Hello world and welcome to Monday. We are bummed it is Monday but excited that we have Singer-Songwriter, Kiyomi Hawley here today @skopemag. Singer-Songwriter, KIYOMI HAWLEY, has returned to music with the release of a new single, “MISS YOU LOVE YOU”, of her soon-to-be released EP,’ Meet You There.’ The new single best showcases Kiyomi’s lyricism as “Miss You Love You” personifies music, revealing how no matter how much it sometimes hurts to pursue it, she could never walk away from it. So lets all kick those Monday blues and get lost in the music of Kiyomi Hawley!
@skopemag: Where are we talking from today?
I am located in New York, currently!
@skopemag: What is the most current project that you are working on at the moment?
I am working towards releasing my new EP “Meet You There” on September 28 this year. I am also planning a record release show that may happen in Oct, as well as singing for the Singer Songwriters Circle later this year – both gigs will be at The Bitter End in NYC.
@skopemag: What is it about music that you knew this was more important than all other artistic endeavors?
Music was my constant companion growing up, whether I was lonely, happy, or afraid. It was something I’ve always known I was to do. Being a musician was a given for me, and it’s always been the best way I can express myself. There’s something just so other worldly about it. I also come from a family of musicians so it’s in my blood.
@skopemag: When you began your journey in music were your family/friends supportive?
My family was always supportive because as I said, they are musicians as well. They understand my love and need for it. I also have friends that are and aren’t musicians that have been very supportive. It can be hard to understand a musician’s drive, motivation, heart if you’re not one yourself, however.
@skopemag: What do you think makes some artist/bands resonate with the masses when others do not?
I think that having an extroverted personality can help some artists succeed more than others – which could be a shame sometimes because there are so many introverted artists who are phenomenally talented and most certainly deserve the chance to be heard. One of the hardest things is to just get to the point where your music is even heard. So the ones that have resonated with the masses are not just great, but they have succeeded in marketing well. A lot of musicians are just that – musicians, and were not born with or have not spent the time to cultivate business or marketing skills.
@skopemag: What other bands/artists do you respect & inspire you?
Currently I’m in love with Lana Del Rey! I think the production on her music is outstanding, and I love that she sings in a unique way that’s not traditionally considered “wow”. Most often you hear people belting high and loud in their chest voices and that’s what’s considered a great voice. I do agree that’s a great voice and it’s hard to do, but I do also appreciate singers – especially if they are songwriters too – that sing in their own unique way, and are trying to convey the heart of their song. Lana Del Rey sings in her lower register a lot, in her head voice a lot, and with a breathy and mysterious quality that shows her personality and conveys the meanings of her songs. It really brings a depth to her music.
I also admire Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, and Regina Spektor to name a few, and when I started writing songs I noticed how amazing The Beatles and Carole King’s songs are.
@skopemag: When you are not doing music what else do you enjoy?
I’m a bookworm – I’ve been one ever since I can remember. But I guess it’s a good thing for my songwriting (especially with the lyrics), because being a good reader makes you a better writer. I also absolutely love hanging out with my 3 nephews, they are my life.
@skopemag: How do you test whether your new song is a keeper or not?
I usually know within the first verse, chorus, or draft whether it’s good or not, and worth continuing to work on. And of course even among the songs I actually recorded and put on an album – there are some songs that I feel are better than others.
@skopemag: What kind of environment & mood do you feel most creative towards your music?
Writing music has always been very hard for me – it takes a lot of discipline and getting over a fear of not being able to write another good song. The best scenarios are when I wake up in the morning with a melody and can start working with that, but that doesn’t happen too often. Another scenario that makes it easier to write is if a situation or person moves me so deeply that the only way to deal with it is to write.
@skopemag: What is coming up for you & where you @ online?
My new EP will be released on Sept 28 this year, and I have the 2 Bitter End NYC shows coming up – all details will be updated on my website KiyomiHawley.com as they get nearer. My social media info is all there too!