K Besd: “L.I.Y.E.” (Lights In Your Eyes)
What inspires your music?
My music is inspired by whatever's happening in my life, whatever I'm going through. I find it to be a great outlet and a way to express myself.
How did you start your recording career?
I've always loved to sing and loved music. I honestly don't know how I didn't start doing this sooner but I suppose timing is everything and things happen when they're supposed to. I'd been going through some difficult family situations and looking for a healthy outlet to help me through it. I happened to meet my producer on a tour of Calgary art collective NVRLND. Not too long after a friend passed away suddenly at only 34 and it just kind of hit me - life is short, this is something I need to do and if I don't give it a go I'll surely regret it. The night after his celebration of life I sent an e-mail to my producer to set up a time to meet and the rest is history.
What is your (EP/Single) called? How did you come up with it?
L.I.Y.E. (Lights in Your Eyes) was written about my struggle with my relationship with my father and his gambling addiction. As I first started writing I thought - do I want my first single to be about this? But then I thought, well, this is what's going on in my life right now. I can literally see the Casino lights from my living room window, oddly enough, hence the beginning of the first verse "look out my window all I see is the bright lights, they're calling out your name". It felt really good to create something out of such a painful situation. At first I'd listen to it in my car prior to its release and just cry, but now I hear it and I think "I may not be able to change this situation but I've said my piece and it feels good"
What is your genre of music?
When my producer and I first started chatting I told him I wanted to be female Post Malone. Haha! I honestly always envisioned myself doing R&B, actually, but it turned out to be more in the pop genre. I would definitely like to diversify as I continue creating and include some rock and R&B elements.
Who are your influences?
I've always been a huge fan of Christina Aguilera - we actually share the same birthday! I've also always loved Rihanna; she's such a badass. Obviously Post Malone as I mentioned. I think his music really appeals to a cross genre audience and it's just so damn catchy. I'm also really into GASHI at the moment. I really do love a lot of different genres of music though so it kind of changes all the time.
How do you define success?
I used to think that success would be a big old pile of money in the bank, a big beautiful home with a swimming pool in the back yard or a fancy penthouse; a fancy car. Being "comfortable", you know? I didn't grow up with much and always thought that it would be nice to just be "comfortable" and not worried about money. And I wouldn't not want those things if I were able to have them, but now I think that success is just whatever makes you truly happy. Having the right people around you to share in all of life's ups an downs. Being able to do what you love, whatever that is.
What can we expect from you in 2020?
I've got a second single finished that I'm really excited about. I don't want to say too much but it's a remake of a 1978 rock song with a cool rap feature by a very talented Calgary artist. I've also just started on a third single that'll include some elements of Moroccan influence. My father's side of the family is from Casablanca and I've always loved the beautiful instruments used in their music. I've also got some cool L.I.Y.E. remixes on the way!