1. Tell us about your new project. What inspired the sound and themes?

Real life is always my inspiration for my music. We waited three years to put Grudges out, and that was tough for me. So this time, I just wanted to be in the studio, share my stories, and get everything out without overthinking. Every part of it feels true to me.

2. How does this project differ from your previous work? 

This project comes from a more grown and confident space. With Grudges I was still going through a lot mentally, but now I’m in a better headspace. I’m still dealing with life, but handling it in a healthier way. Life doesn’t stop, but I’m stronger in how I face it.

3. Were there any specific artists or styles that influenced your approach to this project?

No, just me. I’ve always loved early 2000s R&B, so that naturally finds its way into my music.

4. Can you share the inspiration behind your single? What makes it unique for you?

The inspiration for my song “Natural” is based on my real-life experience of feeling comfortable and safe with this person with whom I'm down to do any little dirty things with.

5. Fashion plays a major role in R&B or pop culture. How does your personal style reflect your music? 

My personal style has always been true to me, but it's definitely shifted over the years. I had some really crazy passion eras that I never want to go back to. Now, my style reflects my music’s vulnerability, but it also has an edge, and that's something that I've been more open to share with the world. I love it.

6. What do you think about the intersection of fashion and music in today’s culture? 

The most beautiful and interesting thing about the intersection between fashion and music is that it tells a full story. It's as important as a music video, marketing, or the music itself; it can bring people into your world, sometimes through a single outfit.

7. Do you have a fashion icon or someone whose style you admire? Why? 

Rihanna and Zendaya. Other than that, I just like what I like. And right now, I'm loving very romantic pieces with accents of ox blood and a little bit of darkness. I’m naturally drawn to darker elements, but when I add them, it feels right and balances things out.

8. What role does self-expression through fashion play in your life and career? 

Fashion plays a very important role in my daily life. Some days, I wake up and want to wear darker colors, ox blood, and accents of angelic pieces because I just wake up with more of an attitude that day, and I'm just in a bad mood. Then, other days, I want to feel light and airy. So day to day, fashion plays a huge role in showing people my mood.

 Future Aspirations

9. What are your future goals in both music and fashion? Any upcoming collaborations or projects? 

My goal with my music is to make it until I’m ready to retire on a farm on an island. I hope my fashion evolves along the way, and I’d love to collaborate with a designer or brand that really resonates with me.

10. If you could design your own clothing line or merch, what would it look like? 

I have such an attachment to dark burgundy red and ox blood color. That would be the constant theme throughout the pieces I would create. There's nostalgia attached to this color because my mom used to wear it a lot, and I love it. And it just makes me feel so warm, even though it's such a dark color, it’s one of my favorite colors. It does a really great job of making you feel romantic and sexy and a little bit edgy. So that color would be constant throughout all of my items.

Personal Reflections

11. What message do you hope listeners take away from your new project?

I hope listeners can feel less alone. I say that, but I really mean it. I hope they can find some courage to be able to cut ties with toxic people that they might feel stuck to. I hope that I inspire some breakups whenever people listen to this project.

12. How do you stay authentic to yourself while navigating the pressures of the industry? 

It's so funny because when I am with my family or friends who have known me forever, they ask me the same questions. I will never be able to change who I am. It can be a blessing and a curse. Sometimes, I don't fit into rooms that I should be more camouflaging into, but I think overall, it's helped me stay a very grounded person. I just put a lot of emphasis on being a good person because music is supposed to be about emotion and how people make each other feel. It's supposed to bring people together. So I don't let negative energy from whatever is coming from the business side, or the jealousy between artists, affect me. I try not to let it get to me and I keep my circle very small.

 Closing Thoughts 

13. What can fans expect from you in the next few months? Any surprises in store? 

I'm going back out on tour with Jhene Aiko. This will be our third leg. So I'm really excited because we're going to some cities that we didn't go to before. I love to try and win over a crowd every night and meet new fans. We'll have a couple of little surprises at the beginning of the year that I can't reveal just yet.

14. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey or this new chapter in your career?  

I’m independent now, which is a big step for me. I've been in the recording industry and signed to major labels since I was 14 or 15, so this is a whole new world for me. This is really exciting for my fans and I because we now get to interact in a new way and more frequently. It’s a new chapter, and I’m very excited.

Laruicci white Leather Jacket and Skirt

BIO: 

Kiana Ledé Biography

Kiana Ledé has emerged as a standout artist by staying true to her core value of honesty. Like millennial icons Jhené Aiko and Rihanna, who helped redefine R&B by infusing it with raw vulnerability, Kiana’s mission is to craft chart-topping hits filled with soul and heart, while also creating her own legacy.

Her success is the culmination of years of dedication to her craft. Growing up in South Phoenix, Arizona, Kiana honed her talents early, participating in pageants from the age of 4 to 14. Her love for music blossomed during car rides with her dad, where they listened to artists like Ryan Leslie, Lil Wayne, and Ne-Yo. Meanwhile, her mother’s unwavering support provided the discipline and charisma that helped shape Kiana into the artist she is today.

Her debut album, KIKI, released in 2020, marked her transition into adulthood and showcased her growth as both an artist and a woman. KIKI achieved significant success, debuting in the Top 5 on various charts, including the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart, and earning over 1 billion streams. The album’s relatable themes and raw emotion earned praise from publications like ELLE, Billboard, and VIBE.

Kiana's sophomore album, Grudges, is a testament to her continued growth. The album includes standout tracks like the doo-wop-inspired “Irresponsible,” the sultry “Promise Me,” and “Wherever You Go” featuring Khalid. Other highlights include the cheeky “Bitter Bitch (INTRO-lude)” and the empowering “Deeper,” where Kiana fully embraces her sexuality.

Now 27, Kiana's music reflects her personal growth and evolution, embracing her inner strength and womanhood. Her sound blends elements of classic R&B, soul, pop, hip-hop, and singer-songwriter styles, with her love for poetry shining through as she explores themes of self-awareness, relationships, and mental health.

Kiana joined Jhené Aiko on her 2024 The Magic Hour tour, performing alongside artists like Tink, Coi Leray, and Umi. This fall, she will return for the third leg of the tour, following the release of her latest singles, “Natural” and “Space and Pussy,” which dropped on October 2 along with a visual for “Natural.” As Kiana continues to evolve, her music remains a reflection of her journey—raw, real, and unapologetically honest.

Source: https://www.lofficielmonaco.com/woman/a-style-all-her-own-kiana-lede-talks-music-fashion-and-authentic-self-expression 

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