Simply doing what she loves is the driving force behind up-and-coming new music artist Kyra Holden. Eighteen-year-old Kyra from Birmingham is currently at University but in her spare time releases songs merely for fun. She is a good example of how your creativity can blossom into opportunities and begin building an audience.
Kyra has released three EPs like ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Apollo’ and is continually experimenting with different genres. She described not having a direct inspiration but is inspired by various genres like northern soul.
Kyra shares with us her creative process, why she writes songs and how music can connect us.
Why and when did you begin writing songs?
I began in the pandemic, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to develop on my personal interests which was my passion for music. I just began messing around on the app, garage band, beginning with just a melody then lyrics then all of a sudden, I had created my song ‘Checkmate’ and decided to upload it onto the music platform sound cloud.
Why choose music as an artist outlet?
Music has always been such a big part of my life. I’d listen to it with my siblings so ever since I was young its been important to me. I’ve naturally gravitated towards it. It’s so versatile, you can tell stories and have people relate. I also see music as a form of escapism, to portray how I’m feeling. Music connects to others.
How would you say your music connects to others?
I structure my music based on human emotion and common experiences. I usually focus on topics like losing people rather than humour or objects, more abstract things.
What’s your favourite song/ EP and why?
That’s difficult [laughs]. I’m proud of all my songs but I guess I would say my turn around point was creating my ‘Do Not Disturb’ EP because the quality of music and my depth improved. But my most sentimental song is ‘With love, from Mars x’, it’s more emotional for me.
How would you describe your creative process?
Well, I either cling to a thought or feeling and channel that into music. Or I think of a riff or jingle that develops into a song, actually my song ‘intangible’ was created from me and my sister messing around recording then I built around that chosen melody.
What message are you trying to send?
From my three years creating music I would say it’s staying true to yourself, to simply continue to do what you enjoy, with your own best interest in heart. I’m grateful to gain opportunities from simply doing what brings me joy.
What are some opportunities you’ve had, are there any in store?
In 2020 my song ‘Intangible’ was played on BBC Radio introducing and a few months ago this year ‘Don’t need you’ was played on 98.7 New Star Radio, I was thrilled. My most recent opportunity is a 20-minute set in Victoria Square for the Commonwealth Games in July.
Credit: Kyra Holden
How did that make you feel?
I was overjoyed hearing myself on the radio. It’s hard to believe when you get opportunities being a random girl. Getting random recognition from radio stations and even the commonwealth games from just doing what I enjoy is great. I don’t see what I do as work.
Would you say these opportunities are your proudest accomplishment as a musician?
Yeah, these opportunities are a great accomplishment. It is comforting to be rewarded for doing what I love.
Do you have a main goal or any future aspirations?
Just taking it a step at a time, maybe try gaining a larger audience. I am grateful doing what I enjoy and the opportunities are a great bonus [laughs] but I’m just going to focus on doing what I love.
Check out Kyra‘s music on SoundCloud!