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Nikkiesha McLeod dives deep with Kimmortal, a queer non-binary Filipino-Canadian musician and visual artist. Kim kicks off the conversation with a look into their creative process, emphasizing how their early experience with music began with an acoustic guitar belonging to their sister, leading to a self-taught journey of songwriting and creativity. They discuss the impact of formative moments, such as performing original songs for family, which cemented their love for storytelling through music. Kim also shares their multifaceted background, highlighting the influence of their family and cultural heritage on their work while reflecting on the intricate relationship between their queer identity and their artistry.

Kim's approach to genre-blending in music is intentional, shaped by powerful moments from the past and grounded in a seeming desire to rebel against conventional structures. They describe how their songwriting process is influenced by digital media, utilizing snippets of inspiration pulled from various platforms to craft soundscapes that reflect their emotional states coupled with societal commentary, ultimately using their art as a means of addressing darker subjects while simultaneously seeking joy and connection.

Episode Credits:

  • Guest - Kimmortal
  • Host/Producer - Nikkiesha McLeod
  • Producer/Editor - Jeremiah Lee McVay

Guest Links: Official Website | Bandcamp | YouTube | Instagram

Listen on YouTube

Episode Chapters

  • 0:09 Introduction to Kimmortal
  • 3:19 Welcoming Kimmortal
  • 6:43 Kim's Early Musical Journey
  • 10:04 Influence of Family on Art
  • 12:48 Education and Intuition in Music
  • 15:23 Genre-Bending Artistic Intent
  • 19:22 Creative Process and Inspiration
  • 26:42 The Meaning Behind "Stop Business As Usual"
  • 32:22 Evolution of Kim's Music
  • 38:46 Identity as a Queer Non-Binary Artist
  • 40:14 The Struggle with Specificity in Art
  • 41:30 Embracing Power in Otherness
  • 46:29 Navigating Community and Acceptance
  • 51:04 Surprising Musical Influences
  • 53:30 Performing vs. Studio Work
  • 56:16 Storytelling and Political Elements in Music
  • 56:25 Future Projects and Inspirations
  • 59:48 Combining Artistic Projects
  • 1:00:52 Recommendations for Other Artists
  • 1:03:14 Current Reading and Social Media Presence
  • 1:06:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information on this podcast, including where it's available, please visit the show's homepage.