Kiah Victoria

If you haven't already heard of the soulful songstress that is Kiah Victoria, you should take a second to get acquainted this up-and coming artist who who is both loaded with talent and brimming with potential. A senior at NYU's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and a 21 year-old who hails from Bowie, MD, Kiah has been making a splash in the NYC as well as the national music scene lately; not only has she attracted our attention over here at EARMILK, but she has also been courted by entities such as MTV, NBC's The Voice, and a handful labels and collectives.

Her undeniably smooth yet powerful voice combines with striking production on GRAVITATE, her latest EP of which we have the privilege of premiering today. All within the span of 5 tracks, GRAVITATE will take you through a complex sonic landscape of texture and decadence, explaining the emotions of distress and elation, all communicated through a filter of mature lyrics and spellbinding and unique instrumentation. Jungles of poly-rhythms, lakes of shimmery pads, fjords of time signatures and a lush vegetation of brilliant lyrics are among the features of this EP that make it such a standout piece. Variety is ever present in this release; you'll find prolific use of string and horn arrangements in some songs, while others will feature raw and organic mechanisms. In this panorama of generic pop that we often find ourselves in today, GRAVITATE is a reinvigoration of soul, creativity, and love. All the songs on GRAVITATE were written by Kiah herself, in collaboration with producer and fellow CDI classmate, Toulouse, aka Tolu Adeyemo.

Oh yeah, and if you think she bears a strong resemblance to that girl you saw singing in JAY Z's "Picasso Baby" video, it's because she is that girl you saw singing in JAY Z's "Picasso Baby" video.

After you take a listen, you can grab this special and transformative EP on Bandcamp.

560126-493514044095568-913113477-n

"Gravitate"

Ornate with jolting and unsettling, yet sonically pleasing features, "Gravitate" serves as an attention-grabbing introduction that will make you feel as if you're floating in some glitchy and divine ocean. Meant to be a foreshadowing to "Aurora," the dissonance and unconventionality of this track will prepare your palate for the sweetness, heartache, sexiness, and joy that the remainder of the EP has lined up for your eager ears.

Play Gravitate (02:22)
Stream | Soundcloud
"Breathing Is Too Easy"

Just as the lyrics of this good old fashioned love song with a twist declare the "It's hard to find a reason not to love you freely," you'll find that it's hard to find a reason not to love this song. Odd time signatures in the verses will challenge the listener, encouraging you abandon some expectation of timing and hold on. But you'll be is sufficiently rewarded as a hook, and a big chorus full of heavy drums land perfectly in the landscape of the song. Long-held notes will grow on you and invigorate you with a soulful freshness.

Play Breathing Is Too Easy (04:28)
Stream | Soundcloud
"You Don't Know"

Already equipped with a video (see below) "You Don't Know" is not only catchy, but full of interesting horn instrumentation, guitar featuring, and varying levels of energy. The anti-thesis of "Breathing Is Too Easy," the track communicates a level of heartbreak, but is not a victim's cry. The song is an audible illustration, in the words of Adeyemo, "between different time signatures, tempos and measures of modulation, reflecting a stream of consciousness about how miss Victoria is processing this heartbreak, sometimes a little spastically, sometimes more surely." After calming down, the song fires back in the last chorus, and ends with a sexy guitar outro.

Play You Don't Know (03:39)
Stream | Soundcloud

"I See My Own Friend"

Though all the tracks on the EP showcase Kiah's incredible vocal ability, the simplicity of the guitar and string instrumentals as well as the subject matter and style of this two-part piece especially bring forth the beauty of her voice and will elicit emotions you didn't expect to feel out of you. The dual nature of the track is representative of Kiah questioning her reality and choices in the first half, while the second is a requiem of self acceptance and self amity. My personal favorite of the EP, this track calls for honesty, realness with, and love for, oneself. Listen for subtle touches of strings, a probing guitar and a dynamic, beat-filled ending.

Play I See My Own Friend (06:13)
Stream | Soundcloud
"Aurora"

"Aurora" is full - Earmilk.com

If you haven't already heard of the soulful songstress that is Kiah Victoria, you should take a second to get acquainted this up-and coming artist who who is both loaded with talent and brimming with potential. A senior at NYU's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and a 21 year-old who hails from Bowie, MD, Kiah has been making a splash in the NYC as well as the national music scene lately; not only has she attracted our attention over here at EARMILK, but she has also been courted by entities such as MTV, NBC's The Voice, and a handful labels and collectives.

Her undeniably smooth yet powerful voice combines with striking production on GRAVITATE, her latest EP of which we have the privilege of premiering today. All within the span of 5 tracks, GRAVITATE will take you through a complex sonic landscape of texture and decadence, explaining the emotions of distress and elation, all communicated through a filter of mature lyrics and spellbinding and unique instrumentation. Jungles of poly-rhythms, lakes of shimmery pads, fjords of time signatures and a lush vegetation of brilliant lyrics are among the features of this EP that make it such a standout piece. Variety is ever present in this release; you'll find prolific use of string and horn arrangements in some songs, while others will feature raw and organic mechanisms. In this panorama of generic pop that we often find ourselves in today, GRAVITATE is a reinvigoration of soul, creativity, and love. All the songs on GRAVITATE were written by Kiah herself, in collaboration with producer and fellow CDI classmate, Toulouse, aka Tolu Adeyemo.

Oh yeah, and if you think she bears a strong resemblance to that girl you saw singing in JAY Z's "Picasso Baby" video, it's because she is that girl you saw singing in JAY Z's "Picasso Baby" video.

After you take a listen, you can grab this special and transformative EP on Bandcamp.

560126-493514044095568-913113477-n

"Gravitate"

Ornate with jolting and unsettling, yet sonically pleasing features, "Gravitate" serves as an attention-grabbing introduction that will make you feel as if you're floating in some glitchy and divine ocean. Meant to be a foreshadowing to "Aurora," the dissonance and unconventionality of this track will prepare your palate for the sweetness, heartache, sexiness, and joy that the remainder of the EP has lined up for your eager ears.

Play Gravitate (02:22)
Stream | Soundcloud
"Breathing Is Too Easy"

Just as the lyrics of this good old fashioned love song with a twist declare the "It's hard to find a reason not to love you freely," you'll find that it's hard to find a reason not to love this song. Odd time signatures in the verses will challenge the listener, encouraging you abandon some expectation of timing and hold on. But you'll be is sufficiently rewarded as a hook, and a big chorus full of heavy drums land perfectly in the landscape of the song. Long-held notes will grow on you and invigorate you with a soulful freshness.

Play Breathing Is Too Easy (04:28)
Stream | Soundcloud
"You Don't Know"

Already equipped with a video (see below) "You Don't Know" is not only catchy, but full of interesting horn instrumentation, guitar featuring, and varying levels of energy. The anti-thesis of "Breathing Is Too Easy," the track communicates a level of heartbreak, but is not a victim's cry. The song is an audible illustration, in the words of Adeyemo, "between different time signatures, tempos and measures of modulation, reflecting a stream of consciousness about how miss Victoria is processing this heartbreak, sometimes a little spastically, sometimes more surely." After calming down, the song fires back in the last chorus, and ends with a sexy guitar outro.

Play You Don't Know (03:39)
Stream | Soundcloud

"I See My Own Friend"

Though all the tracks on the EP showcase Kiah's incredible vocal ability, the simplicity of the guitar and string instrumentals as well as the subject matter and style of this two-part piece especially bring forth the beauty of her voice and will elicit emotions you didn't expect to feel out of you. The dual nature of the track is representative of Kiah questioning her reality and choices in the first half, while the second is a requiem of self acceptance and self amity. My personal favorite of the EP, this track calls for honesty, realness with, and love for, oneself. Listen for subtle touches of strings, a probing guitar and a dynamic, beat-filled ending.

Play I See My Own Friend (06:13)
Stream | Soundcloud
"Aurora"

"Aurora" is full - Earmilk.com

Kiah Victoria is definitely a rising star and we were more than excited to have her perform at our BlackHairKitchen Expo. With nothing but an instrumental track and her father on percussion (that talent definitely runs in the family), Kiah closed out the show and definitely left an impact on the crowd. We were trying to tell folks to stay to see her! If you rushed out and missed the great performance, check the video below to get a piece of Kiah’s performance. Be sure to support her by purchasing her album here.

Also check out the new tune from Kiah, “You Don’t Know.” - Black Hair Kitchen

Kiah Victoria is definitely a rising star and we were more than excited to have her perform at our BlackHairKitchen Expo. With nothing but an instrumental track and her father on percussion (that talent definitely runs in the family), Kiah closed out the show and definitely left an impact on the crowd. We were trying to tell folks to stay to see her! If you rushed out and missed the great performance, check the video below to get a piece of Kiah’s performance. Be sure to support her by purchasing her album here.

Also check out the new tune from Kiah, “You Don’t Know.” - Black Hair Kitchen

To find inspiration, all Tisch junior Kiah Victoria needs to do is look up.

The vocalist, who studies at The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at Tisch School of the Arts, released her first EP in August. Titled “Look Up,” the extended play album consists of five R&B-soul tracks which focus on a theme of looking upward for love, trying to find it and define it.

“‘Look Up’ came to me because when I walked down the street [I realized] that I don’t look up that much,” Victoria said. “There’s a sky and there’s the buildings and it gets kind of crazy. It’s kind of a metaphor to not get caught up in right here. All of the songs have [an allusion] to an upward motion.”

Victoria began singing when she was a child. She was born in Germany and lived in several different places before moving to New York at age 10 to star as Young Nala in Disney’s “The Lion King” on Broadway for
six months.

During Victoria’s senior year in high school, she applied to several universities for musical theater, but felt she was meant to be at Clive Davis. The first song she ever wrote was to get into the department.

Earlier this year, Victoria was offered the chance to audition for NBC’s “The Voice,” a reality television show featuring celebrity vocal coaches for aspiring professional singers. She took a leave of absence from NYU for the show, but just before her audition, the final spot was filled. Victoria was disappointed at first by the turn of events, but re-enrolled in her classes at Tisch and realized the ordeal was a blessing in disguise.

