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

Hi Kudisan, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson that my career has taught me is that I have a voice, I have something to say, and I deserve to be heard. My story is unique to my own experiences. It is ok to be different. I am not a “one-trick pony”. I can do several things well, and should pursue my aspirations. It is never too late to take chances. As things change, continue to find your place in the “mix” with your integrity intact. Never worry about the “how”. Know that if you desire it, desire is just God’s way of tapping you on your shoulder, alerting you to listen and keep your eyes open for what is about to come. Desire is reality in motion. Sometimes, you have to give in, but never give up. Giving in is simply surrendering to the Universe, allowing its power to take over. Stay focused. Be patient. It will happen. This may be several answers to this question, but hey, that’s my answer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a professional singer in the music industry, specifically doing tours, records, and work on television shows and films, you have to be a chameleon. My job is to be able to listen and adapt to any style of music, execute is technically perfect, and also with emotional connection/feeling/pure soul. Having the technical background, studying classical music definitely helped me to do anything vocally without vocal issue, in a vocally healthy way. Also, I took chances. In every sense of the word, I took risks. Vocally, personally. As work in both sessions and touring came and went, I just rolled with the punches, always following my first feeling in my heart. It was not always easy. I was told I could not sing anything but classical at first. So, I committed to learning several styles in depth. I immersed myself in these genres of music until I felt comfortable and luckily, received word from icons in the industry that I could sing these styles. I never stopped taking chances. Even now. I am always ready and able to learn something new as the industry continues to evolve and change. I am and have always been an open person, a curious person, a reader of books. My brand, or as would prefer to call it my belief, is in alignment with the “oneness of humanity”. I promote the healthy, holistic approach to self-exploration and self-realization knowing we are all spiritual beings traversing a human existence in these bodies. Underneath it all, we are all the same. On the outside, we welcome all colors, all genders, all cultures, all religions, all ages, just being true to our purpose. I want to be part of the healing of humanity. This is my mantra as we are all here creating and developing this new world order.

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.
Day 1 – Beach Day. First, a late breakfast at my home. We will go workout at my gym. Then, get a protein smoothie and some light snacks to go lay on the beach at Point Dume in Malibu. Late afternoon, we would go to Nobu in Malibu for drinks on the outdoor terrace, and watch the sun set. Then, we would go to Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade for dinner outdoors near a fire pit (not certain which restaurant). Then walk the promenade.

Day 2 – Universal Studios Tour Day. After breakfast and an hour at the gym, we will grab a protein drink then head over to Universal City. After the tour, we will grab lunch at one of my favorite vegan restaurants nearby, The Sun Cafe. Then go horseback riding in Griffith Park or Beachwood Canyon in Hollywood. Afterwards, we’d go to the Observatory since it is close. Then grab dinner at Yamashiro’s in Hollywood.

Day 3 – After our regular hour at the gym then grabbing a protein shake, I may be open to shopping. I absolutely HATE shopping. However, I am sure guests would want to see Beverly Hills. So, a drive through the Bel-Air neighborhoods, then off to Beverly Hills, down Rodeo Drive would be in order.. After shopping, I’m hoping M Cafe Beverly Hills would be open for lunch (a favorite vegan/macrobiotic spot of mine). If more shopping is suggested, then I would go to the Century City Westfield Mall in Century City. Finally, I would top the evening off with dinner at Crossroads (yes, another vegan spot).

Day 4 – Breakfast, gym, then I am probably hoping to just cook and be around the house, watching movies, chillin’ (my favorite thing to do always). Then, maybe hit another vegan spot for dinner, probably Gracias Madre (Vegan Mexican) in West Hollywood, then The Abbey in West Hollywood for dancing (my favorite nightclub).

Day 5 – Museum Day! After a late breakfast, then gym, we will go to downtown Los Angeles to see the Space Shuttle Endeavor, The Broad, and the Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA) on Grand Avenue. Afterwards, an early dinner at my favorite restaurant Au Lac (Vietnamese Vegan) is a MUST!

Day 6 – I’m not certain which show. However, it would probably be fun to go to the taping of a television show. That may take some research, but I would attempt to make it happen. Afterwards, we would grab dinner or early dinner at H.O.P.E. (Healthy Organic Positive Eating) a vegan Thai spot that I love. The top off the evening at a comedy club, which is always fun.

Day 7 – A true day of rest! We will probably hang around the house and have some friends over for lunch and/or early dinner.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are several people who have definitely inspired me throughout my careers. First, being on the road with Chaka Khan, watching her take vocal chances in spite of the situation, elements, and knowing her voice, depending on her experience and technique to get her through was monumental. So many times, some singers make excuses unnecessarily, sometimes out of fear. At the end of the day, you have to have put in the work. If you did your job, then you know that your gift will get you through almost anything. Elton John taught me to trust my musical knowledge and instincts. He never second-guessed himself. Watching him write songs, he always followed his heart, his first mind. In the education industry, Jan Shapiro, my chairman at the time, showed me how priceless my experience as an educated, classically trained singer who worked in the music industry performing in several other styles of music through touring and session work, which made my brand of teaching invaluable. Who knew how my life experiences would realize themselves through my teaching at Berklee College of Music and now, through my online music networking website, clinics, and masterclasses. I am grateful for the opportunities that were provided through my work with these icons.

Website: www.vocalmusicevolution.com and www.kudisankai.com

Instagram: @kudisankai

Linkedin: Kudisan Kai

Twitter: @KudisanKai

Facebook: @KudisanKai

Youtube: Backstories on Kai – Fi

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0lqefHMvNatCv0yCbISI0g?si=HDVe23QXRWSVViRxqDGxbg https://open.spotify.com/show/1kAnkMJCQXw01Z4Qf572v2?si=LZZzHzVASuKBKb_iuylozg https://open.spotify.com/artist/1A4wovFi6ng6YLYHqmNDqR?si=f16G2QcESDGX1XBe1cwMkw

Image Credits
Luna Achiary – solo pic Valerie Pinkston – (book cover photo/artwork is my original art) Kudisan Kai and Whitney Jeffries – Artwork / Logo for Vocal Music Evolution Elton John / Chaka Khan photos – personal pics Backstories on Kai – Fi podcast – my original artwork Valerie Pinkston – final pic Kudisan Kai – Music Connection magazine review Headrocka – Headrocka x KIVA

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