Get to Know Kiya Lacey and Her Music

Kiya Ife Lacey, a 20 year old singer/songwriter raised in Nashville, TN. Kiya was fourteen when she began taking her music career seriously, her first song was recorded in 2011 following the encouragement from church members. The first song she released, “Freeze Tag” (2012) since then she was grown and experienced with different sounds. Shortly after, Kiya released her first EP, “Fail In Love."

Urban Time: When did you record and release your EP and how would you say you've grown from your first song to Fail In Love Ep?

Kiya Lacey: April of last year is when I released it. I took my time with it the fall before and picked songs to go with my story. Every time I record I grow and my harmonies/vocal dynamics are always improving.

Urban Time: So you write songs and then pick and choose? Tell us about the process of this EP! 

Kiya Lacey: Yeah, right now I'm just building the catalog, I want to always put out my best. The EP’s title came from Petty's verse on “I Know”, all the songs were from different interactions with love.

Urban Time: I definitely feel that from this. When was your latest single, “No Mercy” released? Tell us about the recording and writing process for that song. I hear it's a lot more on the mellow side compared to your other work.

Kiya Lacey: “No Mercy” was released March 1! I heard the guitar riff in the prodigies beat and asked them to slow it down. I had the idea written out in my phone and it worked with the beat. It is a poem I wrote to depression as if it were a physical object or person.

Urban Time: Were you in a low place when you wrote it Was it an experience that triggered it?

Kiya Lacey: I was going through a lot of transitions. It was definitely a low and dark place. I was dropping out of college, moving to a new city, having issues with my family and my relationship was crumbling.

Urban Time: That's very hard on you, how did that situation help you grow as an artist? 

Kiya Lacey: It gave me thicker skin. I feel as if being in this industry you have to be prepared for anything. I'm a woman, and I'm independent seeking a career in music. Every day is growth!

Urban Time: Definitely! We know the struggle considering most of our staff is women. Do you have any funny or entertaining stories of moments that have happened at say recording sessions, photo shoots or shows?

Kiya Lacey: I fell completely over a speaker at the El Rey theater in LA 2012 during Grammy Camp. It was beyond embarrassing but the song I was doing was called "I Rise" so people thought I was being dramatic and it turned into an amazing performance.

Urban Time: Anything you want to let the readers know about you? 

Kiya Lacey: Okay random facts about me. My favorite animal is a jellyfish. I love balloons because they are my symbol of hope and that there will be brighter days. I'm working on releasing new music and planning a college tour for the fall! Really interested to see where my supporters want me to come!

Urban Time: Tell us about the college tour! What plans do you have for it?

Kiya Lacey: Right now everything is still at the planning stages so I can't say too much until all details are confirmed.

Urban Time: looking forward to it! Thank you so much for talking to us! 

Kiya Lacey: Thank you so much for having me!

Kiya Lacey on Twitter: @kiyalacey