“The entire experience taught me so much about myself and the kind of human and artist I want to become,” she said. “Reality talent shows are a brilliant concept, but after going through the motions, I am at peace in knowing that I am going to build my career and my art from the ground up. You gotta rise up.”

Victoria’s perspective aligns perfectly with the theme of “Look Up.”

“I can’t get enough of the EP,” said Tisch senior Ray Rock, who is very familiar with Victoria’s work. “It’s super solid and cohesive.”

Victoria said she looks up to Toluwanimi Adeyemo, a Tisch junior who produced the EP.

“It’s so cool going to him with these simple chords and he layers on all these amazing things,” Victoria said. “I didn’t realize what the song could be, but I feel like he brought it to another level. We just create together.”

Adeyemo believes Victoria is a phenomenal artist with a bright future.

“She has the ability to relate to and awe people in the same breath,” he said. “I think with whatever sophomore EP or perhaps full-length album that is created, she will use that very well. That’s the kind of person she is.”

Victoria is currently working on songs for her second EP. “Look Up” can be downloaded for free or with donation through bandcamp at kiahvictoria.bandcamp.com.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Sept. 13 print edition. Sydney Wu is a contributing writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
- Washington Square News

To find inspiration, all Tisch junior Kiah Victoria needs to do is look up.

The vocalist, who studies at The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at Tisch School of the Arts, released her first EP in August. Titled “Look Up,” the extended play album consists of five R&B-soul tracks which focus on a theme of looking upward for love, trying to find it and define it.

“‘Look Up’ came to me because when I walked down the street [I realized] that I don’t look up that much,” Victoria said. “There’s a sky and there’s the buildings and it gets kind of crazy. It’s kind of a metaphor to not get caught up in right here. All of the songs have [an allusion] to an upward motion.”

Victoria began singing when she was a child. She was born in Germany and lived in several different places before moving to New York at age 10 to star as Young Nala in Disney’s “The Lion King” on Broadway for
six months.

During Victoria’s senior year in high school, she applied to several universities for musical theater, but felt she was meant to be at Clive Davis. The first song she ever wrote was to get into the department.

Earlier this year, Victoria was offered the chance to audition for NBC’s “The Voice,” a reality television show featuring celebrity vocal coaches for aspiring professional singers. She took a leave of absence from NYU for the show, but just before her audition, the final spot was filled. Victoria was disappointed at first by the turn of events, but re-enrolled in her classes at Tisch and realized the ordeal was a blessing in disguise.

“The entire experience taught me so much about myself and the kind of human and artist I want to become,” she said. “Reality talent shows are a brilliant concept, but after going through the motions, I am at peace in knowing that I am going to build my career and my art from the ground up. You gotta rise up.”

Victoria’s perspective aligns perfectly with the theme of “Look Up.”

“I can’t get enough of the EP,” said Tisch senior Ray Rock, who is very familiar with Victoria’s work. “It’s super solid and cohesive.”

Victoria said she looks up to Toluwanimi Adeyemo, a Tisch junior who produced the EP.

“It’s so cool going to him with these simple chords and he layers on all these amazing things,” Victoria said. “I didn’t realize what the song could be, but I feel like he brought it to another level. We just create together.”

Adeyemo believes Victoria is a phenomenal artist with a bright future.

“She has the ability to relate to and awe people in the same breath,” he said. “I think with whatever sophomore EP or perhaps full-length album that is created, she will use that very well. That’s the kind of person she is.”

Victoria is currently working on songs for her second EP. “Look Up” can be downloaded for free or with donation through bandcamp at kiahvictoria.bandcamp.com.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Sept. 13 print edition. Sydney Wu is a contributing writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
- Washington Square News

I heard her music while watching a hair tutorial on youtube and I just fell in love. here is a link to her FREE EP! Enjoy

once you listen to her music let me know your favorite song in the comment. Mine was rise.
- Utamaduni Wear

I heard her music while watching a hair tutorial on youtube and I just fell in love. here is a link to her FREE EP! Enjoy

once you listen to her music let me know your favorite song in the comment. Mine was rise.
- Utamaduni Wear

A Google search will reveal that there are exactly 4,220,000 results listed when you look for other people trying their hand voice at the little ditty Frank Ocean originally penned for Bridget Kelly.

They range from the enjoyably replayable to the ear-crunchingly cringe-worthy. The thing that solidifies them all regardless of vocal quality, is that they all attempt to mimic Ocean’s cadence, inflection, etc. with the barest minimum of ad-lib in most of the better ones.

So stumbling across this version by Kiah Victoria was completely refreshing as she takes the raw DNA of Ocean’s song, blends it with her chromosomes and gives birth to a hybrid all those other covers could only wish they were in the same gene pool with.



Amazing how stripping the original production down to just piano, slowing down the pace of the verses while strategically elongating notes, adding reverbed harmony and revamping the first verse can change the complete outlook of a song that you were really tired of hearing.

This and four other soulful tracks are housed on the 20 year old New Yorker’s “Look Up EP” which you can get on the “Name Your Price” tip from the widget or over HERE.
- Bama Love Soul

A Google search will reveal that there are exactly 4,220,000 results listed when you look for other people trying their hand voice at the little ditty Frank Ocean originally penned for Bridget Kelly.

They range from the enjoyably replayable to the ear-crunchingly cringe-worthy. The thing that solidifies them all regardless of vocal quality, is that they all attempt to mimic Ocean’s cadence, inflection, etc. with the barest minimum of ad-lib in most of the better ones.

So stumbling across this version by Kiah Victoria was completely refreshing as she takes the raw DNA of Ocean’s song, blends it with her chromosomes and gives birth to a hybrid all those other covers could only wish they were in the same gene pool with.



Amazing how stripping the original production down to just piano, slowing down the pace of the verses while strategically elongating notes, adding reverbed harmony and revamping the first verse can change the complete outlook of a song that you were really tired of hearing.

This and four other soulful tracks are housed on the 20 year old New Yorker’s “Look Up EP” which you can get on the “Name Your Price” tip from the widget or over HERE.
- Bama Love Soul

Blending intimate vocal performance with the obscure synthetic textures of trip-hop producer Tolu, 20-year-old Kiah Victoria emerges from the great city of New York. She’s taken her travels around the globe, living in both Germany and Kenya for a short time before returning to her rightful spotlight in Manhattan. Kiah has garnered the attention of NYC’s broadway stages, NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Kiah currently gigs throughout the New York area, continuously collabing with inspiring young artists and producers of the city-center.
- You Know I Got Soul

Y’all know I’m no blogger, I just post what I like and you like it. Kiah Victoria is someone you need to get into. One year ago, she dropped her 4 track EP “Look Up” which includes a visual for “Rooftop” where miss “BIG HAIR ALL DAY” takes you around the city of New York.
Since then, Kiah hit us with a cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” (song here, video here) and her very own “Lovers Anthem” (song here) that she blessed us with this past Valentine’s Day. I don’t like comparing or reviewing artists as much as I like highlighting them and giving people the chance to decide for themselves, but in the defense of Kiah Victoria, Jay Z is here for her. Here’s some footage someone took in between takes of filming “Picasso Baby: A Performance Art FIlm” where Kiah sings Jay a sample of Jackson 5's “Who’s Lovin You.”
So here’s the hard sell: Kiah Victoria has released a new masterpiece called “You Don’t Know” which gives that indie alternative/soul feel. Check it out and leave some comments!
Love you Kiah. Slay the industry girl.
-Assanté
- Urban Kompass

Y’all know I’m no blogger, I just post what I like and you like it. Kiah Victoria is someone you need to get into. One year ago, she dropped her 4 track EP “Look Up” which includes a visual for “Rooftop” where miss “BIG HAIR ALL DAY” takes you around the city of New York.
Since then, Kiah hit us with a cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” (song here, video here) and her very own “Lovers Anthem” (song here) that she blessed us with this past Valentine’s Day. I don’t like comparing or reviewing artists as much as I like highlighting them and giving people the chance to decide for themselves, but in the defense of Kiah Victoria, Jay Z is here for her. Here’s some footage someone took in between takes of filming “Picasso Baby: A Performance Art FIlm” where Kiah sings Jay a sample of Jackson 5's “Who’s Lovin You.”
So here’s the hard sell: Kiah Victoria has released a new masterpiece called “You Don’t Know” which gives that indie alternative/soul feel. Check it out and leave some comments!
Love you Kiah. Slay the industry girl.
-Assanté
- Urban Kompass

Kiah Victoria is singer based in New York and "You Don't Know" is her latest single. With production from Tolu Adeyemo and Gynus, this song is exactly what Pop/R&B should be. If this is any indicator of what the rest of her new music will sound like, I have a feeling you will know who Kiah Victoria is very soon.

Check out "You Don't Know" below.
- Sound Tribe

Fresh RnB sound. I love this girl’s voice. Check out here.
- Alfitude

Fresh RnB sound. I love this girl’s voice. Check out here.
- Alfitude

An impromptu performance on set of Jay-Z’s “Picasso Baby” music video shoot! www.kiahvictoria.bandcamp.com www.facebook.com/kiahvictoria www.twitter.com/kiah…
- Hip-Hop Beast

Kiah Victoria's emerging brand of pop is best described as an invigorating blend of her incredibly powerful and soulful R&B vocals with pop-forward production stylings. Take for example "Rooftop," the fantastic lead track from her new EP "Look Up" that she's giving away for free on her web site. Expertly arranged by trip hop producer Tolu, the song neatly balances between stark, synthetic textures and Victoria's warm delivery that brightens the entire composition.

After lyrics like "spinning, spinning, let's slow it down," "Rooftop" builds to a soothing high point around the 2:44 minute mark when the song takes a brief pause. This sonic break evokes a moment of bliss that is amplified by beautifully shimmering string ornamentation before looping back to the chorus. The video for "Rooftop" perfectly visualizes that big moment when the songstress climbs to a rooftop to escape the urban frenzy to enjoy some peace in the big city.

