Written By: Sammy Approved | @thecnsamuel

Singer, songwriter, DJ and entrepreneur Kiya Lacey is a force to be reckoned with. Her tenacity as an artist and businesswoman pushes her beyond the pulse of music into her own stratosphere.

The alt-R&B singer has always kept her sound and look inventive. Kiya Lacey is a unique talent with several gifts, who has finally stepped into each one of her talents seamlessly. As a singer, songwriter, curator, DJ and business owner, Kiya reveals that faith and community has allowed her to evolve.

“I got to give it to God first,” Lacey shared. “I really have been guided to build strong support and community both online and IRL [in real life]! I study a lot, and I take a lot of risks. I am so thankful for an audience that learns and grows with me.”

The Nashville bred talent first started putting out her own music in middle school. She performed at local shows throughout the birthplace of country music. While Kiya birthed a community for Rodeo way before Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, the trendsetter can hop out the saddle and straight into any genre she pleases.

“I honestly feel like the most common genre I’m put in is Alt-r&b,” Kiya said of how fans classify her sound. “People have said ‘haunted strip club music’ which I honestly think is so hot!”

Kiya’s fans are accustomed to everything when it comes to consuming her music. If you’re new here, don’t try to put the singer in a box.

“I am building a community of open minded ‘alternative’ listeners. I experiment with all genres truly,” she adds.

In terms of influences, Lacey has several who have influenced her sound, style and approach to creation.

“Grace Jones, style glamour ICON,” she lists off her inspirations. “Bjork, vocal arrangements, costumes, and she also is a fye DJ! Erykah Badu, the queen come on NOW the songwriting, style, and SHE also DJs, Celia Cruz, Missy Elliot, Beyonce, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, James Blake, FKA Twigs, Travis Scott… I could go on and on.”

Lacey weaves all of these artists into one common theme, which is “the ability to be a undeniable force. All multifaceted, no boundaries!” Just like her.

The moment that cemented Kiya as a powerhouse early on was when she won a competition that allowed her to open for legendary R&B singer and actress Brandy.

“I won a competition to open for Brandy and that really started the buzz,” Lacey continued. “I became the first woman on Nashville’s Red Bull Sound Select in 2015. Then was a finalist for the first Afropunk battle of the bands Atlanta like 2016? I believe!? That motivated me to move here [Atlanta]!”

Other significant career highlights for Kiya include, her impressive “The 6” EP rollout with sponsorship from Red Bull, touring with several female musicians as a DJ, working with one of her inspirations, FKA Twigs, for we are the womxn project at Blue Flame strip club in Atlanta, casting Rico Nasty’s “STFU” video, getting her business Fruta Mami booked for an upcoming showcase at Urban Outfitters called “Discover Puerto Rico,” and putting on her own headlining show at Aisle 5.

These are just a few highlights that have inspired her to keep moving forward. Lacey wears a number of hats, and each moment encourages her to remember she’s moving in the right direction.

This month’s “Next Wave” theme is Power. Everyone has a unique gift and personal superpower. Kiya reveals that hers is tenacity. After moving from one music capital to the next, several career pivots and personal woes, the Atlanta based multi-talented artist has the willpower to keep it rolling.

“I am so determined to bring my ideas to life. That truly is a gift I hold dear to my heart,” Kiya shared of her unique gift.

Kiya is one of the most unconventional talents in music today. She has always prided herself on carving out her own space in an industry of mainstream hits.

“I really have always wanted to be in my own lane and do what’s best for my heart,” Lacey shared. “I really look at music as a self-expression and I don’t approach it in a ‘let’s get a radio hit.’ I really just want to share how I feel and experiment with sounds!”

As tenacious as Kiya is, she is not afraid to take a breather from her craft. She has since poured her creativity into other artforms like DJ’ing.

“I recently started DJing both in support of women, who need tour support and independently,” Lacey shared of how she takes time away from her personal music. “That artistic expression allowed me to fall back in love with music and STUDY. I also get to test out new records in social settings live on stage.”

While Kiya understands the importance of making a name for herself, crafting her own sound and brand identity, she also believes collaboration is the key to success.

“It’s important to create your own sound, brand, and identity to ensure success but I honestly think more people should come together,” Lacey shared. “We are so much stronger in this industry when we genuinely support each other.”

Power is defined as, “the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.” Kiya has certainly left an imprint on the music industry with her innovative approach to music making and branding.

“I definitely motivate my friends to keep going and diversify the bag,” she humbly declares. “It’s so wild cause I definitely see my influence in style, hair, vocal arrangement, and even brand strategy sometimes.”

When it comes to Lacey’s approach to creating, marketing her music and sharing with the world, she attributes brainstorming sessions to helping her bring her vision to life. More specifically, she always keeps a journal to write down her ideas.

Right now, her favorite journal reads: “Don’t overthink this shit.” Kiya’s partner Malcolm designed these custom journals, which has served as a reminder for her to be present and visualize her future.

“We actually sit down and discuss all of our ideas big, small, present day or future goals,” Lacey added. “That’s really helped me bring them to life!”

Kiya’s excited to continue creating, traveling and seeing more of the world.

“I love touring and seeing the world,” Lacey shared of what’s next for her. “I love to be able to support my family and friends. I want financial freedom for us all.”

As for the artists still forging their own unique pathways in music, Lacey leaves us with this advice.

“Lock in. Really LOCK IN. You have to really focus in on yourself. Forget the comparisons and try new things,” Kiya shared. “Don’t let one set back hold you down. You are capable of achieving your wildest dreams. Prioritize mental health. Stay true to yourself.”

Be sure to follow Kiya Lacey for more music, events, and delicious FRUTA

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