Artist Interview: Kanise

What place in the world feels most like home to you, and how has it shaped your music?

K: I would definitely say my hometown of Tallahassee, what makes me feel home the most are the people that I get to know and familiarity. So I could expand that to Florida in general, from the weather to the people I always feel the most at ease. I think the way that it shape my music is not only my life experiences growing up in Florida but all of the vast culture there. There’s no other place like it and you definitely feel those specialness about it.

Can you recall the first moment you realized music was your path? What was the spark?

K: I was eight years old, watching 106 and Park at my grandma’s house as usual. And I realize that this wasn’t just stars on a TV screen, but people doing actual jobs. So the way I saw it is if I can get paid for my dream, then I’m going to do everything I can to achieve it.

Which artists or experiences have left an imprint on your soul, and how do they resonate in your work?

K: Prince has made the biggest impression on me from his stage presence, to his music, to his style, he’s someone who has always marched to the beat of his own drum, and was a trailblazer in the industry.

When you think about the future, what’s the energy or feeling you’re most drawn to create or experience?

K: I believe that you create your own reality, and the reality that you see, for yourself is the reality that will be drawn the most to you. So I try to create something that’s full of success and community.

Your name carries weight— What meaning does it hold in the story you’re telling?

K: So the name Kanise, is a mixture of my first and middle name. And not only carries the weight of me as an artist, but my band as well. So I feel like we together create an experience more than just a show.

What do silence and stillness teach you about music? How do they influence your creative process?

K: I try to meditate every day, so stillness for me is based on reflection. It helps me sort my mind and build in strength. It also helps me with songwriting, because ideas are easier to pop up. So I would say meditation is a huge part of of my songwriting, and the stillness that it provides.

Is there a piece of your music—or even a single lyric—that feels like it captures your essence? What is it, and why?

K: i’ve been told that the first song I ever wrote with the opening line for Wish You Well is, “ you see the problem is you think I give a fuck” and I’ve been told that that is the vibe that a lot of my songs, carry.

If you could sit down with your younger self, before they ever picked up an instrument or sang a note, what would you tell them?

take more risks, the songs that you are unsure about are going to be the most popular, invest in yourself more and be mindful of the people you keep around you because your team reflects your artistry and your work ethic.