Kiesza

Canadian pop singer Kiesza likes to label her emerging brand of pop as "SteamPop", which is best described as a flaming brew of bold, boisterous pop filled with tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Born in Calgary and currently residing in New York City, Kiesza worked with producer Rami Samir Afuni to realize her artistic vision that not only includes music and imagery, but also her own SteamPop fashion line. The first product to be released from her line of accessories are her SteamPop Fashion Goggles that I'm sure will color your world a whole lot brighter.

Musically, Kiesza's music accomplishes the same effect as her fashion goggles. Reminiscent of early 2000s acts like The Cooler Kids and Fannypack, Kiesza's disco-infused pop sound comes loaded with fun and packed with girl power. "Oops" is Kiesza's very first single that comes along with a crafty lyric video that includes, yes get ready, a head-bopping baby.

It's an appropriate nod to the song's message about getting groovy while making sure to use proper protection. "Everybody wants to love somebody, but all I wanted was to get naughty," she cheers before confessing, "I am young and got nothing to loose but you did not use a rubber and I think we made an oops." It's a fun hook and memorable little gimmick that perfectly fits the carefree vibe of the song. (Click here to like Kiesza on Facebook.) - ArjanWrites.com

Local musician and songwriter Kiesza--she prefers to be known by her first name only --is saluting our troops this holiday season by sending her debut CD to Afghanistan.

"I really wanted to support the soldiers, having some experience in the navy and hearing stories of what it's really like to be fighting over there," says the former naval officer.

The CD takes your emotions through soothing love songs, toe-tapping big-band horns and a little bit of funk for a dancing groove.

"I went through a lot of changes and really didn't know what to put on my first CD, so I decided to mix it up with different styles of me, but all the tracks fit together," she says, adding that her four-year, musical journey has helped define her style and sound.

"I'm addicted to music, I've come to the point that I write a song every day. I can't go to sleep before writing a song. It's who I am," she explains.

This "Broadway baby" grew up in the spotlight and started performing at the age of eight.

"I was in the Young Canadians, I did tap and jazz dancing, as well as theatre, but music will always be in my blood."

Kiesza is currently working on her music degree at Selkirk College in Nelson, B. C., and this summer plans on doing a benefit tour for The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, in support of their mission to conserve and protect the world's ocean ecosystems.

You can get a copy of Kiesza's self titled CD at Megatunes, Inner Sleeve and Peridot. Online, check out iTunes, CD Baby, kieszamusic.com or myspace.com/kiesza.

She would best describe her style as: Classy and eclectic. "I like to be unique and stand out, depending on where I am," she says with a laugh.

Regrettable purchase: At the age of 11, Kiesza purchased a bright yellow track suit (with her own money). The subsequent teasing from schoolmates helped arouse her style awareness.

Best recessionary income purchase: A little black dress that she bought in Nelson, B. C., while going to school. "It drapes beautifully and I can dress it up or down," she says.

Item of clothing that she never wears but cannot get rid of:A pair of toe socks, with each toe decorated with a little pig's head. "They were a Christmas gift from my mom."

Most desired fashion item: A blue wool fedora from Zsa Zsa's House of Hats.

Most guilty shopping pleasure: Kiesza confesses to having an addiction to hats and scarves.

Signature accessory: Her acoustic guitar. "When the weather permits I'll strap my guitar to my back and give an impromptu concert," says Kiesza.

Signature fragrance: Brown Sugar by Beauty Control.

Style influences: Kiesza notes that she gets her fashion tips from style conscious people who she meets, as well as European fashions. "I was in Spain this past summer, and I saw so much and fell in love with the styles, which are always ahead of us," she says.

Style icon: Her list includes Audrey Hepburn, Louis Armstrong and Sarah McLachlan. "Sarah is the per-son I most model my musical style after," she says.

Favourite places to shop: Kiesza frequents small boutiques such as Splurge and Zsa Zsa's House of Hats.

Fashion trend you would like to see return: Old-school glamour when people dressed well for no special occasion.

Her closet is full of: Black dresses, colourful knits, hats and belts.

Best fashion statement, or outfit that brings the most self-confidence: When performing, Kiesza loves to be flashy and can be seen sporting a fitted top with a ruffled skirt, completed with great accessories like a hat or one of her many belts.

If Kiesza were a style cop she would write up this citation: There are comfort jeans, then there are those high-waist, ill-fitting jeans that many embrace without realizing the unflattering silhouette they create.

What sparked her interest in style: Kiesza nods to her mother and grandmother. "My grandmother used to run a modelling agency in Toronto and was always into fashion," she says, adding that her mom and grandmother are from Trinidad and love to be glamorous. "I think it comes from the influence of the culture." - Calgary Herald