Project Description
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Interview with
KIEYNAN LONSDALE
(7th September 2021)
Interview by Vicky Hebbs
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Has making music and putting your songs out into the world always been your dream? When did you realize this could be a reality for you?
I’ve certainly been dreaming of performing on stage for people ever since I can remember, I wrote my first song when I was 10.. Then it was about age 14 where I began to put my original stuff up on myspace music.. Just to take the risk and share stuff, even though the songs were pretty bad haha. At around 18 I started regularly sharing covers on Youtube. I gained a decent amount of listeners that way, it was great training for me to figure out how I loved to record & layer my vocals best and how to add something original to what was already there. By that age it was a full blown obsession for me, I began woking in professional studios, and it didn’t matter how little money I had or how busy I was trying to make some kind of an income to pay rent, I knew I was gonna make it a reality.
What kind of music did you listen to growing up? How did it influence you and the music you make today?
A lot of RnB, like Boys 2 Men, Brian Mcknight, Music Soulchild, Neyo, Chris Brown. A lot of Pop, Michael Jackson, Janet, and I definitely enjoyed the top charting music especially growing up. But my favourites were the underground RnB songs I would find, my friends and I would share all this secret music. It definitely influenced the way I sing, the melodies and rhythms I play with, as well as being really expressive as a man in music, expressing matters of the heart. I also have a music theatre background, and while I didn’t actively listen to that kind of music at home, it was what we performed a lot of at school, and I realise now it has definitely given my music a theatrical element.
Who are your biggest music influences now?
Even now it’s still the legends, whether it’s their music or the energy they ooze out during live performance. MJ & Janet obviously have always been big ones, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, The Beatles, those three came later for me, and of course icons like Usher, Queen Beyonce, Brandy, continue to inspire.
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You have just released your new track, “Rhythm and Music”. Can you share what the song means to you? How long have you been working on the new release?
It’s part of my debut album Rainbow Boy that came out last year, but we just released the R&M music video / short, and damn we’ve been working on that for a long ass time. I shot it in June last year, but haven’t really stopped on other projects since. The song for me is like my freedom dance, it’s saying like no matter how strong our hearts beat for one another, I can’t give you complete control over what ultimately belongs to fate.. Rhythm & Music.. Aka Love, is written in the stars, it’s not ours to own.
Can you share the origins or inspiration behind the single? What was the writing process like for you?
I wanted to explore non monogamy with my boyfriend at the time, and it was a cry for freedom in other areas too. The song was something that came out of some relationship tension, but we wanted to make sure it felt good and fun, rather than heavy… the topic can be something that feels like an adventure, something sexy and liberating, certainly not easy… but it’s worth it.
What do you hope listeners will take away from your new single?
Maybe it sounds funny but I really do think more people should try open relationships. I’m bored of hearing about all these cheating stories, I don’t really know why we would standardize something that results in this amount of lying and shame and secrets, that isn’t love to me personally. People aren’t bad, they’re just horny, no big deal. We find it easier to hide our desires than to confront them with someone we love, but opening that communication up with each other… that’s honesty and trust, I think it’s very beautiful.. And has the potential to make for an unbreakable bond.
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Your album “Rainbow Boy” earned you the award of ‘Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist’ at the 2021 GLAAD Music Awards! How did it feel to win that award?
Chika actually won that award, an amazing Queer female rapper/singer. But I was nominated, and that was really a crazy honour. I believe in my music, I always have, but getting recognised by community is something special… and it definitely felt like some confirmation that we had made something that was resonating in more ways than one.
What keeps you motivated to keep writing music? Do you have things or people that regularly inspire you or give you the drive to continue creating?
Love definitely opens me up to write a lot. I’m almost 30 now… I feel more confident with how I navigate life and the heart.. And I’m enjoying writing from this space of earned clarity. The drive & motivation to create comes fairly naturally, I’m addicted to it, and it’s my job at this point…. So, I want to do well to provide a solid future for my family & make them proud, as well as share imaginative stories with the world that inspires people to live the life we dream of.
You are also an incredible actor, having starred in works including the box office hit “Love Simon” and Netflix film “Work It”. How do you juggle your acting with writing and producing music? Do you find yourself prioritizing one or are both equally important parts of your career?
I’m extremely fortunate to do both & to carve out the necessary time. I find my best balance this year has been to split it half way, 6 months of tv/film, and 6 months of music. But to be honest while I’m shooting an acting project, I’m still coordinating music tings with my team in between scenes, and when I get home I’m up til like 4am working on music or visuals, and then I’m back on set filming a few hours later. And during those periods, I really do not have much of a social life outside of work, it’s worth it though. Each year I get better at navigating both worlds and weaving them, but at first it seemed very black and white… one or the other.
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You have come a long way since starring in Dance Academy and being the face of MTV back in 2014. Looking back, what is a career highlight for you? Or a moment which still amazes you?
I just got to lead a movie in Toronto for Buzzfeed / Lionsgate! It’s a Queer Rom Com called My Fake Boyfriend, and it’s directed by legend Rose Troche. The movie was definitely a highlight for me. I was scared & excited to lead a big project, and I’m super grateful they trusted in me to do it. The experience was extremely affirming, I adore a Gay set, and I think the time will shape me for years to come. I learned so much from each of our cast and crew, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out next year.
What is one thing you think fans would be surprised to know about you?
I have a big fam of 11 siblings, two of them are on my album as well in the song “Ancient One”, they co-wrote and co-produced it, under the name Project Peters.
Where do you see yourself heading next in your music career? Is there a certain trajectory in music you can see for yourself, or do you take things one day at a time?
I definitely want to go on tour for 2022. I’m finally confident enough in the show I would put on, and in my ability to really connect with the audience. My biggest dream is to put on performances for people that are one of a kind, and to continue creating bigger and bolder visuals that expand the imagination.
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If you had a chance to perform live with any musician or band, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
Michael Jackson, hands down. There is no greater performer! To be part of that electricity and to dance on stage with him, man… that dream is what pushed me to believe I could perform around the world one day.
Do you have long-term goals or aspirations for your music career? Where do you see yourself in five years’ time in your music journey?
I hope to work with more of my idols over the years, and anyone in general that I truly click with creatively. I definitely want to make an all Australian album one day, and create an Aussie music/dance film. In 5 years time… I see myself on my second world tour :) I believe it’s possible.
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Follow KEIYNAN LONSDALE
Facebook – Twitter – Instagram
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