KD CRUZ
KD CRUZ
ARTISTS TO LOOK OUT FOR
“I love to story-tell. I love the thought of being transported into another world and that's the sort of feeling I want my music to emulate. I want my audience to be taken out of reality by listening to my music. I’d say its sound is sort of ethereal but still danceable and always keeping true to my Latin roots.”
How did your journey with music begin?
So my parents as immigrant Colombians in the UK, started their journeys here by cleaning, (I think many readers who identify as immigrant children can relate), and i’d go with them to their cleaning jobs. When I went with my dad to the office he’d clean, he’d give me a notebook and I found myself writing poetry and songs in it. Imagine a 6 year old writing songs about heartbreak haha. Then at 6 my dad put me into acting and piano classes and it all started from there. I studied music and acting all the way to degree level before starting music professionally at 18 and songwriting professionally for other artists at 22.
Do you remember a specific moment or experience that made you realise ‘yeah this is what I want to do with my life’?
Oh my goodness so many individual moments i can’t pinpoint one. When I had my first lead in a musical at school, when I directed and co-produced my first music video. When my first client released his debut single I co-wrote, the photo shoots I've done and more recently when I was in a writing session in the studio with Toddla T. Every moment solidifies my love for what I do.
What are your biggest influences and inspirations when it comes to creating music?
In my personal life, my biggest influence and inspiration is my daughter. Her very existence is my drive and purpose and seeing the natural love she has for music is so magical and the reason I do what I do. And in terms of musical influences, I listen to the likes of Carla Morrison, Nathy Peluso, Jessie Reyez, Paloma Mami, Rosalia, Kali Uchis- very powerful female latin singer-songwriters and also Teo and C Tangana are male artists that I love! All of these artists actually create ART and that's what I seek real value in when creating my own.
Out of all the music you’ve released so far, is there anything you are the most proud of? Why?
Honestly, the music I'm most proud of isn't out yet!!! I have two tracks coming out called ‘Dior’ and ‘Just Like That’, so keep your ears peeled for the soon coming release! But i guess with what's out, I really loved my process of creating ‘La Noche’. It's a fictional story of two people meeting in a dream every night but knowing that when they wake up they wont exist to each other. But it also plays on the story of the passing of my father and how I can now only seem him in my dreams. Visually I'm very proud of it too as its my directing and producing debut and I put a lot of work into it so please check it out!
Your heritage plays a big part in your music and musical identity. Tell us about this.
1000%. My heritage is part of my identity, and my identity plays the most important part in my music. I was raised listening to Salsa, reggaeton, bachata, merengue, cumbia and take inspiration from the rhythms and the beauty behind the lyrics… I speak English and feel in Spanish and write in both. Being Colombian is something I'm so proud of and I want to share that.
Where do you hope to see yourself end up with your music?
I want to be established as a successful songwriter for other artists and known as an artist who makes a real impact through her creativity. I don't want to sell out, I'm honestly not fussed about global fame as long as I have my audience who LOVE my music and are excited by my future musical and visual releases. And I want the type of success that supports my daughter in achieving all her dreams too. I can't wait!
What part do you feel music has to play in the world today?
Music has healing powers, it can soothe, it can help to understand, it can inspire, it can distract, its so important. I want my music to be important too.
What advice do you have for other young up and coming artists?
Take your time! There really is no rush. Try to learn as much as you can before releasing anything, make sure you have enough of your own music ready so you can plan a steady rollout and have successful growth. Don't let the fear of judgement hold you back from pursuing what you want, if you care too much you won't get anywhere!! And also remember to love the process and live in the present.