to contribute to that movement. I’m also working on my own live show and planning my wedding! It’s hella busy right now but all such beautiful things.
Why do you think social media is so important for singers today?
Well— this is a complicated question. Part of me wants to say that it’s not important. There is so much research that shows our happiness goes up when we use social media less. And I can actually feel that! But it is important. There are important decision makers in the world who look to see how many followers you have before writing about you or adding you to a playlist or booking you. A lot of outlets aren’t taking chances on people with few followers. That’s so much pressure on an artist! So I think I the most important thing to remember is why you’re doing something, in its most basic sense. I make music because I love to make music. When followers are fickle and fans don’t actually take the time to double tap on a photo it can mean just that. It’s a balancing act, with everything. Personal happiness and satisfaction should be the guiding post.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your fans?
Instagram, hands down.
How do you want your relationship to be with your fans?
Honest.
What’s an average day like for you?
Busy, always. I relax on Sunday mornings with yoga. Mornings I’m up and working early and I often don’t get him till 9ish. I pack my bag with everything I could need for the entire day like my water bottle, notebook, makeup, headphones. I run around so much I barely wear heels anymore, which I do sort of miss. But I love staying busy and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Do you have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
Just thank you. I’m so floored by the response this new music has gotten and I love hearing from people who’ve listened. Means the world to me.
