Kiyomi – Why?

Check out the new song from Kiyomi  – Why?

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Exclusive Interview

Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.
I was born in New York, and my parents were born in Japan, making me Japanese-American. Ever since I can remember I have wanted to sing – it was probably the only way I could express myself as a child, and knowing that when I immersed myself in it I could find peace for that moment has helped me through the difficult times. Both my mother and my grandmother studied voice and/or piano at a prestigious music conservatory in Japan. The rest of my family is also musical. I think that I could last this long with the same dream because to me it’s always been about the music, and nothing else. I sort of have to be pursuing it in some form or another to keep happy. I’ve performed since I was little, and went to college at NYU for Classical Voice, and SUNY Purchase for Composition. One of my big dreams has always been to have an album of my own, and finally this year I was able to put one out. It is all that I hoped it would be, as I’ve put everything I’ve got into it.

Tell us more about the current song you are promoting to everyone.
“Child In Me” is the title track of my album. My album tells stories of my life in chronological order; the said track is the opener. It is about my childhood. It was a nontraditional, sometimes difficult childhood, and I reminisce about it. I feel it (and all that I write) to be generally positive, though, as I feel there’s always something to be grateful for. While I do sing about my childhood, I am also trying to convey that we always have a child in us no matter our age. This could mean that our childhoods sometimes never leave us, and it also means that we are always children in a sense that we are always learning. And a child-like quality is something that can be cherished in someone, if that someone is brave or aware enough to be so. I bring back the message in the closing song “Child In Me Reprise”. The melody of this one is actually the original melody I wrote for the song before it was rearranged.

What are you currently working on and what can we expect to see?
Promotion! It’s harder than creating an album, I’ll say, and creating an album is not easy! Maybe this is the musician in me speaking, and not the business person. I’d love to appear on more TV shows, radio, and perform some. I recently appeared on a show that airs in the Bronx called OPEN. I’ve also been played on many internet radio stations, as well as college and commercial. Performing out has so much more attached to it than simply getting up there and singing, so hopefully I can get something together soon!

Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?
To me the business end of things is a lot harder to deal with. I don’t consider myself to be great at it, and I find it unfortunate if that prevents artists, especially those with talent, from going further with their music. Also, you really have to develop a thick skin because there is always someone who isn’t going to like you or your music for some reason or another.

What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?
Honestly, I think a lot of it is difficult, just finding the motivation can be a big setback. Results aren’t instantaneous and that’s where it’s hard to get inspired sometimes. As I said earlier, dealing with the business end of things can be a big setback. Another is when I was recording my album it took 1.5 years, as opposed to the 4 months I thought it would take. Major setback. My engineer had lost all of my files during the final stages of recording, and I was biting my nails and freaking out for a few months waiting to know if it could be retrieved! Criticism has also been a setback. I guess there are many, and the reason I mentioned earlier that music being my main focus has kept my dream going proves this. If you don’t truly love it then it’s hard to keep going.

What are some things artists need to be careful of?
I think that you just really need to write and do what you feel is inspirational or good. You just can’t worry about who’s going to react to this, or put you down for that. As long as you are happy with yourself, know that your intentions are good, feel you’ve done your best, and know that that is what’s important I don’t think outside influences can hurt you all that much.

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
Be you!

What are the best ways to sell your products as an artist?
The internet is the way you can reach large masses of people at one time. Like me on facebook.com/kiyomimusic!!

What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?
Honestly, promoting myself always makes me feel uncomfortable, but knowing that I’m only doing it to share my music and somehow impact people, I can feel better about it. I actually really enjoy performing and interviewing on TV shows and doing press interviews such as this. Anything that allows me to really express myself.

Where can people visit you?
Currently on my website, facebook, and twitter (@kiyomimusic). If I have any live appearances, all the info is posted on these sites! I love to connect with listeners and hear feedback so always feel free to contact me!

Artist Website: kiyomimusic.com
Music Video Link: youtube.com/kiyomimusic