In the vibrant city of Brighton, a new name echoes through the music scene: Kymara. This Dutch-born artist, now a Brighton local, has carved a niche for herself with her soul-stirring music. Following a remarkable 2022, which saw her captivating audiences in Brighton and the Netherlands, Kymara stands at the forefront of a new musical wave. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her journey, her music, and her aspirations, uncovering the soul behind the voice that’s captivating listeners across borders.
Kymara’s transition from the Netherlands to Brighton is a tale of chasing dreams and finding one’s true calling. Reflecting on her move, she shares, “I lived there my whole life. But it was after I travelled for a year when I was 18…I thought maybe I need to go somewhere else.” Her decision to move to Brighton was a leap of faith, driven by a desire to immerse herself in a new musical environment. “I walked into Brighton and it just felt like home,” she recalls, a sentiment that speaks volumes about her connection with the city.
Music has always been a vital part of Kymara’s life, thanks largely to her father, a musician himself. “Music was always in our house,” she remembers. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for her soulful approach. However, it wasn’t just about listening to music; it was about experiencing it. Her mother played a crucial role in this, taking her to concerts and exposing her to a variety of artists.
Kymara’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but her perseverance has paid off. Her debut single ‘You’ marked a significant milestone, receiving a playlist placement on Spotify’s editorial playlist, Fresh Finds: The Wave. Discussing her early successes, she notes, “It’s only, say, four years ago that I wrote my first song.” This humble beginning underscores the rapid ascent she has experienced in her career.
Delving into her songwriting process, Kymara reveals a journey of self-discovery and learning. “I had to ask someone like, how do you write a song? Like chorus verse, how does it work?” she says. This openness to learning and experimenting has been a key factor in her development as a songwriter.
For Kymara, live performances are where her music truly comes to life. “When the band is feeling good, when they’re feeling excited, when the audience, when there’s just a lot of energy…that’s what I love the most,” she shares. Her ability to connect with her audience, whether in intimate settings or at larger venues, is a testament to her prowess as a live performer.
Looking to the future, Kymara’s ambitions are as vast as her talent. She doesn’t see her journey in music as having an ‘end goal, but rather as an ongoing process of growth and exploration. “For the next coming of years, it’s just to write as much music as possible,” she explains. Her focus is not just on creating music but also on maintaining the strong bond with her band. “I’ve got a seven-piece band that has been there for the last four years. And we just have a lot of fun. So, I hope that stays,” she says, highlighting the importance of collaboration in her musical journey.
Kymara’s music is a rich tapestry of influences, from soul and jazz to R&B. She credits her parents for her eclectic taste. “My mom just took me to every concert. She’s like, I’ve got tickets for Alabama Shakes, I’ve got tickets for D’Angelo…” This exposure to various genres and artists has shaped her into the versatile artist she is today. She finds similarities in artists who are “very soulful” and create music “that really comes from the heart.”
Kymara’s approach to music is deeply personal and introspective. Discussing the diversity in her songwriting, she says, “I can’t always go to these deeper feelings. It’s when I feel like it. When I really want to say it.” This authenticity is what makes her music resonate with her audience as she navigates through various emotions and experiences in her lyrics.
Reflecting on her family’s influence, Kymara shares poignant memories of her father, who passed away when she was young. “He was a singer and a conga player,” she remembers, acknowledging the impact he had on her musical inclinations. These early experiences, imbued with music and familial bonds, have been instrumental in shaping her artistic identity.
Kymara’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of music. From her early days influenced by her father’s music to her current status as a rising star in Brighton’s music scene, her journey is a compelling narrative of artistic growth and personal evolution. Her soulful voice, eclectic style, and genuine connection with her audience make her a unique presence in the contemporary music landscape. As she continues to evolve and grow, Kymara is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of music. Her journey, characterized by soulful music and genuine storytelling, is about connecting with people and sharing experiences that cut across geographical and cultural boundaries.
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