Meet KiQue | Artist/ Musician/ Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with KiQue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi KiQue, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I find the indicator to “keep going” or to persevere in a certain field, is dependent on your relationship with the field itself. If what you’re striving for is not what you would be doing with your life regardless of recognition then I think a reassessment is necessary. So I guess my answer to this question would be to “keep going” if what you’re doing, is what you do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Id like to start answering this question by sharing my understanding of what “Art” is…
My understanding is as follows: The Human in this Conceptualization would best be described as a “vessel” or a “Glass”.
As the Vessel/Human we take on the challenge of experiencing life with its full spectrum of Pain, Beauty, Love, or the lack of… etc. The Human Experience is best described as the “liquid” (for the sake of the analogy). Now when the experience/liquid comes in excess it fills up the Vessel to the brim till it can contain it no longer and it overflows, eventually spilling on to the floor. This overflow. This is how I understand it. It does depend entirely what one wishes to do with this excess. if you channel it into a craft such as Music,Painting, Poetry, Choreography.. etc. THIS IS ART (or at least how I see it)

I have much left to prove professionally in the pursuit of a Music Career. But what I would say possibly sets me apart from other artists is my style of Authenticity. I try to really show up in the music how I am. Imperfections and all. and in that way connect with my audience through vulnerability. Something Ive learned in the recent years has been to treat my Art as a Diary entry. In the same way a diary entry serves its purpose to the writer only. not to say my music is only for me, but creating with that intention will best serve the audience as an added outcome.

A challenge I overcame was the journey of “finding your sound”. and while I still feel my sound is constantly evolving I will say my confidence and identity in my sound was found by emulating those I admired until that just wasn’t enough for me. I find as I make art, that my subconsious slowly raises the bar for what will being me a sense of fulfillment. so I emulated others until that no longer fulfilled me and then I couldn’t go back even I wanted to. best way to describe the sound right now is a folk influenced production but it can take so many different shapes.

My brand in a short phrase would be: “the perfection that lies within imperfection’

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Currently my Favorite spots in LA would be either Nature hangs or food hangs. Or I would love to cook for this friend in town. A little trip out of the city and up the coast would be a must just to enjoy the silence and stillness. would definitely want to visit the Sequoia National park with whoever is in town. Would love to bring them to a Sushi Spot lately my favorite has been SUSHI FUMI on LA Cienega. If we can find some live music or Jazz too thatd be sick. maybe hit a farmers market

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Parents are a big reason why my perspective of the world is the way it is. My Father graduated from Parson’s school of Design and my Mom graduated from Pratt and together they would go on to start their own design firm in NYC. All that to say their artistic influence and upbringing heavily impacted my understanding of the importance Art and Design play in everyday life. My Parents also raised me to be aware of the spiritual side of the world we live in. Which I am forever thankful for. The core values I was raised on helped create a safe space to pursue music without judgment. So Shoutout to my Parents.

Instagram: @Kasualkique

Other: “KiQue” on all music streaming platform. Apple Music, Spotify etc…
@kasualkique is my username for almost everything else