It's a mightily promising start for Kiah Victoria who is currently a student of Tisch's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in New York. The school is also the Alma Mater of other bright, young new talents like Elle Varner and Gallant who not only work on their own music, but often also collaborate to create exciting new pop.

Important part of Victoria's artistic development are her travels overseas. She lived in both Germany and Kenya before heading to New York to immerse herself in the city's music scene. She was even briefly featured on the last season of NBC's The Voice when she was shown during some of the footage of the program's blind auditions. Check out the video for "Rooftop" below that was shot on a hot summer day in New York City. Kiah Victoria is an impressive new talent to keep your eye on. Very highly recommended. - Arjan Writes

Kiah Victoria's emerging brand of pop is best described as an invigorating blend of her incredibly powerful and soulful R&B vocals with pop-forward production stylings. Take for example "Rooftop," the fantastic lead track from her new EP "Look Up" that she's giving away for free on her web site. Expertly arranged by trip hop producer Tolu, the song neatly balances between stark, synthetic textures and Victoria's warm delivery that brightens the entire composition.

After lyrics like "spinning, spinning, let's slow it down," "Rooftop" builds to a soothing high point around the 2:44 minute mark when the song takes a brief pause. This sonic break evokes a moment of bliss that is amplified by beautifully shimmering string ornamentation before looping back to the chorus. The video for "Rooftop" perfectly visualizes that big moment when the songstress climbs to a rooftop to escape the urban frenzy to enjoy some peace in the big city.

It's a mightily promising start for Kiah Victoria who is currently a student of Tisch's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in New York. The school is also the Alma Mater of other bright, young new talents like Elle Varner and Gallant who not only work on their own music, but often also collaborate to create exciting new pop.

Important part of Victoria's artistic development are her travels overseas. She lived in both Germany and Kenya before heading to New York to immerse herself in the city's music scene. She was even briefly featured on the last season of NBC's The Voice when she was shown during some of the footage of the program's blind auditions. Check out the video for "Rooftop" below that was shot on a hot summer day in New York City. Kiah Victoria is an impressive new talent to keep your eye on. Very highly recommended. - Arjan Writes

Check out this Valentine’s Day treat from singer, Kiah Victoria. “Lover’s Anthem’ is available for FREE. That’s right, FREE! Check out the song below and download here.

Music by Lunice (Hitmane’s Anthem)
Lyrics by Kiah Victoria
Recorded by Alex Gresh & Ari Lipsitz
Mixed and Mastered by Gian Bravo

Andreana
- The Soundkillers

Check out this Valentine’s Day treat from singer, Kiah Victoria. “Lover’s Anthem’ is available for FREE. That’s right, FREE! Check out the song below and download here.

Music by Lunice (Hitmane’s Anthem)
Lyrics by Kiah Victoria
Recorded by Alex Gresh & Ari Lipsitz
Mixed and Mastered by Gian Bravo

Andreana
- The Soundkillers

Blending intimate vocal performance with the obscure synthetic textures of trip-hop producer Tolu, 20-year-old Kiah Victoria emerges from the great city of New York. She’s taken her travels around the globe, living in both Germany and Kenya for a short time before returning to her rightful spotlight in Manhattan. Kiah has garnered the attention of NYC’s broadway stages, NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Kiah currently gigs throughout the New York area, continuously collabing with inspiring young artists and producers of the city-center. Check this lady out!!! Download the EP FREE today!!!!!
- Neo Soul Cafe

Blending intimate vocal performance with the obscure synthetic textures of trip-hop producer Tolu, 20-year-old Kiah Victoria emerges from the great city of New York. She’s taken her travels around the globe, living in both Germany and Kenya for a short time before returning to her rightful spotlight in Manhattan. Kiah has garnered the attention of NYC’s broadway stages, NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Kiah currently gigs throughout the New York area, continuously collabing with inspiring young artists and producers of the city-center. Check this lady out!!! Download the EP FREE today!!!!!
- Neo Soul Cafe

Blending intimate vocal performance with the obscure synthetic textures of trip-hop producer Tolu, 20-year-old Kiah Victoria emerges from the great city of New York. She’s taken her travels around the globe, living in both Germany and Kenya for a short time before returning to her rightful spotlight in Manhattan. Kiah has garnered the attention of NYC’s broadway stages, NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Kiah currently gigs throughout the New York area, continuously collabing with inspiring young artists and producers of the city-center.

Listen as Kiah Victoria takes the raw DNA of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin’ Bout You”, blends it with her chromosomes and gives birth to a hybrid all other covers could only wish they were in the same gene pool with.

Amazing how stripping the original production down to just piano, slowing down the pace of the verses while strategically elongating notes, adding reverbed harmony and revamping the first verse can change the complete outlook of a song that you were really tired of hearing.

This and four other soulful tracks are housed on the 20 year old New Yorker’s “Look Up EP”
- Soulstice Radio

I first introduced you all to singer/songwriter Kiah Victoria from her cover of Frank Ocean's Thinkin Bout You. We now get her 5 track debut EP Look Up. Kiah is only 20 years old and has some serious singing and song writing abilities. Check below for a stream of the project. Enjoy
- Dope Music Blog

I first introduced you all to singer/songwriter Kiah Victoria from her cover of Frank Ocean's Thinkin Bout You. We now get her 5 track debut EP Look Up. Kiah is only 20 years old and has some serious singing and song writing abilities. Check below for a stream of the project. Enjoy
- Dope Music Blog

Kiah Victoria fuses the groovy sounds of trip-hop with the essence of acoustics while exhibiting the vocal stylings of Chrisette Michele and the purity of Goapele. Her recent release Look Up EP is an example of storytelling, chronicling a relationship from giddy and dreamlike commencement, to the unbelievable culmination.

From the beginning Victoria is in awe about the relationship. “Sunlight” describes the feeling of loving someone amidst being enveloped by their love, while “Rooftop” is about being on top of the world with the one she loves. “The world is spinning (spinning) / let’s try and slow it down / for a moment of time.” Love has her as turned around and trippy as the ambient chill out sounds of both songs.

The story takes on unexpected turn on “Rise” and “Home” where the rhetoric has gone from euphoria to falling and getting back up. The horns on “Rise” add to the element of sadness and tears as she laments about her lover sweeping her off her feet and then abruptly letting her fall. The song takes on a pep talk vibe as she repeats, “but I gotta rise up.” On “Rooftop” the cars riding bye was the soundtrack to their love but on “Home, “the cars now represent the end of their relationship. The sound sounds are dreary as a rainy day.

Victoria takes a dualist approach on the song (“Home”) when referring to going home. She’s going back home to her lover, or back to whom she was before the relationship started. Reminiscing about the lover she’s no longer with, she covers Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” with emotion and conviction.

Look Up EP is as much about the complexities of moving on after love, as it is the joys and excitement of partnership. Kiah Victoria has crafted a collection of music that’s creative, fluid, and worthy of more than the “name your price” fee.
- The Mic Check

Kiah Victoria fuses the groovy sounds of trip-hop with the essence of acoustics while exhibiting the vocal stylings of Chrisette Michele and the purity of Goapele. Her recent release Look Up EP is an example of storytelling, chronicling a relationship from giddy and dreamlike commencement, to the unbelievable culmination.

From the beginning Victoria is in awe about the relationship. “Sunlight” describes the feeling of loving someone amidst being enveloped by their love, while “Rooftop” is about being on top of the world with the one she loves. “The world is spinning (spinning) / let’s try and slow it down / for a moment of time.” Love has her as turned around and trippy as the ambient chill out sounds of both songs.

The story takes on unexpected turn on “Rise” and “Home” where the rhetoric has gone from euphoria to falling and getting back up. The horns on “Rise” add to the element of sadness and tears as she laments about her lover sweeping her off her feet and then abruptly letting her fall. The song takes on a pep talk vibe as she repeats, “but I gotta rise up.” On “Rooftop” the cars riding bye was the soundtrack to their love but on “Home, “the cars now represent the end of their relationship. The sound sounds are dreary as a rainy day.

Victoria takes a dualist approach on the song (“Home”) when referring to going home. She’s going back home to her lover, or back to whom she was before the relationship started. Reminiscing about the lover she’s no longer with, she covers Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” with emotion and conviction.

Look Up EP is as much about the complexities of moving on after love, as it is the joys and excitement of partnership. Kiah Victoria has crafted a collection of music that’s creative, fluid, and worthy of more than the “name your price” fee.
- The Mic Check

Kiah Victoria is a rising songstress who keeps her makeup bag light and her curly hair big. Her soulful sound matches her bold, natural coils and signature use of an exciting lip stain. Working on a September release of her Gravitate EP, the New York native is concentrating on maintaining the high she achieved while performing front and center at Jay Z’s “Picasso Baby” performance art exhibit.

Coco + Creme caught up with Kiah in Soho to rummage through her fave beauty and hair products. –Alley Olivier (@all3y_b) - Coco & Creme

Kiah Victoria is a rising songstress who keeps her makeup bag light and her curly hair big. Her soulful sound matches her bold, natural coils and signature use of an exciting lip stain. Working on a September release of her Gravitate EP, the New York native is concentrating on maintaining the high she achieved while performing front and center at Jay Z’s “Picasso Baby” performance art exhibit.

