Standing out of the crowd, is Nashville's, Kiya Lacey. Coming from an Afro-Latina background, you can expect a little spiciness in her personal style and music. However, before you hear her music, maybe the first thing that you noticed was her grill or maybe her colorful locs. Perhaps it's her unique clothing style, but there's something about this girl and she's got your attention.

Hailing from Nashville, but also an Atlanta adoptee, Kiya Lacey has performed at a number of places in both locations. In Nashville, she's graced the stages at War Memorial, Cumberland Park, Mercy Lounge, High Watt, Third Man Records, and Tin Roof to name a few. In ATL, she's performed at The Basement, Union EAV, Music Room and Studio No. 7. The list continues to grow as her name rings bells on the indie scene.

When Kiya isn't singing, she's baking 🎂, thrift store shopping 👗, designing clothes or simply enjoying life 🤘🏽.

Q&A with Kiya Lacey

Q: How long have you been singing 🎤 ?

A: Forever. I was always pretending to be someone when I was little. I was ALWAYS singing in the mirror in my room.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration ⚡?

A: I find inspiration in my experiences.I am learning how to be honest and literally share my story. I am also inspired by art shapes and colors. I feel like I create things that give vivid imagery. I get inspired to sing a note by certain colors and movement.

Q: What do you feel is the hardest part about being an independent artist?

A: FINANCES 💰. There is so much I want to do, but don't have the budget for it.

Q: What was your childhood like?

A: I am the only child and the oldest of six in a blended family. My parents never married. I battled finding my purpose and identity at a young age. I experienced anxiety and depression and learned how to channel my focus into dance, art, and music. My mother has always been my backbone. She lived all over the world and put me on to all kinds of music. She put me in ballet, jazz, African drum and dance, and choir! My dad is Puerto Rican and black, so the Afro-Latin music is a strong soundtrack to my upbringing. He also listened to a lot of 90’s hood music.

Q: What’s your spirit animal?

A: Jelly fish for suuuuure.

Q: What’s up with Knockout Wings and the biscuits with the 🍯dripping down the side? Is it really that good? (I laughed while typing this 😂). 

A: YAS IT IS!! GET EXTRA HONEY!! It’s def a place to stop by on historic Jefferson Street. Everyone in Nashville knew wtf was going on when I mentioned them.

Q: How do you decide what to wear in the morning?

A: It's truly based off of how I feel. I actually have a stylist now, Kenya Renee, she’s an awesome, creative and we work together to find the best looks for my vision. 

Q: What are words that you live by, no matter what?

A: "If you a singer, then sing. Don't matter how many folks there GIVE. THEM. A SHOW. LET THEM. HAVE. IT. ” My mom said that to me when I was in middle school. She really helped me gain confidence in my voice and performance. I love her so much!!

Q: Where was your first performance?

A: I've had a bunch of first performances. My very first was at a family reunion in the early 2000's 😂! Outside of family, I sang "At Last" by Etta James in 8th Grade. During my senior year of high school, I won a competition to open for Brandy and that was my first real show. Then, I performed at El Rey Theatre with Grammy Camp in 2012!

Q: Your music is trippy and hypnotic. What element about you brings this sound?

A: I 'm not sure. I like how it feels and I like how the sound makes me feel.

Q: Your biggest fear...what is it?

A: Letting my anxiety get in my way. I have conquered so many obstacles. Honestly, I'm learning how to be fearless.

Q: Your EP, Fail in Love, created a big wave for you. How much does love mold and influence your music? 💛💜💚

A: The majority of my music is about different aspects of Love. Love comes in many forms. I share my story, family stories, and other experiences that everyone can relate to.

Q: Favorite pair of 👟?

A: Y3 Adidas -so fyeeee 🔥🔥🔥

Q: Which artists would you love to collab with in the future?

A: Pharrell Williams, James Blake, Travis Scott, Sia, ahhhh too many!! 

🎵 You can listen to Kiya Lacey's latest music on Spotify, iTunes, and all other streaming sites.

🎀 Visit kiyalaceymusic.com to stay in tune with her upcoming shows and updates.

Thank you, Kiya for being another lit addition to SHEisDOPE. Hard work never goes unnoticed, so keep on grinding 😉.

🖤 Amber Chanel