Within a world in which ample music is being produced all the time, it can be difficult to find one’s own footing. Often advice offered is as simple as “follow your heart,” or “be true to yourself” - and while those tried and true anecdotes are not without reason, they can prove to be far more complex than one might assume. Within a sea of artists, developing a sound that’s uniquely one's own can be quite the journey - a never-ending one at that, as artists are sure to shift and shape with the time. Even so, it always seems to be clear when an artist has quite an intimate understanding of themselves. Such is evident within not only the tracks they create but the ways in which they carry themselves, too - cool and confident. The latter surely applies to many-an-artist but can be examined within the work of 26-year-old, L.A. based artist Kyle Dion.
a singer-songwriter sure to be of note to any lover of the R&B genre, Dion has released two new singles amidst all of the global chaos. Entitled "That Don't Mean a Thing" and "Stressed Out," the songs themselves convey Dion's range - a sultry sound, something of an old school flair reminiscent of the 80s. There's something undeniably and uniquely his own about the music he creates and the visuals within which he presents them. Deeply curious here at one x three about the ways in which the current circumstances might have affected Dion and his creative processes, the artist indulged such curiosity by participating in a brief Q&A.
What artists or genres have influenced the work you create, and how do you think those influences manifest within your songs?
I call my sound eclectic soul. I like to experiment and play around with elements of many genres, so I can’t pinpoint one thing that has specifically influenced my music. I don’t like to box myself into one category because I think of myself as a versatile artist.
The visuals for Suga were phenomenal - as evident within videos like "Brown" and “Not all the Way”. How did you and your team draw from other areas of inspiration to create these videos in a way you felt best represented your vision and your stylistic choices as an artist?
I work with my brother Nick on all of my creative. It’s been us from day one bringing my vision to life. All of my close friends make up my creative team. Every photo, video, artwork – it’s all in the family and we’re proudly independent!
Who has been most influential to you on your journey thus far - not just as a musician, but in life?
I’d have to say my mom. She has always been my biggest supporter.
Who would you say are your style icons? What are your go-to staple pieces that you feel best embody your style?
My style is very eclectic, and I shop at a lot of vintage stores and thrift stores. A lot of people compare my music and style to Prince, but I wasn’t on his wave until recently when people made the comparison. I find inspiration in everything. Jewelry is a big part of my style. I always wear rings, chunky necklaces and my safety pin earring. I also wear a lot of silk scarfs and headwraps. My hair though is fucking amazing and my main accessory.
How did "Play Too Much" with UMI and DUCKWRTH come to fruition? Were these two artists individuals you’d wanted to work with for quite some time?
Duckwrth and I have been friends for a while and have been wanting to make a record together. Once we had “Play Too Much” done we knew that UMI’s voice would bring the sweet touch that we needed on this record. I love these two humans so much and I am happy I get to make music with my friends. This was my FIRST collaboration feature release that I’ve ever released so this one is very special to me.
How have the current circumstances with COVID-19 and quarantine affected your artistic process? Has it inspired any future projects?
Quarantine hasn’t stopped me from working on new music. I started working on my new album before quarantine and I’ve released new music as well, so there’s no stopping me and my team!
The “That Don’t Mean a Thing” video (& even the sound of the track itself) are very upbeat, feel good, and colorful. It’s seemingly a contrast to pre-existing political and social issues that are currently being faced in that it evokes joy and even on some level hope. Did any of the issues currently being faced on these fronts inspire the vibes of this track?
I actually recently released two singles – "TDMAT" and "Stressed Out." Neither of these records were created in response to the current times but I felt they were very complimentary yet expressed opposing vibes. When I decided to release these records, I realized that they did sort of play into what a lot of people are feeling around the world, but that wasn’t planned.
What can you tell us about what you’re currently working on and what fans should be on the lookout for from you?
Right now, my focus is on creating my next album, which I am already in the studio working on. I also want to create more visuals and do more touring. I also would love to get more into the fashion world through modeling and designing, which is a new goal I am working towards.
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