Coco + Creme caught up with Kiah in Soho to rummage through her fave beauty and hair products. –Alley Olivier (@all3y_b) - Coco & Creme

Recently seen unexpectedly wowing Jay Z in his own music video, Kiah Victoria continues to wow listeners with her latest release, the “Look Up” EP.
Big hair and a bold voice, Victoria’s appearance in the rapper’s Picasso Baby short film was a welcome surprise, and showed but a glimpse of the singer’s star potential.
On this new EP, the twenty-one-year old former actress absolutely soars over the murky atmospheres, constructed by trip hop producer Tolu Adeyemo. Victoria’s crisp vocals compliment Tolu’s immersive beats, most noticeably on ambient opener “Sunlight”.
“Rooftop”, is a fantastic showcase for the singer’s varied range and really explores her impressive vocal ability. The track itself is flamboyant and even cinematic at points but, combined with Victoria’s modest lyrics, is a perfect place for new listeners to begin.”Rise” is another classy if more traditional ballad. The New York songstress sounds almost tortured over an instrumental that subtly builds, using some tremendous horns and just the right amount of reverb.
Having starred on Broadway at only the tender age of ten, the drama of the stage can certainly be heard in theatrical closer, “Home“. Melodic background vocals, apt lyrics and a skilfully layered instrumental, Home might just be an immediate highlight.
With Adeyemo and Victoria harnessing a distinctive sound, the pair approach the fusion of post-dubstep, indie R&B and neo-soul from a fresh angle. At just four tracks and with second EP “Gravitate” coming soon, the Look Up EP is a terrific teaser of even better things to come.
Download Kiah Victoria’s ‘Look Up’ EP: kiahvictoria.bandcamp.com/album/look-up-ep
- On The Come-Up TV

Recently seen unexpectedly wowing Jay Z in his own music video, Kiah Victoria continues to wow listeners with her latest release, the “Look Up” EP.
Big hair and a bold voice, Victoria’s appearance in the rapper’s Picasso Baby short film was a welcome surprise, and showed but a glimpse of the singer’s star potential.
On this new EP, the twenty-one-year old former actress absolutely soars over the murky atmospheres, constructed by trip hop producer Tolu Adeyemo. Victoria’s crisp vocals compliment Tolu’s immersive beats, most noticeably on ambient opener “Sunlight”.
“Rooftop”, is a fantastic showcase for the singer’s varied range and really explores her impressive vocal ability. The track itself is flamboyant and even cinematic at points but, combined with Victoria’s modest lyrics, is a perfect place for new listeners to begin.”Rise” is another classy if more traditional ballad. The New York songstress sounds almost tortured over an instrumental that subtly builds, using some tremendous horns and just the right amount of reverb.
Having starred on Broadway at only the tender age of ten, the drama of the stage can certainly be heard in theatrical closer, “Home“. Melodic background vocals, apt lyrics and a skilfully layered instrumental, Home might just be an immediate highlight.
With Adeyemo and Victoria harnessing a distinctive sound, the pair approach the fusion of post-dubstep, indie R&B and neo-soul from a fresh angle. At just four tracks and with second EP “Gravitate” coming soon, the Look Up EP is a terrific teaser of even better things to come.
Download Kiah Victoria’s ‘Look Up’ EP: kiahvictoria.bandcamp.com/album/look-up-ep
- On The Come-Up TV

NY-based singer Kiah Victoria co-penned her new single ,”You Don’t Know,” with producer Tolu Adeyemo for her forthcoming project, Gravitate.

New to her work? Check out the rising singer’s debut, 4-track EP entitled Look Up, which she dropped last year. Her voice is so refreshing.

Stream “You Don’t Know” below.
- The Vinyl Listener

Remember last week when Jay-Z was filming a music video for “Picasso Baby“ at a New York City art gallery (and performed for SIX whole hours)?

Well during his time woo-ing the crowd, one of the speakers on set blew out!

So what did the genius and creative Jay-Z do to pass the time away?

He yelled out to the crowd these two magical questions:

“Anyone got unusual talents? Anyone can do something awesome?”

Jay-Z then took a moment to turn over his spotlight to three randomly selected performers–one of them being a very talented young lady named Kiah Victoria. (You may remember the singer from her nomination for the 2013 MTVU Woodie Awards.)

H4A3298 2 1024x682 300x199 JAY Z Has the Talented KIAH VICTORIA Sing For Him at NYC Art Gallery! Watch HERE! [Talent Alert!]
Photo Credit: © Kohann Tensen

The beautiful, sultry songstress gave a stellar performance and her voice… honestly blows me away. I was introduced to her music from a friend’s posting on Facebook this year and instantly became a huge fan. I am so happy that she had another amazing opportunity to perform for one of the legends in the music industry.

She was definitely at the right place at the right time! I admire how she saw a chance to further debut her voice to the world and boldly took it like a BOSS.

Cannot wait to see what else is in store for the talented singer!

Watch Kiah’s banging performance below:


Love this chic’s vocals (and her fashion style)!

You truly never know what opportunities await you! She is such an inspiration!

To listen to more of Kiah’s songs, visit her website here or youtube page!

BONUS: Here is one of my favorite songs by Kiah:
- Josalyn Monet

Remember last week when Jay-Z was filming a music video for “Picasso Baby“ at a New York City art gallery (and performed for SIX whole hours)?

Well during his time woo-ing the crowd, one of the speakers on set blew out!

So what did the genius and creative Jay-Z do to pass the time away?

He yelled out to the crowd these two magical questions:

“Anyone got unusual talents? Anyone can do something awesome?”

Jay-Z then took a moment to turn over his spotlight to three randomly selected performers–one of them being a very talented young lady named Kiah Victoria. (You may remember the singer from her nomination for the 2013 MTVU Woodie Awards.)

H4A3298 2 1024x682 300x199 JAY Z Has the Talented KIAH VICTORIA Sing For Him at NYC Art Gallery! Watch HERE! [Talent Alert!]
Photo Credit: © Kohann Tensen

The beautiful, sultry songstress gave a stellar performance and her voice… honestly blows me away. I was introduced to her music from a friend’s posting on Facebook this year and instantly became a huge fan. I am so happy that she had another amazing opportunity to perform for one of the legends in the music industry.

She was definitely at the right place at the right time! I admire how she saw a chance to further debut her voice to the world and boldly took it like a BOSS.

Cannot wait to see what else is in store for the talented singer!

Watch Kiah’s banging performance below:


Love this chic’s vocals (and her fashion style)!

You truly never know what opportunities await you! She is such an inspiration!

To listen to more of Kiah’s songs, visit her website here or youtube page!

BONUS: Here is one of my favorite songs by Kiah:
- Josalyn Monet

This young 20-year-old talent was recently featured on our Youtube Talent section as she blew us away with her rendition of Frank Ocean's "Thinking About You" (which is also available on this new EP). The NYU freshman has already made a name for herself without stepping a foot inside the building. She's already garnered the attention of NYC’s broadway stages, NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Take a quick listen and check out this young girls vocal ability on her 'Look Up' EP and her new music video "Rooftop" (all down below). - Next 2 Shine

This young 20-year-old talent was recently featured on our Youtube Talent section as she blew us away with her rendition of Frank Ocean's "Thinking About You" (which is also available on this new EP). The NYU freshman has already made a name for herself without stepping a foot inside the building. She's already garnered the attention of NYC’s broadway stages, NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Take a quick listen and check out this young girls vocal ability on her 'Look Up' EP and her new music video "Rooftop" (all down below). - Next 2 Shine

New York City soul singer, KIAH VICTORIA, is one smart (and sexy!) cookie. Student of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and finalist for the inaugural mtvU Woodie Awards’ Chevrolet Sonic College Artist, Kiah balances studying and performing with aplomb. Armed with a sultry voice and killer fashion sense, this chanteuse is a star quickly on the rise.

What part of New York do you live in?

I currently live in Berlin, Germany (study abroad with NYU). But, last semester I was living in China Town, and am making that BK move when I return!

What decades influence your music?

Hmm, I’d have to say a lot of late 80s, 90s, early 2000s and today’s music. But many of the artists who influence me draw inspiration from as early as the 20s and 30s- so in a way, each decade has some sort of impact on the music I make.

What decades influence your personal style?

Definitely the 90s.

Who is your favorite vintage designer?

Ah, I wish I were that cool (Value Village Thrift).

Who is your favorite current designer?

Jeffrey Campbell and those KILLER shoes are certainly at the top of my list.

What do you like to do to relax and stay inspired?

I love riding my bike in the city. It gets me relaxed and inspired.

If you could go through anyones closet (living or deceased), who would it be?

Rihanna’s.

What is a trend you plan to start this summer?

Keep an eye out for me and you’ll see!

Still want more?! Listen to Kiah Victoria’s LOOK UP EP for free, or download the single LOVER’S ANTHEM right now! If you’re in Berlin, catch Kiah live! at Tausend Bar, May 2nd at 10pm.
- What Goes Around Comes Around

New York City soul singer, KIAH VICTORIA, is one smart (and sexy!) cookie. Student of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and finalist for the inaugural mtvU Woodie Awards’ Chevrolet Sonic College Artist, Kiah balances studying and performing with aplomb. Armed with a sultry voice and killer fashion sense, this chanteuse is a star quickly on the rise.

What part of New York do you live in?

I currently live in Berlin, Germany (study abroad with NYU). But, last semester I was living in China Town, and am making that BK move when I return!

What decades influence your music?

Hmm, I’d have to say a lot of late 80s, 90s, early 2000s and today’s music. But many of the artists who influence me draw inspiration from as early as the 20s and 30s- so in a way, each decade has some sort of impact on the music I make.

What decades influence your personal style?

Definitely the 90s.

Who is your favorite vintage designer?

Ah, I wish I were that cool (Value Village Thrift).

Who is your favorite current designer?

Jeffrey Campbell and those KILLER shoes are certainly at the top of my list.

What do you like to do to relax and stay inspired?

I love riding my bike in the city. It gets me relaxed and inspired.

If you could go through anyones closet (living or deceased), who would it be?

Rihanna’s.

What is a trend you plan to start this summer?

Keep an eye out for me and you’ll see!

Still want more?! Listen to Kiah Victoria’s LOOK UP EP for free, or download the single LOVER’S ANTHEM right now! If you’re in Berlin, catch Kiah live! at Tausend Bar, May 2nd at 10pm.
- What Goes Around Comes Around

At first glance you know there’s something special about Kiah Victoria. From the infections grin to the cascading tendrils that speak for themselves, this 20-year-old is unlike any other; when she opens her mouth you fully comprehend why. She’s caught the attention of the faculty of the Clive Dais Institute of Recorded Music through NYU Tisch and now she has our full attention as well.

