What can you say about music that hasn’t already been said? Perhaps we can talk about how it makes us feel when we make that connection with a song. If it’s an older song, I’m always so pleased with myself when I can remember the first time I heard it. A hit song can get cemented in your head for decades because a deep connection was made and the bookmark was never removed. Throughout the creation of music it has continued to evolve. There are more flavours than Ben n Jerry’s. With so many flavours, how do you become one of the favourites? I’m glad I asked because I got a lot of answers out of Toronto, Ontario’s KIIA.
Singer and songwriter, KIIA (Kia Ahadi) drops his new track, Around The Globe on May 22 with a video to follow on Tuesday, May 26. KIIA is an R&B/ Electro/Pop artist and the former lead singer of the electro pop band, Empire Eleven. Their single “Fantasy” received over 2 million hits worldwide. The new release, Around The Globe follows KIIA’s previous popular single, Never Let Go. KIIA has worked with some of the best producers in the industry, including Glen Morrison, PooBon & Catchybeatz. I once met Joan Jett at an autograph session in a record store but I think KIIA has raised the bar.
I’ve taken the opportunity to listen to this catchy tune and although I’m a Rock n Roller, I was immediately tapping my foot to it. KIIA’s voice has echoes of Usher with a splash of Timberlake. The music is moving, the lyrics are positive, I envisioned myself on a speedboat driving way too fast and asking myself ‘who’s boat this was?’ I highly suggest you give it a listen at https://youtu.be/ciYCpjhL7LE
I spoke with KIIA about his latest track and his journey along the way.
“You were in a previous band before going solo, Empire Eleven that had a lot of hits. Was there a lot of hesitation in leaving the band?”
“It was definitely a transition, the audience was used to seeing a group of people and a particular brand but the way I see it, it was part of the journey and part of the goal process. Now I get to share more of my own message and have a bigger international reach.”
“You were also a kinesiology student. Did you already graduate?”
“Yes I did. It’s a 4 yr. program but it took me 6 years because I was working fulltime and playing music.”
“Do you have any regrets not pursuing kinesiology?”
“I pursued it as far as I could. I had an opportunity to manage a physiotherapy clinic and chiropractic clinic. I was able to work a lot while in school, so I had a chance to test out the health and fitness industry and I realized that I wasn’t really in love with treating patients, doing paperwork for insurance, it just wasn’t me. I discovered that I was more interested in the health and fitness side of things and for the past 12 years I’ve remained professionally involved in the health and fitness industry. I own a company called Dream Body Training that helps people reach their health and fitness goals.”
“Does one ever interfere with the other?”
“For a long time it was music or fitness, I felt divided. People that know me from my fitness background were asking me what I was doing and to give it my all, that I’m going to be so successful. Then there were the people that knew me from my music background that were telling me to go all in with the music and quite dividing my time. These are my two passions in life and I wouldn’t have one without the other. Because of the Covid-19 virus, I ended up shooting half the video in the gym. I wanted to blend the music and fitness together because I don’t think they should be separated.”
“You have a very soothing tone to your voice. It’s very good. Did any of your parents sing?”
“No, I was musically trained since the age of 7. I started playing the Persian instrument, called the Sitar. I was in the school band and singing in front of large crowds by the age of 10 or 11. It’s always been part of my life.”
“Would you say that the music you’re producing now is quite different from the music you were making with Empire Eleven?”
“I like to call it ‘the next chapter’ of what I started with Empire Eleven. The main difference now, is that my music is entirely English and aimed at the North American and International market, I have a really good fan base in Europe. With Empire Eleven, at least 50% was Farce and we had a large Persian base. I’m keeping the best elements of Empire Eleven but the production is much stronger.”
“When you approach a new song, does it start with the lyrics or is it the music?”
“It depends on the song. I write every day to be able express myself, my emotions and translate my life experiences. A lot of the time when I’m doing that I get inspiration for a melody and a great hook, it’ll get stuck in my head. Other times, a producer will send me a beat that I’ll think is great and I’ll start writing to it and the vibe around it. There’s also been times where I start with four chords on the guitar and progress from there but it really depends. Usually it will start with the lyrics and a good concept around a song. I typically will write a song on the guitar, take it into the studio and one of my producers will create a great beat to compliment it.”
“You work with multiple producers?”
“Yes, there are two primary ones that I work with. One of my favourites is Toronto based and also pretty accomplished in the Persian industry. The other one is Glen Morrison. I’ve worked with other producers that are really the best in Toronto, it’s honestly been a privilege. It took awhile to get there and bond with a producer. It’s like a new relationship; you’re dating and you still don’t know each others ways but over time you play music for each other and you’re like ‘wow’ you like that too, ‘oh I love this’ and you get to know the ins and outs over the years. Now it’s effortless.”
