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Influences
People. Beck, Bowie, Joe Jackson, Squeeze, Sting, jazz violist Betty MacDonald, System of a Down, Rolling Stones, Jean-Luc Ponte, Gwen Stefani, Alanis Morisette, Ani DiFranco, Barbara Zimet (my first piano teacher), and friends.
Irrepressible, unstoppable and undeniable, Kiai is an artist who speaks and sings to be heard – no matter what she’s saying. Her songs range from the silly to the profound and in the totality of her expression, she has revealed herself to be a unique singer/songwriter emerging in the New York indie scene.
The child of an immigrant Korean mother, Kiai grew up in Woodstock, NY. About her childhood she says, “I was definitely a typical Korean-American child in terms of my musical experience. I started at 7 playing piano and my mom was so controlling that she made me play violin instead of cello, which is what I really wanted to play.” By age 17, Kiai was a full-fledged rebel – abandoning her classical music upbringing to play at jazz jams filled with Woodstock locals. “My passion came out of the years of repression – that’s where the punk in me comes from,” she explains.
Fittingly, after high school (where she was a concert master and voted “most musical”), Kiai took to adventuring in Europe as a musician. In 1996 she played in Europe with a band. She glowingly recalls, “It was amazing – great feedback and crowds. I played on the street in front of 100 people and I played a ski resort in France for two weeks. I realized that I wanted to perform – entertaining people is what makes me happy.” She continues with a laugh, “And it was on that tour when I realized how much I hated violin – so I dropped it then and there.”
Her love of performance took her away from music for 12 years – instead, Kiai became a successful actress and model, but she never got music out of her system, continuing to write. In 2002, she wrote a song as a birthday present for a friend because she was too broke to be able to buy something. As she recounts, “I gave him the song and then I started playing it for other people and they all said, ‘you need to record that song.’ Finally in 2006 I recorded it.” Titled “Happy Birthday,” the song has been a smash on iTunes, selling over 2000 downloads, especially amazing given that there has been no promotion except word of mouth.
Kiai has written hundreds of songs, but she’s currently readying the 13 that will be on her upcoming album, Middle of Mayhem. The songs written so far display the range of Kiai’s moods and skills. There’s the classic three chord Ramones influenced punk of “I Want To Be You,” Kiai’s expression of her desire to be a kid again free of responsibility. “Guarded Heart” is her lament of a friendship that had run its course and serves as a goodbye and “Sumo Things” is a wry and witty reflection on Kiai’s philosophy of taking things lightly.
Hello, It's always a pleasure to contact my friends, first thanks for your friendship and hope all is well. if you have time, there are some new videos on my page. Life is beautiful. All the best - Pat.
Hey there, Here's one from left field... Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat? A while back I came across some very disturbing information, which inspired me to make this video: Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4 Both artistic (ensure you've good enough sound to enjoy the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice. Though the source materials are somewhat aged, the fundamentals remain relevant today. I encourage all to visit the YouTube web page above to learn more (Show your support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly re-post and circulate as widely as possible. Help to raise awareness. Say have you checked out my web site (http://www.faberoptime.com) recently? Take care and keep in touch. Best, Faber. "Just a guy trying to make the world a better place."
Thanks for the add! Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people. :) I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site at www.faberoptime.com some time. For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!). Oh and you might like to take a look at some of my vids on my YouTube channel too! www.youtube.com/faberoptime Take care and keep in touch. Best, Faber. "Just a guy trying to make the world a better place."
Come join us on a DETOUR: NYC's Premiere Film Noir & Arts Festival @ Galapagos on Thurs, April 16th 7:30 pm SHARP! Go to LOOKpresents.com to order TIX online and save $5!!!
Oh! I just learned today how to open your birthday gift, and listen to the song, that was nice. Many thanks again, and you have hell of a day out there. Atb Bjørn
Join my street team and get a chance to win a $15 iTunes card!!!