Hailing from Berlin, Germany, Victoria moved from New York to Kenya and back again before permanently moving to Bowie, Marland. Busy as her childhood was, she still found time to land the staring role as Young Nala in Disney’s production of The Lion King on Broadway when she was only 10-years-old. Half a lifetime later she is a vocalist for the band The Score and has released her first EP Look Up. Look Up blends an “intimate vocal performance” with the “obscure synthetic textures of trip-hop” of her producer Tolu. This R&B songbird has had a mightily promising start and we recommend keeping an ear to the ground and an eye out for Ms. Victoria…that’s if you can keep up. The music world is constantly searching for the next big sound, and although she’s small, Kiah seems up to the challenge and JE supports her and new burgeoning artist alike.

She’ll be performing at the Ella Lounge next Wednesday 22 by 6pm so check out her Facebook or Tumblr page for more information. Listen to (and download) Look Up and other footage below!
- Jarrell Entertainment

At first glance you know there’s something special about Kiah Victoria. From the infections grin to the cascading tendrils that speak for themselves, this 20-year-old is unlike any other; when she opens her mouth you fully comprehend why. She’s caught the attention of the faculty of the Clive Dais Institute of Recorded Music through NYU Tisch and now she has our full attention as well.

Hailing from Berlin, Germany, Victoria moved from New York to Kenya and back again before permanently moving to Bowie, Marland. Busy as her childhood was, she still found time to land the staring role as Young Nala in Disney’s production of The Lion King on Broadway when she was only 10-years-old. Half a lifetime later she is a vocalist for the band The Score and has released her first EP Look Up. Look Up blends an “intimate vocal performance” with the “obscure synthetic textures of trip-hop” of her producer Tolu. This R&B songbird has had a mightily promising start and we recommend keeping an ear to the ground and an eye out for Ms. Victoria…that’s if you can keep up. The music world is constantly searching for the next big sound, and although she’s small, Kiah seems up to the challenge and JE supports her and new burgeoning artist alike.

She’ll be performing at the Ella Lounge next Wednesday 22 by 6pm so check out her Facebook or Tumblr page for more information. Listen to (and download) Look Up and other footage below!
- Jarrell Entertainment

Who’s that Brown Girl?: Kiah Victoria.
Many great things have come out of New York City, and Kiah Victoria happens to be one of them. Although born in Maryland, This eclectic, soulful singer has took her talents to Kenya and Germany, before returning home to the streets of Manhattan. This twenty year old has definitely made her mark throughout the world, and New York City.
Like most artists Victoria started at a very young age. About the age of two. By 10 she could be seen in the Broadway production of The Lion King. She’s done some things that some performers only dream of. Most recently she was on NBC’s The Voice, and had also gained the attention of The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU. In addition to these accomplishments, this year she was nominated for a mtvU Woodie award.

iffmages
There’s a certain style that artist have been on Broadway have, and Victoria is no exception. Broadway artists have a unique style that shows how trained their vocals are, and that shines through their performing when they’re away from Broadway. When you listen to her song, “Lovers Anthem” it’s easy to hear what sets her apart from other soul or R&B acts. In the song she belts out:
“I just wanna give you my time. All night. All night.” sang over a mellow, carefree beat.
Her single, Lovers Anthem, can he heard here:
- Beautiful Brown Girls

Who’s that Brown Girl?: Kiah Victoria.
Many great things have come out of New York City, and Kiah Victoria happens to be one of them. Although born in Maryland, This eclectic, soulful singer has took her talents to Kenya and Germany, before returning home to the streets of Manhattan. This twenty year old has definitely made her mark throughout the world, and New York City.
Like most artists Victoria started at a very young age. About the age of two. By 10 she could be seen in the Broadway production of The Lion King. She’s done some things that some performers only dream of. Most recently she was on NBC’s The Voice, and had also gained the attention of The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU. In addition to these accomplishments, this year she was nominated for a mtvU Woodie award.

iffmages
There’s a certain style that artist have been on Broadway have, and Victoria is no exception. Broadway artists have a unique style that shows how trained their vocals are, and that shines through their performing when they’re away from Broadway. When you listen to her song, “Lovers Anthem” it’s easy to hear what sets her apart from other soul or R&B acts. In the song she belts out:
“I just wanna give you my time. All night. All night.” sang over a mellow, carefree beat.
Her single, Lovers Anthem, can he heard here:
- Beautiful Brown Girls

I was fortunate enough to see Kiah perform live recently and was completely blown away. She has an amazing stage presence with an amazing voice to match. With a starring role in the Broadway production of ‘The Lion King’ at the age of 10, Kiah is no stranger to performing live. She is currently studying at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and released her debut EP ‘Look Up’ to rave reviews. For the last few months she has been tearing the NYC music scene yet she’s barely old enough to drink. Check out a few tracks from her EP and let us know what you think?





You can download the entire EP for free (Don’t you just love that word?) or for a small donation at http://kiahvictoria.bandcamp.com/album/look-up-ep

You can also keep up with the latest from Kiah on Twitter @kiahvictoria and on Facebook here
- The Soul Listener

I was fortunate enough to see Kiah perform live recently and was completely blown away. She has an amazing stage presence with an amazing voice to match. With a starring role in the Broadway production of ‘The Lion King’ at the age of 10, Kiah is no stranger to performing live. She is currently studying at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and released her debut EP ‘Look Up’ to rave reviews. For the last few months she has been tearing the NYC music scene yet she’s barely old enough to drink. Check out a few tracks from her EP and let us know what you think?





You can download the entire EP for free (Don’t you just love that word?) or for a small donation at http://kiahvictoria.bandcamp.com/album/look-up-ep

You can also keep up with the latest from Kiah on Twitter @kiahvictoria and on Facebook here
- The Soul Listener

The hypertalented kids at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music are at it again. To promote Rihanna’s big single “Diamonds,” her label held a college video contest to score a chance for Rihanna to come to campus. Obviously NYU students decided to go one step further—a group of 14 Recorded Music (ReMu) majors recorded a huge cover of “Diamonds” that Buzzfeed just called “amazing.” (Fine, they call everything amazing, but—look, this is really good, okay?) The thing has racked up over 27,000 views since Saturday. Go watch.

ReMu junior Hannah Babitt coordinated the project via Facebook volunteers, and it took a month to get everything together with the ten vocalists, production, engineering, mixing/mastering—all of whom are in the notoriously selective program to pursue a career in the music industry. Babitt calls the project “in every way a group effort,” saying “NYU is a very collaborative campus, and we have a lot of talented people.” Engineer Alex Gresh is ”totally overwhelmed by the reaction,” saying “I hope that it creates some positive exposure for the talented people at ReMu.”

The video, directed by Ryan Hutchins, features ReMu students Kiah Victoria, Cari Fletcher, Rachel Kanner, Hannah Taylor, Sabrina Reitman, John Phillips, Terrell Kiser (Relly), Sonali Argade, and Lindsey Allen (Lozzy). The beat was produced by Ben Lindsay, engineered by Alex Gresh—he’s the guy in the video that Buzzfeed described as an “adorably nerdy synthpop DJ”—and mixed and mastered by Jason Moss. “This shit is crazy,” Lindsay said. “I had no idea this would happen.” A comment on the video asked happily, “Why is everyone at my school so talented? why?” - NYU Local

The hypertalented kids at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music are at it again. To promote Rihanna’s big single “Diamonds,” her label held a college video contest to score a chance for Rihanna to come to campus. Obviously NYU students decided to go one step further—a group of 14 Recorded Music (ReMu) majors recorded a huge cover of “Diamonds” that Buzzfeed just called “amazing.” (Fine, they call everything amazing, but—look, this is really good, okay?) The thing has racked up over 27,000 views since Saturday. Go watch.

ReMu junior Hannah Babitt coordinated the project via Facebook volunteers, and it took a month to get everything together with the ten vocalists, production, engineering, mixing/mastering—all of whom are in the notoriously selective program to pursue a career in the music industry. Babitt calls the project “in every way a group effort,” saying “NYU is a very collaborative campus, and we have a lot of talented people.” Engineer Alex Gresh is ”totally overwhelmed by the reaction,” saying “I hope that it creates some positive exposure for the talented people at ReMu.”

The video, directed by Ryan Hutchins, features ReMu students Kiah Victoria, Cari Fletcher, Rachel Kanner, Hannah Taylor, Sabrina Reitman, John Phillips, Terrell Kiser (Relly), Sonali Argade, and Lindsey Allen (Lozzy). The beat was produced by Ben Lindsay, engineered by Alex Gresh—he’s the guy in the video that Buzzfeed described as an “adorably nerdy synthpop DJ”—and mixed and mastered by Jason Moss. “This shit is crazy,” Lindsay said. “I had no idea this would happen.” A comment on the video asked happily, “Why is everyone at my school so talented? why?” - NYU Local

We’re not going to say that NYU is the most talented university in all the land, but the news doesn’t lie.

Last week, NYU Local discovered that Rihanna plans to visit NYU this spring in wake of the incredible “Diamonds” tribute that a group of students in the Clive Davis Institute created last year. And this week, it was revealed that not one, but two NYU artists have been nominated for mtvU’s first-ever Chevrolet Sonic College Artist Woodie Award, created to highlight talented campus musicians. The winner of this award will get to perform his or her own set at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, TX this March.


Only four college artists nation-wide are nominated for this Woodie Award, and the two that hail from NYU are solo artist Kiah Victoria, a junior in the Clive Davis Recorded Music program, and the band Little Sur, which is composed of Josh Meer, Jesse Aicher, Kessiah Gordon, Jacob Blumberg, Lex Da Silva, Annika Zee, and also Andrew Campbell from The New School. Meer and Aicher founded the band with fellow NYU student Olivia Gerber, who seems to no longer be associated with Little Sur (though we’re told it was she who came up with the band’s title).