“Some music artists will use a choir or an orchestra in their music. Do you see yourself doing something experimental or new that nobody has done before?”
“Absolutely, what I want to bring into my music more is an ethnic sound with more traditional/Armenian instruments. I believe your identity has to be in the music. My music career has evolved with my first band before peeling another layer and moving onto a solo career that’s more of a commercial sound. You peel another layer and my next album has a lot more flavor in terms of instrumentals. I want to use exotic instruments combined with electronic to create a strong contrast. I don’t think that’s been done before.”
“Switching gears just a little. How has Covid-19 impacted you going into the studio?”
“It’s definitely been challenging for everyone to adjust to. Personally, I haven’t been to a studio in 2 months, so I’m very grateful that I’d just wrapped 5 or 6 songs that were ready to go out the door. Lately, I’ve been releasing the catalogue that I built earlier. I will always try to look at the positive side of life and this virus has actually helped me to spend more time at home, so I’ve been writing a lot more and experimenting more with my instruments. I’ve been in touch with my producers, we’ve been video conferencing and we’ve been making music together without going into the studio. I have a catalogue of 20 songs and as soon as those doors open I want go to the studio to record the vocals.”
“You had mentioned earlier that you’re very aware of your branding. What type of message are you trying to send through your lyrics?”
“It’s for people to go after their dreams and pursue what’s in your heart/what you’re passionate about. If the Corona virus has taught us anything, it’s that we might not get tomorrow, nothing is promised. For me personally, I’m not afraid of dying but I am afraid of dying with my music sitting inside my computer and nobody having a chance to hear it. I’ve had a lot of trials and tribulations in my life and anyone that follows my brand can go through anything and come out stronger on the other side. Turning pain into power, turning dreams into reality and giving it all you have. You have one life, so go all in.”
“What would you say is the biggest reward in having a successful music career?”
“For me, it’s when people are feeling the song. I’ve had a few songs that have really taken off and when you see people’s reaction and they’re singing the lyrics to the song, it’s just beautiful. When you see them in a trance and being taken away even for a short time, that’s a magical moment for me.”
“Are your parents supportive of your music career?”
“My parents are supportive but I’m Persian, so when it comes to my music career, it’s not really considered an occupation or taken seriously (laughing). When I have something written about me or a song takes off, they get excited about the reaction from people. They still don’t consider it a career but they’re very supportive of the fitness. Since I’ve been more consistent with the music over the last few years, they’re slowly coming around. They’re supportive of anything I do but like any other parent, they worry about your future and music isn’t necessarily a safe route. Coming from the east, they recognize occupations like doctors or lawyers.”
“I believe a lot of people can talk themselves out of pursuing their dreams. What would you say to them?”
“You have one life and sometimes you have to look at yourself in the mirror and realize you don’t have as much time left as you think. If what you’re doing makes you happy then you’re on the right track. The last thing you want to do is to get to the end of your life and have regrets that you never pursued this or could’ve done that; it’s probably the worst feeling in the world. It’s the pain of discipline now or the pain of regret later. A lot of people will say they don’t have time, they don’t have connections, this or that but they need to be honest with themselves and put an hour a day into something you love. It’s hard for me to be in a relationship right now because I have a fulltime fitness career and fulltime music career, so you have to be willing to make sacrifices.”
“Can I ask you a couple of fun questions?”
“Sure (laughing).”
“If you could disguise yourself as anyone for a day, who would it be?”
“Ooh… Sting. I love the man, he’s one of my biggest inspirations, he’s over 65 and still very relevant. He used to be a schoolteacher, then the band, The Police and then he went solo. He performs yoga before going on stage, he’s in a beautiful relationship, he’s a great songwriter and the best part is that he has a home in LA where he invites all the best musicians in the world to jam. He’s living the good life.”
“If you could take a hot-air balloon ride over any air space, where would it be?”
“Somewhere tropical, probably Hawaii or Thailand. I want to see palm trees and the ocean.”
“Is Around The Globe going to be part of an album?”
“Yes it is and the album is called Love in Every Language. Around The Globe is one of the lead singles. This is going to be one of the last singles before we drop the album.”
If it wasn’t for music we’d all be professional moaners. I’m so grateful for the invention, my life is happier and I still actually enjoy dancing because of good music like KIIA’s. Give it a listen and support Canadian music artists.