KILE J (they/them) is a proud non-binary artist and performer, based in New York City. Originally from Houston Texas, Kile moved to New York to explore their creative talents, and since then has worked with some of the top influencers in the industry. The multi-dimensional artist has many skills under their belt, including comedy, acting, and most significantly music.
Dedicated to creating work that unapologetically highlights the experiences and nuances of queer people of color, the debut EP Honey is sensationally vulnerable and encouragingly heartfelt. Serving as a therapeutic outlet, the EP helped them tackle feelings of shame and discomfort, eventually leading them to find self-love.
Bursting with lush sugary harmonies that counteract the bittersweet lyrics, the songs speak authentically of their personal experiences. Taking lines directly from journal entries and text messages, Kile revealed, “I found strength singing words that caused me pain, over beautiful warm instrumentals.”
Speaking on the EP, the artist explains, “There are moments where you can only understand if you’re a part of the culture, and there’s also moments where I feel everyone can relate to it in some way.” They continue, “The underlying theme of the project is to tell black queer love stories authentically; not only ones about loving others, but ones about loving yourself as well.”
What do you want your music to communicate?
I want my music to beautifully showcase the nuances of my community. I believe black lgbtq+ folks deserve to have their voices heard and with smooth rhythms of melody and harmony I want to bring our stories to the forefront.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
I pull inspiration from lots of different places, but right now my main source is my community. A lot of the stories in this record are based around conversations I’ve had with my chosen family around their experiences with love and life, and music has been a beautiful way to showcase the strength of my community.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
I have always been extremely inspired by Janet Jackson. I grew up listening to her music and I’ve always found her music to be beautiful, liberating, and healing.
What’s the record or artist that made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
Janet Jackson’s The Velvet Rope was my all-time favorite record and differently made me want to pursue music.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
I finally was able to achieve a bit of mobility in my life and was at a place where I had the freedom to travel, and I met a producing team Julian Bernal and Cassandra “Coco Cece” Balcázar who I hit it off with instantly, I discussed my experiences navigating love and life and I wrote and recorded the project over the course of 1 month. It took about a year to fully conceptualize the project into reality and I collaborated with talented artists all around the world to make it happen.
What inspires your sound?
I am greatly inspired by quiet storm R&B and smooth pop vocals. My favorite vocalists are laid back controlled singers like Sade, D’angelo, Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton, Solange, Smokey Robinson, and Maxwell to name a few. I wanted to make a project that felt like a fusion between pop and quiet storm R&B but specifically showcases the experiences of queer people of color.
What’s your favorite tune of yours?
By Your Side by Sade is one of my favorite songs of all time.
Where are some things you really want to accomplish as an artist?
I mean honestly, I just want my music heard. I know that there is an audience who will appreciate my work and I want to meet them where they are.
Favorite lyric you ever wrote?
“How you walking round with that weight on your back, boy you’re drowning in it swimming in that, honestly, honestly, I fell right into your spell”
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
Being an openly queer artist is a very difficult journey and I’ve doubted myself constantly, but what keeps me going is knowing how I would’ve felt if I would’ve seen this type of queer representation as a child. I want to create the work my childhood self needed to see.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Don’t be afraid to take up space.
Where do you think the next game-changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
I think that Black LGBTQ+ artists are already shaping the sounds that will dictate the future of music and I’m so excited to be a part of it.