Kiah Victoria, who is currently studying abroad in Berlin, has been singing nearly all of her life. “My first public performance was at my church Christmas party when I was 5,” she said in an email message. “I sang ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from Titanic.” Inspired by artists like Lauryn Hill and Little Dragon, Kiah is one of the vocalists in the previously mentioned “Diamonds” tribute. She has been pleasantly surprised by all of the attention the video has gotten. “I think it’s a great look for our department and has given exposure to some of the wonderful talent at Clive!” she said.



Kiah spent this past semester performing gigs in New York and building up her fan base, but she was still shocked when she was contacted by MTV about her Woodie nomination last month. “I couldn’t believe I was even on their radar,” she said. “It was so very rewarding to know that a reputable company like MTV was feeling me!”

Little Sur began as the product of a project in an NYU Clive Davis studio class. Intrigued by each other’s classwork, Meer, Aicher and Gerber began writing songs together outside of class. When NYU Local last caught up with Little Sur in 2011, the group was still a folk trio. Now, however, Little Sur has changed. “The band has morphed from a folk trio sound into a more nebulous group of people being creative with one another,” Meer said in an email message. “The lines are pretty blurry at this point. We like it that way.”



Although none of the members of Little Sur knew how they were entered, they were all ecstatic when they first heard the news about their Woodie nomination last month. “We were stoked!” Meer said. “A chance to play at SXSW is something we all recognize as an important stepping stone in the growth of any band!”

It is unknown whether or not Kiah and Little Sur will be able to go to Austin if they do not win the award. The Woodie Awards honor music that college students love, and they take place annually in Austin during SXSW. This year, the show will air on March 17th at 8/7c on both MTV and mtvU. You can check out the nominees and vote for your favorite college artist here.

UPDATE: NYU’s official radio station, WNYU, also made the Top 25 list for this year’s College Radio Station Woodie Award. You can check out all of the nominees and vote for this Woodie here. - NYU Local

We’re not going to say that NYU is the most talented university in all the land, but the news doesn’t lie.

Last week, NYU Local discovered that Rihanna plans to visit NYU this spring in wake of the incredible “Diamonds” tribute that a group of students in the Clive Davis Institute created last year. And this week, it was revealed that not one, but two NYU artists have been nominated for mtvU’s first-ever Chevrolet Sonic College Artist Woodie Award, created to highlight talented campus musicians. The winner of this award will get to perform his or her own set at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, TX this March.


Only four college artists nation-wide are nominated for this Woodie Award, and the two that hail from NYU are solo artist Kiah Victoria, a junior in the Clive Davis Recorded Music program, and the band Little Sur, which is composed of Josh Meer, Jesse Aicher, Kessiah Gordon, Jacob Blumberg, Lex Da Silva, Annika Zee, and also Andrew Campbell from The New School. Meer and Aicher founded the band with fellow NYU student Olivia Gerber, who seems to no longer be associated with Little Sur (though we’re told it was she who came up with the band’s title).

Kiah Victoria, who is currently studying abroad in Berlin, has been singing nearly all of her life. “My first public performance was at my church Christmas party when I was 5,” she said in an email message. “I sang ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from Titanic.” Inspired by artists like Lauryn Hill and Little Dragon, Kiah is one of the vocalists in the previously mentioned “Diamonds” tribute. She has been pleasantly surprised by all of the attention the video has gotten. “I think it’s a great look for our department and has given exposure to some of the wonderful talent at Clive!” she said.



Kiah spent this past semester performing gigs in New York and building up her fan base, but she was still shocked when she was contacted by MTV about her Woodie nomination last month. “I couldn’t believe I was even on their radar,” she said. “It was so very rewarding to know that a reputable company like MTV was feeling me!”

Little Sur began as the product of a project in an NYU Clive Davis studio class. Intrigued by each other’s classwork, Meer, Aicher and Gerber began writing songs together outside of class. When NYU Local last caught up with Little Sur in 2011, the group was still a folk trio. Now, however, Little Sur has changed. “The band has morphed from a folk trio sound into a more nebulous group of people being creative with one another,” Meer said in an email message. “The lines are pretty blurry at this point. We like it that way.”



Although none of the members of Little Sur knew how they were entered, they were all ecstatic when they first heard the news about their Woodie nomination last month. “We were stoked!” Meer said. “A chance to play at SXSW is something we all recognize as an important stepping stone in the growth of any band!”

It is unknown whether or not Kiah and Little Sur will be able to go to Austin if they do not win the award. The Woodie Awards honor music that college students love, and they take place annually in Austin during SXSW. This year, the show will air on March 17th at 8/7c on both MTV and mtvU. You can check out the nominees and vote for your favorite college artist here.

UPDATE: NYU’s official radio station, WNYU, also made the Top 25 list for this year’s College Radio Station Woodie Award. You can check out all of the nominees and vote for this Woodie here. - NYU Local

KIAH VICTORIA - "ROOFTOP"


Having a supremely bronzed vocal proficiency Kiah Victoria could be the next Alicia Keys in our minds, with a past enriched by her travels abroad to Germany, Kenya and her humble experiences of residing in New York the young starlet has all the ingredients to be hugely successfully. Victoria's free debut EP "Look Up" has received positive feedback and words of encouragement from the online community too. Her single "Rooftop" has been honed by notable trip-hop producer Tolu, where sinuous strands of sassy R'n'B thread into contemporary pop frameworks of engineered soundscapes and modernised noise. The beautiful amalgam that is "Rooftop" details the joys of escapism and liberation from urban mania; this is perfectly mirrored in the song's composition where Victoria's songstress vocals soar to those proverbial rooftops to break free from manmade synth bouts and grinding bass mires. The minimalistic dubstep bridge that flows into the final chorus excellently provides a depth and sense of realism which works magically with the pop nuances of Kiah and her brassed vocal layouts; imaginative music created with silken aplomb.
- Owl By Night

KIAH VICTORIA - "ROOFTOP"


Having a supremely bronzed vocal proficiency Kiah Victoria could be the next Alicia Keys in our minds, with a past enriched by her travels abroad to Germany, Kenya and her humble experiences of residing in New York the young starlet has all the ingredients to be hugely successfully. Victoria's free debut EP "Look Up" has received positive feedback and words of encouragement from the online community too. Her single "Rooftop" has been honed by notable trip-hop producer Tolu, where sinuous strands of sassy R'n'B thread into contemporary pop frameworks of engineered soundscapes and modernised noise. The beautiful amalgam that is "Rooftop" details the joys of escapism and liberation from urban mania; this is perfectly mirrored in the song's composition where Victoria's songstress vocals soar to those proverbial rooftops to break free from manmade synth bouts and grinding bass mires. The minimalistic dubstep bridge that flows into the final chorus excellently provides a depth and sense of realism which works magically with the pop nuances of Kiah and her brassed vocal layouts; imaginative music created with silken aplomb.
- Owl By Night

You know when you meet someone & you immediately feel like WOW this person is going places & doing big things?! Well, if you ever get the pleasure to meet Kiah Victoria or hear her preform live you will know exactly what I'm talking about :) First off I can't say enough about this girl's style, she definitely knows what she likes & is not afraid to take chances in her wardrobe.

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Another fun little fact that I wanted to share with you is a family fact .. her older brother Justin was featured here on Pich & Roor last week :) I know, it's not fair for one family to have so much talent!! This girl's voice speaks for itself & now you can hear it for yourself here. If vocals weren't enough for you, you can watch two of her amazingly beautiful music videos below <3
- Pich and Roor

You know when you meet someone & you immediately feel like WOW this person is going places & doing big things?! Well, if you ever get the pleasure to meet Kiah Victoria or hear her preform live you will know exactly what I'm talking about :) First off I can't say enough about this girl's style, she definitely knows what she likes & is not afraid to take chances in her wardrobe.

Pin on Pinterest

Another fun little fact that I wanted to share with you is a family fact .. her older brother Justin was featured here on Pich & Roor last week :) I know, it's not fair for one family to have so much talent!! This girl's voice speaks for itself & now you can hear it for yourself here. If vocals weren't enough for you, you can watch two of her amazingly beautiful music videos below <3
- Pich and Roor

When a talented group of students from the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at the Tisch School of the Arts first began recording a cover of Rihanna’s single “Diamonds,” they had no idea it would go viral.

The music video, which has garnered 30,000 views as of publication on YouTube since it was published on Saturday, Dec. 15, has been featured on BuzzFeed and the Huffington Post. The students created the video for a competition organized by Universal Music on Campus. The record label asked college students to compose a video rendition of Rihanna’s hit track. The winner, selected personally by Rihanna, will be awarded the chance to meet the R&B musician herself.

Under the direction of Tisch junior Hannah Babitt, who worked as executive producer and video production manager for the project, the students at Clive Davis took the competition’s parameters a step further. The collective, including Kiah Victoria, recorded a full cover video featuring nine vocalists and rappers singing in the recording studio at Tisch, and at locations around the Washington Square Park area.

Babitt decided to undertake the project after learning about the competition at the end November. She posted a message in the Clive Davis Facebook group, asking her classmates to partake in the video.

Babitt assembled a group of vocalists, engineers, editors, sound and video . The team sat down on a Sunday afternoon in early December to determine the style of the video.

“We each took turns singing to figure out what part [of the song] sounded best on each of our voices,” said Tisch freshman Cari Fletcher, a featured vocalist in the video. “The entire point of this video was to showcase each person in some way. Each artist at Clive is so unique, and we all have our own styles, and I think the team was really able to make that shine through.”

The group began recording vocals and filming in the studio a week after their initial meeting. Because each vocalist recorded his or her part separately, they were unsure how the final product would sound.

“When we met to shoot the video, we got to hear the rough mix with everyone’s solos added in and all our mouths dropped,” said Tisch freshman and soloist Sabrina Reitman. “It already sounded so incredible, and it wasn’t even the final mix yet. That’s when I knew this was going to be huge.”

Tisch junior Jason Moss was responsible for mixing and mastering the track.

“It was a challenge to take such a diverse group of vocalists and make them work together on one record,” Moss said. “Everyone involved in the process bringing this track to life … really delivered. This made my job so much easier.”

