Kris Kollins is a genre bending blend of alt r&b, pop, funk, psychedelic, and touches of progressive soul. His upcoming soul/funk-pop single ‘U’ pays homage to a few of his 1980’s influences, and simply highlights the beauty beyond a person’s gender, ethnicity, religion, material and finances.
Kris Kollins on the making of ‘U’:
“The original demo was created alongside an amazing friend of mine, Robot Disco Puma, while in Los Angeles. I wanted to reimagine the song, and I brought a fresh idea to Stuart G. Murphy (aka That Dude Stu) in Miami and we started off with a cool beat box pattern. We added this sick bass line then once we recorded vocals I had to get Ken Karsh in Pittsburgh to give me a good Jimi/Prince guitar solo for the bridge.”
What do music and art mean to you?
Art is the purest form of expression. It’s a universal language with no limitations. To me it’s the absolute best way that I communicate…being able to take an idea, or a sound and create something out of nothing. It’s truly remarkable when you think about it. I believe it’s the closest thing to God, the Gods, or whatever it is that has created our beautifully chaotic universe that we reside in.
What is this track about?
“U” is about the beauty beyond a person’s gender, ethnicity, religion, material and finances. Give me “U” pun intended. Who are you at the core? That’s the real stimulant. It’s also a subliminal message to myself when I analyzed the lyrics recently. To give myself to me, and truly embrace all the parts of myself that I may have kept hidden…then bare that in my everyday life unapologetically.
What inspires your aesthetics?
I find beauty in the blurred lines between masculine and feminine energy. Ambiguity, rebellion, sexual liberation…it all inspires my aesthetic. Depending on the day I may sway more in one direction than the other, but it’s never stagnant as it is always evolving.
Do you look for inspiration from others, other forms of art, life or what?
I get inspiration from many forms of art. Seeing things from another’s point of view…its very intriguing. Then applying that to what I do. Life experience is the ultimate form of inspiration for me. The more I experience the more I have to tap into and create something unique to me. Right now, musically I do pull a lot from the past whether it be sounds or aesthetics. I think we as humans have, and will always inspire each other. That’s how we progress.
What’s your goal as an artist?
To be as authentic as possible, and be that representation in pop culture that I wish I had when I was growing up. To inspire, and connect with people.
What’s your goal as a human being?
I just had this conversation the other day with someone, and he mentioned something that has stuck with me since. I believe the goal of the human experience is simply to learn, and pass on the knowledge you’ve gained. Also, to live confidently as myself, have compassion, be in a constant state of evolution, and leave the world a better place than when I entered it.
