Hey, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I always dreamed of being a star long before I actually got into music in a serious way. The thing that really got me started was picking up the violin at age eleven. Gaining that traditional education in music theory and classical compositions gave me the foundation I needed to succeed in writing and producing my own music. To this day, I still use my violin in all my songs.
What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
As previously stated, I have a classical background in music. I think my knowledge of music theory and my ability to quickly pick up instruments is of great strength to me. That, and my natural abundance of creativity.
Who inspired you to make music?
I have had many muses from many places in my musical journey. My favorite singer-songwriters (like Fiona Apple and Lana Del Rey) sparked my desire to become a strong lyricist. I recall the first artist who really made me think, “I could write my own music” was Melanie Martinez. I loved the idea that a musician could create a whole world of their own through their music and their visuals. I was captivated. With the experience I have now, I find most of my inspiration comes from great artists of yesteryear. For example, my most popular track “Waterlily” was inspired by works of Impressionism from artists like Monet and Degas.
Your latest track is ‘Mona Lisa’. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
‘Mona Lisa’ is a song that I sat on for quite a while. The production was completed over a year ago in the midst of the biggest transition of my life, when I moved over 1,000 miles from my hometown to where I now live in Florida. I was doing a lot of in-depth research on art history at the time (hence the concept for the track). I remember sitting on the floor in my studio amongst the stacks of moving boxes and recording a rough demo when the lyrics first came to me. There were at least five audio files I exported as ‘final draft’ before I decided the track was really done. I kept finding little imperfections I wanted to fix. I know the song like the back of my hand; there’s no detail in the track that isn’t there by design. You can also watch the lyric video for ‘Mona Lisa’ on my YouTube channel.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process is somewhat sporadic. I have too many ideas. I fill pages with unused lyrics and concepts daily. I’m not always in the mood to actually record and produce, though, so when I am I’ll usually start and finish the production of a project all in a single day.
What is the biggest decision you’ve had to make?
I think the biggest, or at least the hardest, decision I’ve had to make for my music was choosing the right stage name. I tried at least a dozen other things before deciding on KIMMERLY. I was quite stressed out about the whole thing; you can ask my mom.
What makes you different from other artists?
I think one thing that sets me apart from other artists is that I love everything about being in the music business – the music and the business. I am the definition of an independent artist, so I play every conceivable role in the making of my music. I am a poet, an instrumentalist, a performer, a producer, an agent, a marketer, an accountant… and I truly enjoy all of my responsibilities!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
I would tell my fans to stick out the ride with me. I sometimes write songs that are a little experimental and I tend to blur genre lines depending on where my inspirations lie. So if you’re looking for consistency, you won’t always find it in me. I am always growing and changing as an artist and a person, and I want fans who will go through my phases with me. If there’s one thing I can promise, it’s that I will always deliver something that is 100% KIMMERLY.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The Internet’s impact on the music business is a mixed bag for sure. The oversaturation of the music industry online can make it hard to be discovered in the first place, but I am very thankful to have all of the resources and the opportunities the Internet provides for independent artists.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
If I’m being honest, the first thing I think about when I wake up is cereal, but as soon as I have a bowl in my hands it’s all about my music! I always check my music stats first-thing, and I make myself a list of new things I can do to keep my music moving forward every day.
What’s next for you? Is there more music or any live shows on the way?
There is always more music coming from me! Currently, I am in the post-production phase of a full album-length release with nautical and Renaissance inspirations.