“The first time I heard the final version of the song, I freaked out,” Fletcher said. “I knew it was going to be great all along, but the final product just blew me away. I thought to myself, ‘If we could make an awesome video to go with it, this could be huge.’”

The team began filming around the city after recording vocals. The entire process only took two and a half weeks to complete.

Ryan Hutchins, a junior studying film at Hofstra University, filmed and edited the video, having previously worked with Fletcher on previous video projects.

“Because everyone involved in the production of the song was in NYU … we decided to shoot in and around campus to give the video a real NYU feel,” he said.

Hutchins shot the video over three days, and spent between 25 and 35 hours editing the footage for a week.

The students hoped to gain recognition for their work, but did not expect the reception to take off as it has.

“I really didn’t intend for it to get more than a few thousand views at first,” Hutchins said. “I knew everyone had a lot of supportive friends share the video, but once I saw it was getting as many as 3,000 views an hour, I knew it was really out of our hands.”

“We are excited that this video has started to go viral and really appreciate all of the support,” Babitt said. “Music is what we love, and it is exciting to share our art.”
- Washington Square News

When a talented group of students from the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at the Tisch School of the Arts first began recording a cover of Rihanna’s single “Diamonds,” they had no idea it would go viral.

The music video, which has garnered 30,000 views as of publication on YouTube since it was published on Saturday, Dec. 15, has been featured on BuzzFeed and the Huffington Post. The students created the video for a competition organized by Universal Music on Campus. The record label asked college students to compose a video rendition of Rihanna’s hit track. The winner, selected personally by Rihanna, will be awarded the chance to meet the R&B musician herself.

Under the direction of Tisch junior Hannah Babitt, who worked as executive producer and video production manager for the project, the students at Clive Davis took the competition’s parameters a step further. The collective, including Kiah Victoria, recorded a full cover video featuring nine vocalists and rappers singing in the recording studio at Tisch, and at locations around the Washington Square Park area.

Babitt decided to undertake the project after learning about the competition at the end November. She posted a message in the Clive Davis Facebook group, asking her classmates to partake in the video.

Babitt assembled a group of vocalists, engineers, editors, sound and video . The team sat down on a Sunday afternoon in early December to determine the style of the video.

“We each took turns singing to figure out what part [of the song] sounded best on each of our voices,” said Tisch freshman Cari Fletcher, a featured vocalist in the video. “The entire point of this video was to showcase each person in some way. Each artist at Clive is so unique, and we all have our own styles, and I think the team was really able to make that shine through.”

The group began recording vocals and filming in the studio a week after their initial meeting. Because each vocalist recorded his or her part separately, they were unsure how the final product would sound.

“When we met to shoot the video, we got to hear the rough mix with everyone’s solos added in and all our mouths dropped,” said Tisch freshman and soloist Sabrina Reitman. “It already sounded so incredible, and it wasn’t even the final mix yet. That’s when I knew this was going to be huge.”

Tisch junior Jason Moss was responsible for mixing and mastering the track.

“It was a challenge to take such a diverse group of vocalists and make them work together on one record,” Moss said. “Everyone involved in the process bringing this track to life … really delivered. This made my job so much easier.”

“The first time I heard the final version of the song, I freaked out,” Fletcher said. “I knew it was going to be great all along, but the final product just blew me away. I thought to myself, ‘If we could make an awesome video to go with it, this could be huge.’”

The team began filming around the city after recording vocals. The entire process only took two and a half weeks to complete.

Ryan Hutchins, a junior studying film at Hofstra University, filmed and edited the video, having previously worked with Fletcher on previous video projects.

“Because everyone involved in the production of the song was in NYU … we decided to shoot in and around campus to give the video a real NYU feel,” he said.

Hutchins shot the video over three days, and spent between 25 and 35 hours editing the footage for a week.

The students hoped to gain recognition for their work, but did not expect the reception to take off as it has.

“I really didn’t intend for it to get more than a few thousand views at first,” Hutchins said. “I knew everyone had a lot of supportive friends share the video, but once I saw it was getting as many as 3,000 views an hour, I knew it was really out of our hands.”

“We are excited that this video has started to go viral and really appreciate all of the support,” Babitt said. “Music is what we love, and it is exciting to share our art.”
- Washington Square News

Students from NYU’s Clive Davis Institute have managed to do something that even Rihanna fails to do occasionally – sing a Rihanna song well. The video has been on Youtube for about two weeks and has already reached 129k hits, a testament to all of the great vocalists in the video.



One vocalist stuck out for us with the sheer power of her voice – Kiah Victoria. She’s a singer, songwriter, NYU student, and overall great performer. Her voice is super soulful and she’s obviously mega talented. Follow her at kiahvictoria.com and continue to support rising NYC talent, folks.

If you still have any doubts, just listen to her cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin About You”. Magical.
- Kreep NYC

Students from NYU’s Clive Davis Institute have managed to do something that even Rihanna fails to do occasionally – sing a Rihanna song well. The video has been on Youtube for about two weeks and has already reached 129k hits, a testament to all of the great vocalists in the video.



One vocalist stuck out for us with the sheer power of her voice – Kiah Victoria. She’s a singer, songwriter, NYU student, and overall great performer. Her voice is super soulful and she’s obviously mega talented. Follow her at kiahvictoria.com and continue to support rising NYC talent, folks.

If you still have any doubts, just listen to her cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin About You”. Magical.
- Kreep NYC

"The third spot on Singersroom’s Most Popular R&B Singles of the Week is newcomer Kiah Victoria’s new wave soul record "Lover's Anthem.”" - Singers Room

"The third spot on Singersroom’s Most Popular R&B Singles of the Week is newcomer Kiah Victoria’s new wave soul record "Lover's Anthem.”" - Singers Room

Kiah Victoria

Kiah Victoria got her first taste of the spotlight at age ten when she landed the role of Nala in Disney's production of The Lion King on Broadway. Now as a young woman this artist delivers vocals that are as ethereal as they are emotive. She caught our attention with her rendition of Frank Ocean’s iconic track: “Thinkin Bout You.” Listen to it here.
- For Harriet

Kiah Victoria

Kiah Victoria got her first taste of the spotlight at age ten when she landed the role of Nala in Disney's production of The Lion King on Broadway. Now as a young woman this artist delivers vocals that are as ethereal as they are emotive. She caught our attention with her rendition of Frank Ocean’s iconic track: “Thinkin Bout You.” Listen to it here.
- For Harriet

Kiah Victoria
The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU
Blending intimate vocal performance with obscure synthetic textures, Kiah emerges from NYC and attends the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. She is currently studying abroad in Berlin, exploring the diversely rich music and culture of the historical city while collaborating with producer Tolu and introducing her distinct sound to the European city-center.
- MTV Woodies

Kiah Victoria
The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU
Blending intimate vocal performance with obscure synthetic textures, Kiah emerges from NYC and attends the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. She is currently studying abroad in Berlin, exploring the diversely rich music and culture of the historical city while collaborating with producer Tolu and introducing her distinct sound to the European city-center.
- MTV Woodies

To a large extent, that was owed to the hip-hop artist’s way with the crowd, both mellow and collaborative. When a generator cut out, taking with it the background music, Jay-Z called out: “Anyone got unusual talents? Anyone can do something awesome?” He then invited a ballet dancer to perform some pirouettes; the performance artist Jacolby Satterwhite to show off his vogueing; and Kiah Victoria, a music student, to blow the roof off the gallery with her a cappella rendition of a torch song. - New York Times

To a large extent, that was owed to the hip-hop artist’s way with the crowd, both mellow and collaborative. When a generator cut out, taking with it the background music, Jay-Z called out: “Anyone got unusual talents? Anyone can do something awesome?” He then invited a ballet dancer to perform some pirouettes; the performance artist Jacolby Satterwhite to show off his vogueing; and Kiah Victoria, a music student, to blow the roof off the gallery with her a cappella rendition of a torch song. - New York Times

A finalist for the Inaugural mtvU Woodie Awards, New York’s Kiah Victoria is a talent to keep an eye on in the years to come. The young Soul singer has a look to match the soothing voice. Combining elements of Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey,there’s something to draw in listeners from many genres. If you like what you hear, check her out on Facebook. - Label Recruit

A finalist for the Inaugural mtvU Woodie Awards, New York’s Kiah Victoria is a talent to keep an eye on in the years to come. The young Soul singer has a look to match the soothing voice. Combining elements of Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey,there’s something to draw in listeners from many genres. If you like what you hear, check her out on Facebook. - Label Recruit

All My RnB caught up with Kiah Victoria around the time of the MTV Woodie Awards.

You came out with your EP Look UP—which contains your infectious “Rooftop”—this past August, and gave listeners a Valentine’s present a couple of weeks ago with “Lover’s Anthem.” What should we expect next?

The next project is my sophomore EP to be released this summer. I’m excited and anxious about this one. We’re trying new things and exploring new territory both musically and stylistically.

You’ve been in several Broadway musicals, held contracts under Disney Productions. You attend the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and are currently studying abroad (Berlin). What was/were your most rewarding experience(s)?

Ah, you’re flattering me! I’ve only been in one Broadway production and it was one hell of a ride. Performing in The Lion King for a little over 6 months was nothing short of magical. I had never felt so connected to a body of work before. Such good times…But I think my most rewarding experience thus far has been getting accepted into Clive. The program changed my life. I’ve never felt so in control of my destiny. The sense of autonomy and hunger that the department instills and the network of friends, musicians and collaborators I have been lucky enough to gain is priceless.

It sounds like you’ve done a little bit of everything. If there was one thing you could do, what would it be?

BE A STAAAH

Your sound bounces from contemporary RnB to neo soul and then even a blend of electro-RnB—a lovely blend of honest vocals, tasty lyrics and dreamy synthesizer. How would you describe your sound?

That’s always a tough one... I’d say it’s a stew of intricate vocal arrangement with an R&B pulse, set off by alternative and pop sensibilities.

Executives like to place music into genres in order to find customers, a necessary evil—I suppose. How would you classify your music?

Alternative R&B or as Rolling Stone has coined it, PBR&B (which will be more evident with this next release.) Look Up had a very large Soul element, which will be maintained but expanded.

