Kiana Ledé releases “Grudges”, talk’s new album, love & finding herself
The wait is over! Kiana Ledé delivers a 17-track album with features from Ella Mai, Bryson Tiller, and Khalid, to name a few. After three years since her debut, Kiki (Delux), Kiana is back and is stronger than ever. Fueled from trauma and heartbreak, Kiana delivers a powerful body of work with leading singles such as “Irresponsible” and “Jealous”. The R&B songstress chats with us about everything from her new album, love, and what’s next for the singer/songwriter. Stream/download Grudges here.
Featured Interview:
HOW DOES YOUR SOPHOMORE ALBULM GRUDGES DIFFER FROM KIKI?
Grudges is the next phase in life when it comes to self-worth and growth. I was introducing myself to the world with KIKI. I was young and putting a lot of myself in these relationships that I knew weren’t serving me, but also didn’t know what it was that I wanted. I had this false sense of self and knew I needed to start over as I was introducing myself to the whole world. With Grudges, I have found the core of who I am and have uncovered a lot of trauma, grief, and resentment hiding in places I hadn’t looked before. I am still bitter and hold grudges, but am working on calling those things out and letting them go.
WHAT SONG ON THIS RECORD HITS CLOSEST TO HOME?
One of the songs that hits closest to home is “Same Type.” I wrote it from a deeply hopeless and jaded space. I never met a man that hadn’t let me down in some of the worst ways. In my experience and opinion, I would guess a man will hurt me sooner than assuming they would love me.
HOW DID “JEALOUS” COME ABOUT WITH ELLA MAI?
Once the song was done, I just heard her on it immediately. We had always talked about working together and that one was so perfect because I know how Ella is and everything she sings is true. She does not wait, does not like to share, and knows what she wants.
YOU HAVE DONE MANY COLLABORATIONS OVER THE YEARS IS THERE ANYONE YOU ARE DYING TO GET IN THE STUDIO WITH?
I would love to get in with Jazmin Sullivan. I’m tryna have her teach me some of those runs. Haha
WHAT WAS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN CREATING YOUR NEW ALBUM?
It pretty much changed every day, but we always started with a GOOD therapy session. I need that to be the beginning to make the rest of the creativity come out. The ambiance has to be just right. Warm dim lights, candles. It can’t be feeling like a hospital.
DO YOU HOLD GRUDGES?
I’m working hard towards not holding a grudge. I think what makes it especially hard is being in the music industry. I work with people I consider to be my friends in an industry where people have to survive and can act in ways that are not truly loyal. When that happens, I feel like it’s an attack on not only my business but me personally. I’m way better at cutting people off than forgiving because I don’t like giving someone a second chance to hurt me when I feel like I am almost always genuine, supportive, and upfront. For me, it doesn’t take much effort to be that way so it hurts when someone I trust can’t do it.
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE MUSICALLY GROWN THROUGH THE YEARS?
I’ve definitely grown into someone that can say yes or no without second-guessing myself as much. I just go with my gut and trust it. This really helps in the writing process and visuals because it keeps everything flowing and I can confidently describe my vision.
WHO ARE YOUR SHEROES?
One of my Sheroes is my manager Christine. I cannot tell you how incredible and resilient this woman is. Not only does she put up with me as an artist and a best friend, but she is one of the kindest and funniest people you’ll ever meet. I think one of the coolest things about her is when she’s in her boss mode, people still leave the room with a smile on their faces. It’s easy to be labeled as a “bitch” when you’re a woman that is serious about what she does, but she is far from that so it would be VERY hard to say that about her… she wouldn’t care if you did anyway.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Do what feels good to you and for you. You never have to compromise. I think if I had heard that earlier on, it would’ve kept me from a lot of drama and I would’ve believed in myself a lot more.
WHAT BEAUTY PRODUCT ARE YOU CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH?
Right now, I am obsessed with Urban Decay’s “Brow Blade.” Everybody knows I love me a good brow moment. The pen is so tiny it looks like literal hair strokes.
HOW DO YOU CHANNEL YOUR CREATIVE ENERGY AND KEEP MENTAL PEACE?
I think I’ve realized how difficult that is for me to believe that is possible. The best music comes from the biggest emotions and so I am scared that if I have mental peace, I will just be writing lullabies. I haven’t felt mental peace yet, so we’ll see how it works out when I have.
WHAT DOES THE YOUNGER VERSION OF YOURSELF TAKE AWAY FROM THIS RECORD?
You think you’re grown but you still have A LOT of work to do.
BEING PART MEXICAN, DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS TO CREATE MUSIC IN SPANISH OR EVEN COLLAB WITH A LATINX ARTIST?
100000 percent. Becky G, hit me up!
HOW IS YOUR LOVE LIFE AT THE MOMENT? DO YOU FIND IT EASIER TO WRITE SONGS WHEN IN LOVE OR DURING A BREAKUP?
I think it’s easy to write songs about how men are trash no matter what phase I’m in my life.
“CUT EM OFF” IS OUR SUMMER ANTHEM. WHAT LYRIC IN THAT SONG HITS HOME?
I think it’s safe to say the lyric “make it quick, cut ’em off” hits home because I’m good at that part. I am presently working on not holding grudges and forgiving for me whether I keep them out or not.
ANY ADVICE FOR GIRLS GOING THROUGH A BREAKUP THIS SUMMER, AND IF SO, WHAT SONG DO YOU RECOMMEND THEM TO LISTEN TO ON THE ALBUM?
Just play “Promise Me,” get your sexy on and fuck someone else. It’ll be fun and make it easier to deal with the emotions because you realize you’re still a bad bitch even though that person didn’t show you you were. You’ll realize they will never forget you or get better than you. I don’t know, maybe I’m projecting. haha
WHAT IS YOUR SUMMER RNB PLAYLIST?
Honestly Anti by Rihanna is always on no matter what year, season, or time of day. RiRi forever!
WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER PLANS?
I will be prepping for a tour that starts in September! I’m really looking forward to building the show out and rehearsing with my band.
FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
That’s hard. I would say cake batter with the graham cracker crust. Does that count?
WHAT FASHION TREND ARE YOU CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH?
I love that the French manicure is back! It goes with everything.
WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE?
I can’t give that away 😉
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU ON YOUR SUPERSTAR MUSICAL JOURNEY?
To continue celebrating this new album and era with my fans and friend and family on and off the tour.
Team Credits:
Photography: Katia Temkin (@katiatemkin)
Wardrobe Stylist: Lyn Alyson (@lynalyson_)
Hair: Mariama Dashiell (@beautybymariama)
Makeup: Dee Carrion (@deemakeupart)
Galore Art Director: Perrin Johnson @editsbyperry
Editor-in-chief: Prince Chenoa @princechenoastudio
