JAEMIN MIQUEL

Kiyana is a must-watch up-and-coming R&B talent from ATL, her latest effort “Take Me Away” samples one of my favorite 90’s hood hits, The Luniz “I Got 5 On It,” and features DJ Sense of the Aphilliates. So far this record is already receiving spins on 100.3 The Beat South Carolina, HOT 107.9 Atlanta, GA, and 97.9 Jamz just to name a few. After listening to this record on repeat for the past 20 minutes I can’t see why it won’t be every where else real soon. - This Is RnB

Chances are you probably have heard of the R&B songstress, Kiyana. Her latest singles, “Take Me Away” and “No Love” have been bubbling all over social media, garnering more than 200k views on YouTube and SoundCloud. She’s new school R&B but has the soulful and nostalgic 90’s hip-hop swagger like Mary J. Blige. Her single, “Take Me Away” is a solid female anthem and will have you rocking to the sampled Club Nouveau’s “Why You Treat Me So Bad” or most of us remember the Loonies, “I Got Five on It” baseline. We had a chance to catch up with the 23 yr-old ATLien.
WOM: When did you start singing? Most singers seem like they start out in the church?
Kiyana: I started singing as a kid. Actually, my first song was a rap song by 8Ball & MJG. I used to sing rap songs when I was young and my mom would say, “Why is this girl singing rap songs?” And then of course as I got older, I got in the church and choir.

WOM: Funny, you said you started singing rap songs; I can feel the hip-hop swag coming from you.
Kiyana: Yea, my mom had me when she was young and I was exposed to more hip-hop than the traditional r&b.

WOM: So, who influenced you musically?
Kiyana: Mary J. Blige. And, as I got older Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker, Donna Summer, and of course Beyonce. But really, Mary J. Blige because her music transcends generations, she’s one of the only singers who’s been consistent for over 20 years.

WOM: Besides Mary J., who would you like to work with musically?
Kiyana: Of course, Mary J. Blige but starting out I would like to work with rapper ASAP Rocky, who is a real grungy, hip-hop artist. Also, Big Sean and Kanye would also be on my list.
WOM: What inspires you to create music?

Kiyana: My story, the things I go through on a daily basis. And, the things that women go through with relationships and guys and where I’m at in my life.

WOM: Take Me Away had over 200k views, you just dropped “No Love” and it’s already gone viral. How are you handling all the success and love? And, have things changed for you?
Kiyana: I don’t know if it’s because I work so hard and we put in a lot of groundwork in promotion and marketing that I don’t pay attention to the “success.” People are congratulating me and in my head I’m thinking I haven’t done enough…I haven’t reached where I want to go yet. But, I’m thankful for the love. Also, keeping up with social media can be a lot. I’ll go to the blogs and YouTube to hear what people are saying about my music but I’m stopping because you’ll get your feelings hurt. But, I’m handling it pretty well.

WOM: Yeah, I’ve seen overwhelming positive reviews specifically from women. Speaking of women, “No Love” seems to be the new female anthem, how are the men responding?

Kiyana: Yes it is. Also, “Take Me Away” is also a female anthem and guys still respect it. It teaches women about their self-worth. Every girl and woman needs to be reminded about their self-worth. No longer do you have to put up with a guy who means you no good. Ladies, stop stressing on these bustas! Strangely guys still love my music even though; I’m talking about them.

WOM: The great thing is that you’re speaking for a new generation that didn’t come up in The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill and “No Scrubs” era.
Kiyana: Right! And, I wanted to create the 2012 version of “No Scrubs.” When were writing the treatment for the video, I watched old Janet Jackson and TLC videos, which gave me chills because that female power is missing from music. “No Love” is the record that can allow women to appreciate themselves and it transcends gender and age.

WOM: So what’s on your playlist?
Kiyana: Of course I have me, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Brandy (love her voice), and old school Mary, What’s the 411 all day.

WOM: What are the top essentials you can’t live without?
Kiyana: A pair of heels, good book, and I carry a Happy Birthday book around with me that gives me daily inspirational quotes/horoscopes. - Urban Wom Social