Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
I grew up surrounded by music. My dad often played records by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and Bob Dylan. At night, my mom would switch to meditation and healing music, creating a calming atmosphere for us to sleep. She also insisted I take classical piano lessons, starting when I was about 5 or 6 years old, which further solidified my connection to music.
Throughout my childhood, I was completely surrounded by various musical activities, including singing in front of my church and forming bands with schoolmates. Our musical influences ranged from pop icons like the Spice Girls and Britney Spears to the raw storytelling of gangster rap from artists like Tupac and Biggie during my high school years.
For me, music goes so far beyond mere entertainment; it’s a spiritual experience that has quite literally shaped my identity and purpose. The fusion of spirituality and music has been a constant thread throughout my life, seamlessly intertwining then and now.
Q: Can you describe the musical style of KASIA in three words?
Ethereal, Bass-heavy and Spiritual
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
I stay connected with my fans primarily through social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where I post regularly. I make an effort to engage with them by responding to messages and comments as much as possible. I also stay connected with my local fanbase in Vancouver by hosting sound healing and ethereal music sessions at my studio in Yaletown. These sessions, which occur five-days a week, provide an intimate setting for small groups of people to experience my music firsthand and interact on a more personal level.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Heartstrings’. Is there a story behind it?
“Heartstrings” was one of the tracks from the LP that I made specifically for the Rifflandia Music Festival in Victoria. I wanted to go to the festival with all new music so, in just over a month, I did just that. The lyrics for “Heartstrings” were written something like a decade ago from another song that wasn’t officially released called “No Love”. It was about escaping an abusive relationship and just trying to make sense of why I felt trapped being in something that I innately knew I could get out of… and then further, why do people stay in abusive relationships?
My mom, aunts and grandmother are all therapists so I grew up watching them all psychoanalyze situations. Despite being highly educated, successful women, I watched them struggle a lot in their own relationships. I grew up with a lot of questions and I suppose I assumed that others did too. My rationale behind my lyrics is that if I have these questions, maybe others do too – and by me talking about them, maybe that could open the doors of communication for others to talk about their own struggles. Something of a motto I wrote years ago was, “Maybe if I can save you, you can save me too”. It has always been my goal to help people and I hope that can be through music.
Q: What is your favorite verse from the song and why?
My favourite verse from “Heartstrings” dives into the theme of authenticity and seeing beyond surface appearances. I reference writing in my journal with my left hand, symbolizing the left-hand path and looking into the depths of occultism. Symbolism is a crucial aspect of my song writing, and it typically carries a spiritual significance. This verse resonates with me because it encapsulates the essence of my journey towards embracing my true self and exploring the depths of spirituality.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the single, “Heartstrings”?
For “Heartstrings” and many of my tracks, my creative process typically begins with producing the instrumental foundation. I start by writing a build-up and drop, establishing the core rhythm and energy of the song. From there, I build space for the verses to flow around it. It’s common for me to experiment with multiple ideas for build-ups and drops before settling on the one that I like the best.
Once I have the basic structure in place, I listen to the instrumental on repeat. My favourite way to do this is by taking long walks around the Vancouver seawall or sitting by the beach. I record voice notes and melody structures on my phone to capture ideas as they come to me.
The next step is recording and refining the vocals. Some of the lyrics for “Heartstrings” were written years ago, but the core message remained consistent. I spend a significant amount of time editing and fine-tuning the lyrics to ensure they align perfectly with the emotion and energy of the track. There is a lot of editing and self-reflection in my process. For instance, I ask myself, “Am I writing this because this is how I actually feel or am I putting on a show?” I try to leave my ego (Western idea of ego) out of it, and just write honestly.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for KASIA so far?
Rifflandia! My first big show playing with a live band. We received so much positive feedback from the fans. I can’t wait to do that again.
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey?
While all of my tracks hold significant value to me personally, one that stands out is a song called “Strange Paradise,” which holds a special place in my musical journey. This was the first song I wrote and recorded in Toronto, and it holds deep emotional significance for me.
“Strange Paradise” talks about my observations and reflections on the darker aspects of the fashion industry and how I navigated my own identity within that environment. It was a raw and honest expression of my experiences and perceptions at the time.
Despite its simplicity and the fact that it was never publicly released, “Strange Paradise” remains a cherished piece of my musical repertoire. It serves as a reminder of my early creative endeavors and the journey I’ve embarked on since then. This track symbolizes a pivotal moment in my artistic development and holds a special place in my heart as a testament to my growth and exploration as a musician.
There are many reasons a song is personal and special to an artist. For this one, it’s because it was my first full length track that I wrote by myself and for myself.
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into KASIA’s unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring its musical concepts to life?
Exploring the creative process in making music has always been fascinating for me. My personal approach to making music is fluid and adaptable, with no strict rules or formulas. Each song I create is a unique expression of my creativity and experiences.
The initial spark of an idea can come from anywhere – sometimes it’s a melody that pops into my head, other times it’s a lyric or a concept that resonates with me deeply. From there, I allow the inspiration to guide me, whether it leads me to start with producing the instrumental or diving straight into writing lyrics.
Once I have the initial foundation laid out, I navigate the creative journey by following the flow of inspiration. This could involve experimenting with different sounds and arrangements, layering melodies and harmonies, and fine-tuning the structure of the song until it feels just right.
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have for KASIA, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
One of my deepest desires has always been to merge spirituality with mainstream music. For me, spirituality encompasses our connection to the divine, as well as our connection to ourselves and the world around us – it is every aspect of our existence.
In the future, I aim to continue infusing healing frequencies into my music and writing lyrics that are not only meaningful but also practical and empowering for listeners. My goal is to offer a sense of solidarity and support, reminding people that they are not alone – they are seen, heard, and valued. Ultimately, I want to convey the message that we are all interconnected, and together, we can navigate the ups and downs of life’s journey.
To my fans who have accompanied me on this musical journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me, and I am endlessly inspired by your passion and dedication. As we continue forward together, I hope that my music serves as a source of comfort, inspiration, and empowerment for each and every one of you. Remember, we are in this together, and together, we can create something truly extraordinary. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.