Your music is reminiscent of so many artists— Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, perhaps even a little Moby and other electronic/electro artists—but can’t be tied to one in particular. Who would you say are your musical influences?

You already named a few. Erykah, Lauryn, James Blake, Little Dragon, Etta James, Kanye West, Kimbra, James Morrison, N.E.R.D…but it’s always changing. I’m really into AlunaGeorge right now. I love their sound and their whole brand.

Who would you like to collaborate with (past or present)?

MIGUEL

When did the music bug bite you?

In the womb, I think!

I know that if you win MTV’s College Artist Woodie Award, you’ll perform at South by Southwest (SXSW). Are you planning a tour for the summer?

We didn’t get the Woody this time around! But this summer I will be performing in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn as well as Washington, D.C.

All My RnB can't wait to hear Kiah's new EP which comes out this summer and believes that things are looking up for her. She will win a Woodie soon. Watch out SXSW!
Tags: kiah victoria, look up - All My RnB

All My RnB caught up with Kiah Victoria around the time of the MTV Woodie Awards.

You came out with your EP Look UP—which contains your infectious “Rooftop”—this past August, and gave listeners a Valentine’s present a couple of weeks ago with “Lover’s Anthem.” What should we expect next?

The next project is my sophomore EP to be released this summer. I’m excited and anxious about this one. We’re trying new things and exploring new territory both musically and stylistically.

You’ve been in several Broadway musicals, held contracts under Disney Productions. You attend the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and are currently studying abroad (Berlin). What was/were your most rewarding experience(s)?

Ah, you’re flattering me! I’ve only been in one Broadway production and it was one hell of a ride. Performing in The Lion King for a little over 6 months was nothing short of magical. I had never felt so connected to a body of work before. Such good times…But I think my most rewarding experience thus far has been getting accepted into Clive. The program changed my life. I’ve never felt so in control of my destiny. The sense of autonomy and hunger that the department instills and the network of friends, musicians and collaborators I have been lucky enough to gain is priceless.

It sounds like you’ve done a little bit of everything. If there was one thing you could do, what would it be?

BE A STAAAH

Your sound bounces from contemporary RnB to neo soul and then even a blend of electro-RnB—a lovely blend of honest vocals, tasty lyrics and dreamy synthesizer. How would you describe your sound?

That’s always a tough one... I’d say it’s a stew of intricate vocal arrangement with an R&B pulse, set off by alternative and pop sensibilities.

Executives like to place music into genres in order to find customers, a necessary evil—I suppose. How would you classify your music?

Alternative R&B or as Rolling Stone has coined it, PBR&B (which will be more evident with this next release.) Look Up had a very large Soul element, which will be maintained but expanded.

Your music is reminiscent of so many artists— Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, perhaps even a little Moby and other electronic/electro artists—but can’t be tied to one in particular. Who would you say are your musical influences?

You already named a few. Erykah, Lauryn, James Blake, Little Dragon, Etta James, Kanye West, Kimbra, James Morrison, N.E.R.D…but it’s always changing. I’m really into AlunaGeorge right now. I love their sound and their whole brand.

Who would you like to collaborate with (past or present)?

MIGUEL

When did the music bug bite you?

In the womb, I think!

I know that if you win MTV’s College Artist Woodie Award, you’ll perform at South by Southwest (SXSW). Are you planning a tour for the summer?

We didn’t get the Woody this time around! But this summer I will be performing in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn as well as Washington, D.C.

All My RnB can't wait to hear Kiah's new EP which comes out this summer and believes that things are looking up for her. She will win a Woodie soon. Watch out SXSW!
Tags: kiah victoria, look up - All My RnB

Kiah Victoria's latest leak, "Lover's Anthem", secured the top position on Singersroom's IndieRotation and the second spot on the Top 10 Most Play singles. Kiah landed on Singersroom's radar last year with the release of 'Look Up.' Her latest single is built on the backdrop of a synthetic R&B instrumental, a response to Lunice's "Hitmane's Anthem." - Singers Room

Kiah Victoria's latest leak, "Lover's Anthem", secured the top position on Singersroom's IndieRotation and the second spot on the Top 10 Most Play singles. Kiah landed on Singersroom's radar last year with the release of 'Look Up.' Her latest single is built on the backdrop of a synthetic R&B instrumental, a response to Lunice's "Hitmane's Anthem." - Singers Room

Kiah Victoria, a current student at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, displayed the high level of talent at the school during her performance for the anniversary celebration (Nate "Igor" Smith) - Billboard

Kiah Victoria, a current student at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, displayed the high level of talent at the school during her performance for the anniversary celebration (Nate "Igor" Smith) - Billboard

Kiah Victoria has a big personality that is equally matched by her soulful voice. Sitting in Housingworks Bookstore Café on a rainy Saturday, the spacious setup doesn’t seem to give enough room for the 21-year-old singer/songwriter.
Her signature big hair and bold, colored lip stain are the accents to her bright eyes and infectious laughter. Singing since she was about three or four years old, her father handled her budding career while performing in musical and theater productions.
The shift from performing other people’s material to her own occurred during her college application process when she stumbled upon New York University’s Clive Davis Institute which would allow her to focus on making her own music.
“It was like a transition from performing other people’s music and doing other people’s scripts and like wait, I really want to own this; not that doing that type of art isn’t owning it but it’s a different type of ownership,” Kiah said.
NYU began to pave the way for the songstress as the application entailed providing original music which was her first real experience crafting a song. “I had written little doo-dads but nothing serious,” she explained. Kiah’s working knowledge of the piano – a skill she plans to improve upon – allows for her to work on creating melodies and once in the studio with her producer Tolu the song takes shape and is able to transform.
“I met my producer Tolu at Accepted Students Day and he actually lives 20 minutes away from me in Maryland and since then he’s been my musical partner and has produced everything so far,” Kiah said. “It’s just exciting to have someone that really understands you both as just a human and musically and spiritually.”

Kiah’s humble vibe down plays the accomplishments she has already made in her career. Through performing at shows, appearing on The Voice and recently singing for Jay Z unexpectedly during his “Picasso Baby” art exhibit, Kiah takes each experience and pours it into her music.
“Performing in front of Jay Z was like an out of body experience, I couldn’t really look at him so I was closing my eyes just in my zone and it became a moment,” she gushed. “As an artist, it definitely put new eyeball and ears looking at me. Twitter and Instagram followers went up a little bit which in this day and age is so important for an artist. It made me a tad bit less obscure.”
With a rising fan base, Kiah is looking forward to perfecting her soon to be released EP, Gravitate, which she hopes takes listeners to a somewhat transient space where they can just enjoy great music.
“My sound is a collection of things, there’s definitely the soul aspect. There’s pop, there’s R&B – I like to say an alternative R&B a PBR&B if you will,” she laughs. “More and more I feel like the genres are blending, I reference Janelle Monae because I draw a lot of inspiration from her. She’s funk, she’s R&B – she’s just great music so hopefully I can be just great music.”
In five years, the big-haired starlet hopes to be on a global tour, making great music with artists she looks up to and on the road towards a Grammy.
“I want to just still be excited about everything I’m doing,” Kiah said.
You can catch Kiah Victoria performing tracks from her forthcoming project, Gravitate, at Pianos September 15.
By: Alley Olivier - A.R.T.S.Y Magazine

Kiah Victoria has a big personality that is equally matched by her soulful voice. Sitting in Housingworks Bookstore Café on a rainy Saturday, the spacious setup doesn’t seem to give enough room for the 21-year-old singer/songwriter.
Her signature big hair and bold, colored lip stain are the accents to her bright eyes and infectious laughter. Singing since she was about three or four years old, her father handled her budding career while performing in musical and theater productions.
The shift from performing other people’s material to her own occurred during her college application process when she stumbled upon New York University’s Clive Davis Institute which would allow her to focus on making her own music.
“It was like a transition from performing other people’s music and doing other people’s scripts and like wait, I really want to own this; not that doing that type of art isn’t owning it but it’s a different type of ownership,” Kiah said.
NYU began to pave the way for the songstress as the application entailed providing original music which was her first real experience crafting a song. “I had written little doo-dads but nothing serious,” she explained. Kiah’s working knowledge of the piano – a skill she plans to improve upon – allows for her to work on creating melodies and once in the studio with her producer Tolu the song takes shape and is able to transform.
“I met my producer Tolu at Accepted Students Day and he actually lives 20 minutes away from me in Maryland and since then he’s been my musical partner and has produced everything so far,” Kiah said. “It’s just exciting to have someone that really understands you both as just a human and musically and spiritually.”

Kiah’s humble vibe down plays the accomplishments she has already made in her career. Through performing at shows, appearing on The Voice and recently singing for Jay Z unexpectedly during his “Picasso Baby” art exhibit, Kiah takes each experience and pours it into her music.
“Performing in front of Jay Z was like an out of body experience, I couldn’t really look at him so I was closing my eyes just in my zone and it became a moment,” she gushed. “As an artist, it definitely put new eyeball and ears looking at me. Twitter and Instagram followers went up a little bit which in this day and age is so important for an artist. It made me a tad bit less obscure.”
With a rising fan base, Kiah is looking forward to perfecting her soon to be released EP, Gravitate, which she hopes takes listeners to a somewhat transient space where they can just enjoy great music.
“My sound is a collection of things, there’s definitely the soul aspect. There’s pop, there’s R&B – I like to say an alternative R&B a PBR&B if you will,” she laughs. “More and more I feel like the genres are blending, I reference Janelle Monae because I draw a lot of inspiration from her. She’s funk, she’s R&B – she’s just great music so hopefully I can be just great music.”
In five years, the big-haired starlet hopes to be on a global tour, making great music with artists she looks up to and on the road towards a Grammy.
“I want to just still be excited about everything I’m doing,” Kiah said.
You can catch Kiah Victoria performing tracks from her forthcoming project, Gravitate, at Pianos September 15.
By: Alley Olivier - A.R.T.S.Y Magazine