Bold, wise and driven: Kyndall is unapologetically making moves.
The Houston-bred beaut’s EP Still Down that released a month ago with Atlantic Records is a permanent stamp for Kyndall’s enrollment in the game. Woven with her own sultry and trendy style, introspective lyrics, and undeniable vibes, she proves that she is more than just a pretty face behind a mic. Her latest video drop for the single “Close To Me” was a lens into her ability to capture attention behind the camera, amidst a gloomy day on the beach. The singer-songwriter has been in the game since she was 15, and her growth and overall experience has allowed her to bring a youthful wisdom to R&B music.
Vixen had the opportunity to interview Kyndall and discuss love, her purpose as a musician, and the purity of music that she strives to preserve, no matter what. Her down-to-earth and infectious spirit resonate in every word she spoke. Take a peep below of the rising star, Kyndall. – Olivia Jade Khoury
VIBE Vixen: Congratulations on your latest video drop for “Close To Me.” You looked amazing and I noticed it was recorded in your hometown of Galveston, TX. A lot of artists implement their region’s style into their brand. How would you describe your hometown and how does it affect your style, or influence you, as an artist?
Kyndall: I’m originally from Houston but I do spend a lot of time in Galveston, so it is a second home. Houston is swang and bang. Swerve and vibey. I’m definitely a product of my city.
You’re 19, talented and very composed for your age. How do you think you are breaking barriers when it comes to age stereotypes in music? Has age ever been an issue for you?
Honestly, it hasn’t been. I entered the music industry at 15 so I was forced to grow up quicker than the average pre-teen. Therefore, I’m a little more mature and composed than most. When you’re in a room full of adults that are judging your music and putting money behind you, and providing an opportunity you have to know what you’re talking about. I left high school very young but it all worked out in the end. It’s been an awesome journey thus far.
Because 19 is such a vital age in of blooming into womanhood and creating your own identity, what’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself as a young woman during this journey?
So much. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that it’s so much better to stay quiet than open your mouth and say the wrong thing. You know, kicking back, not saying anything and just observing and letting things marinate. I still have my adolescent moments, but overall I try to do a lot of more observing than talking, which I feel is a sign of growing up. I’m fiery! I go off and say whatever is on my mind. My Twitter goes crazy, but I learn by observing first so it doesn’t get me in too much trouble.
To be a singer-songwriter, it requires vulnerability. How do you deal with writing lyrics that are personal and intimate to you? And what’s your process?
I wish it was easy to be broken hearted and just write a song about it. I have my moments where I just freak out and cry. In those heated moments I take my iPhone and type up a bunch of notes of how I feel – it’s all about not holding anything back. In the studio, I refer to those moments and write those feelings I felt. It’s a raw process. It really helps me because I have to feel exactly what I was feeling at that exact moment. I can’t hide anything, it’s like therapy for me.
Who are your musical influences or someone you look up to in the industry?
Janet Jackson. I’m influenced by 90’s R&B. That’s when people were really writing and making crazy melodies and harmonies. I admire the fact that they were just being real about how they felt and putting it into song. In today’s musical landscape I love Kanye, Travis Scott and Tory Lanez.
You’ve worked with amazing producers like Boi 1da and Maejor Ali, are there any other artists or producers you’ve got your eye on for future endeavors?
Definitely. It’s a true, hands on collab process between Chef Tone and I. We get in the studio, listen to a bunch of tracks, and do our best to capture the tone and the overall sound of the record. We just let it flow. There are so many people I love to work with, but my music is too delicate for picking people that just work. I’m not like that. I’m all about vibes and energy. It’s about preserving the authenticity of the music and not compromising the music, ever. That’s the real, unfiltered process.
What is your purpose as a young, female artist?
I love that question. There are so many young, female artists and we are all trying to find our purpose. I’m always finding myself at the end of the day. I want to be the homegirl that can get a gal through whatever she’s going through. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that because I started in the industry so young and wasn’t able to really have that core group of girls or best friend that I can go to so I have to be that for somebody. It comes with the territory. I want to be that honest person people can relate to. I want them to know they aren’t going through this alone. I’m singing word for word exactly what you’re going through.
How do you deal with society’s standards of beauty?
It’s kind of an everyday struggle. For people to say we don’t care about how we look is false. We all have those insecure moments. We want our waist to be smaller or butt to be bigger, our face to be clear, etc. I deal with this on the daily. I try and not to be affected by society’s standards, but hey I wear my waist trainer and work out everyday just like everyone else. But it’s not that I’m being insecure, I just strive everyday to be a little bit better than I was the day before. I would say society’s standards of beauty have pushed me to be better, but I disagree with the fact that it tells young girls how they’re supposed to look. It’s a sensitive topic, but I’m in the stick of it. It’s about balance.
What did your first love teach you?
He taught me how to lie and get away with it. I’m not a liar, but in him lying to me and cheating I got to take the backseat and observe how to get good at it. Now, I’m able to peep when someone is lying or deceiving me, you know? I got really good at picking the liars from those who are really real with me. That relationship also taught me how to love. He taught me what love should be when he wasn’t ready for it. He taught me what I deserve and what I needed, and now those are my standards. I stepped up my game. Funny enough, he raised the stakes of what I want from another guy. These days, I’m cool on relationships. I can deal with situationships not relationships. There’s work to be done.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to give to other young women?
Surround yourself with real people. Real trill n*ggas that care for you, that would take a bullet for you, that aren’t fake and on’t talk about you behind your back. You cant change the way your life is going to go, but as long as you have a real crew then you can’t go wrong. I hate dealing with things alone so I like to surround myself with real people. Bullsh*t is inevitable but with real people it’s better.