KYLIE CANTRALL KNOWS GOOD MUSIC
Kylie Cantrall returns with “Carrie Bradshaw“, a single that threads the city-chic energy of Sex and the City with Kylie’s signature pop-baddie charm. Think couture pop, a diary of vulnerability, and the kind of y2k nostalgia we all yearn for. We caught up with Kylie to spill the tea on all things music, fashion and pop culture.
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FEATURE INTERVIEW:
How would you describe your journey so far in music as a pop queen baddie?
I feel like I’ve lived 9 lives in a way because I’ve been pursuing music literally since I was eight years old, putting out covers on YouTube under my former stage name “Hello Kylie” (the og qt’s remember) but you can’t rush the process and it takes real life experience to help your writing feel more substantial. In this last year, I had some big highs, only to be pulled back down to earth with personal heartbreaks, friend betrayals and celebrity boy drama. For better or worse, all of these experiences have found their way onto my album. My fans can expect to hear it all, that means get ready to dance, escape, party and cry a little.
When can we expect some music in Espanol?
I’m definitely looking to incorporate some Spanish into KC1. I’ve been listening to Rosalia’s LUX album sooo much (sauvignon blanc is my favorite right now) and I will say it’s been inspiring me to get into my spanish baggg. She’s someone I would love to collaborate with one day.
Shirt – Calvin Klein Boots – Christian Louboutin Bra & Gloves – Zhilyova
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How is your creativity disrupting the landscape of pop music blending with R&B and Y2K inspired sounds?
It’s funny when I’m making music, I’m never thinking, “I want to make an R&B or Y2K sounding song.” It’s just what naturally comes out when I’m creating but I credit that to my musical upbringing. My earliest memories are falling in love with albums like TLC’s “CrazySexyCool“, and Brandy’s “Never Say Never“.
My dad just always played old-school R&B at home, and I think that’s why my music sounds the way it does. That sound has been in my bones since the beginning. And I’m excited at the idea of using my music to also pay homage to my early influences and introduce a generation who might not be tapped into those sounds from that era.
Beauty, fashion, and Venezuelan roots—how do these elements converge in your beauty philosophy and on-screen appearances?
I’ve always been such a fashion girlie and I think back to my early dance days of sneaking into 18+ dance classes at the old Millenium dance complex in Noho and seeing all the cool dancers wearing their super baggy adidas windbreaker sweats and timbs, their jerseys tucked into their bras so you could see their stomach and thinking “omg I want to dress like that”. I think there’s a certain swag that dancers have that is so effortless and comfortable, still sexy but a little tomboy. I think it’s the biggest compliment ever when someone says “you must be a dancer cuz you dress like one”.
Jacket – Von Dutch Tank – Sicko Kittens Dress – Alexander McQueen Boots – Timberland Necklaces – The Archive x Yana
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Your new single “Carrie Bradshaw” signals a new chapter. What can fans expect?
“Carrie Bradshaw” really marks a turning point for me and it’s the perfect introduction to this new era. Sonically, it feels elevated but still rooted in emotion. I wrote this album like a diary, the lyrics are honest and vulnerable because I dug into my personal life and didn’t shy away from the messy parts (even my very public love triangle. That particular situation unraveled while in the midst of writing so naturally there will be songs that reflect the hurt and betrayal.
“Descendants: Wicked Wonderland” is on the horizon. Can you share what Red’s arc means for you personally, and how you plan to bring even more depth to the character in this fifth installment?
What I love about this next film is that the audience will really get to see Red in a different light than we’ve previously seen her because she’s grown up a lot and now, she’s figuring out the complexities of romance, friendships, and sister dynamics kinda the same things I’m also navigating in my life (okay, maybe not the sister part lol). It was really fun to explore these sides of her as just a teenager facing real teenage problems, except she’s doing it with long bright red hair and in a custom superhero leather outfit haha.
Vest and Skirt- Dominnico Shoes – Azalea Wang
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Describe the moment you felt most seen as a Latina artist in the industry, and how that validation shapes your approach to future projects?
I went to Puerto Rico last year to present at “ Premios Juventud “ and it was crazy to feel the impact and love I received from the fans. They are such devoted music lovers they stood outside of my hotel and lined up in front of some of the radio stations, where I was doing promo. I made sure to take time to say hi to all of them… and even made some TikTok’s (which are pretty easy to find) but it reinforced my responsibility to show up fully in my work and to honor the community that supports me. I left Puerto Rico making a promise to come back and perform with this new album and I fully intend to keep that promise.
