Kiiara is making the best out of the situation
While isolating during a pandemic isn’t the best way to work on new music, singer-songwriter Kiiara is making the best out of an unfortunate situation. Based out of Chicago, the 25-year-old musician is celebrating the release of her latest single, “I Still Do,” which tackles how inexplicable your feelings about love can be.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: Florida. I love going to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. I always feel so relaxed and refreshed there. I think it’s the combination of the humidity, wind and ocean. I’d recommend just relaxing by the beach and eating sushi every day. Get a hotel with an ocean view where you can walk across the street and be at the beach within less than a minute.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: Florida. I have family there, so we’d always go visit. It was something we’d do at least once a year. I remember going to Walt Disney World a lot. My favorite ride was the Pirates of the Caribbean one. We’d also go to the beach a few times a week.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: I’ve learned to just go with the flow and to never forget to bring headphones or you’ll end up having to buy a pair at the airport every time. I have way too many pairs of headphones at this point. I’ll just leave them at my friends’ studios.
Q: Would you prefer to have a casual meal at a street cart or fine dining at a nice restaurant?
A: Any sushi restaurant and STK Steakhouse, because I try to eat as healthy as possible. I have low iron, so I have to make sure I eat red meat.
Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: Detroit. The energy just made me feel comfortable. It’s what I’m used to. Detroit definitely has an edge to it, like Chicago. That and when I was last there, it was late fall and the seasons are the same as Chicago, so it was just really comforting. I could definitely see myself living there.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I’d love to go to Hawaii. My best friend and I always joke about moving there for a year. We’d set up a recording studio and just make music all day, every day. Seems like it’d be a pretty relaxing place to be for a little bit.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: Vanilla ice cream and vegan cookies or brownies.
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I don’t do any research before I go away on a trip. Usually I have either my brother or manager with me.
Q: What is your best vacation memory?
A: Being in Amsterdam and my friend flying across the world to come hang out with me, because I really needed a friend there. I woke up the next morning and they were there. I was so happy! I’ll never forget that trip.
For more from the reporter, visit www.jaehakim.com.