When you step into the studio, which artists or eras influence your vocal technique and storytelling, and how do you fuse those inspirations with your own voice?
Everyone knows I’m a 90’s and 2000’s girlie. My Dad introduced me to TLC, Aaliyah, Britney, and so many others, who truly influenced the way I have approached music. Those artists knew how to make you feel something while still making you want to move. That’s something I carry with me into every session. At the same time, I’m always thinking about how to make it my own and bringing in my own perspective, my culture, and my experiences. Ultimately, I’ve always hoped to impact people the way those artists did the same for me. I want to create music that makes you want to dance, feel powerful, and step into the baddest, most confident version of yourself.
Shirt and Skirt- Fanci Club Shoes – Melissa Belly Chain & Watch – Calypso Studios
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Your fashion choices often become headlines. How do you curate a look that’s quintessentially you?
Putting looks together and getting to play dress-up whether it’s for a music video or a red carpet is honestly one of my favorite parts of my job. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a really strong point of view when it comes to my wardrobe and how I want to present myself. It’s crazy because I remember filming Gabby Duran and sitting in meetings with the creator, Disney execs, and stylists at thirteen, giving my input and pushing for choices like oversized Jaded London pants and bucket hats. The thirteen-year-old me had a serious bucket hat phase but we don’t need to talk about it lol . I’m just really excited to keep surprising people, creating iconic fashion moments, and especially shaping the looks for this next era of my music.
Who are your SHEROES?
I don’t know if this is the most unexpected answer but the performance legends I look up to the most, artists like Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. They really shaped how I see music, performance, and what it means to own a stage.mEspecially Rihanna! I was obsessed with watching her music videos. I’d literally come home from dance class, go to YouTube, sit down with a bowl of mac and cheese and a grape soda, and watch the Umbrella video on repeat. I studied everything about it, the movement, the confidence, the attitude. Her little pixie cut and the umbrella cane she danced with was the gag of the century to me at that time.
Shirt – Calvin Klein Boots – Christian Louboutin Bra & Gloves – Zhilyova
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Collaboration is key in both music and cinema. Who would you love to work with next, and what would that collaboration ideally look like both in music and film?
I feel really fortunate to already be creating with some of my dream collaborators. Tricky Stewart has been on my wish list forever, he’s produced some of my favorite songs, like “Umbrella” and “Outrageous.”
I’ve also been working with Tayla Parx, Lisa Scinta, and Jim Lavigne, who’ve been songwriting idols of mine for years. Plus, they are amazing mentors, I’m learning from them not only creatively, but in how to navigate life in this industry.
Your dance moves are iconic. Who would be your dance mutha Britney or Janet?
I’m influenced by so many artists that came before me, of course I’ve spent time studying routines of Britney and Janet, but Ciara, Beyonce and Madonna have seeped into my subconscious and I’ll watch some of my rehearsal footage and think wow this gives me that feeling of watching Tina Turner or Toni Basil. As a dancer you can’t help but think of your style as a bit of a gumbo… all of these flavors mixed into one simmering pot.
Vest and Skirt- Dominnico Shoes – Azalea Wang
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In a world of streaming and rapid releases, how do you maintain artistic integrity and deliver a narrative across music, film, and social impact?
I’ve learned I can’t try to please everyone, that’s truly impossible. So, I focus on what feels right and true to me and let that be my bar. For me, artistic integrity comes from honesty. Your writing should reflect your real life if you want it to truly connect. Many of my fans know I haven’t spoken out about what happened on, and after, the tour but I think I’m finally at a place where I can share my side. I’ve said, “there can be beauty in the pain if you’re brave enough to put it on the page” and writing this album has been a cathartic way for me to heal.
If you could send a personal message to your fans worldwide right now, what would you say about resilience, dreams, and the power of representation?
I know a lot of my fans have been with me for a long time and they’ve watched me grow from a kid posting on YouTube and Musical.ly into an artist who’s really trying to represent all the girlies. Artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Britney, and Janet built a bridge that made it possible for women to be seen and heard. I hope I can do that in my own way, push things a little further, and eventually pass it on to the next girl who’s ready to take it even higher.
Shirt – Calvin Klein Boots – Christian Louboutin Bra & Gloves – Zhilyova
TEAM CREDITS:
Interview by Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Photographer: Gabriel Perez Silva (@_youngshot)
Hair Stylist: Laura Rugetti (@laurarugetti)
Makeup Artist: Robert Bryan (@robertti)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Wardrobe Stylist: Marta Del Rio (@marta.del.rio)
