We had the amazing opportunity to interview Christy Knowings! Check out the interview below.
Hi, Christy! Thank you for granting the interview. Your music is amazing, and we’re excited to speak with you about it. Tell us more.
I’m excited about the music I have coming out. It’s sort of a fusion of alternative and Hip-Hop (I write music for piano and freestyle for most of my lyrics). I’ve been calling it Alternative Hip-Hop. I love covering and repurposing songs as well; putting my own spin on songs I love and I’m inspired by.
What inspired you to become a vocalist?
Music has always called out to me in a pretty massive way. One day, when I was barely in elementary school, my voice just…emerged. I discovered this powerful quality I could access easily and was often chosen to sing lead for many ensemble performances. The music my mother listened to sort of tuned my ear to great music and incredible vocals. Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, Nina Simone, Anita Baker, B.I.G., Busta Rhymes, Quincy Jones, and Janet Jackson were among my earliest inspirations. I later crossed into listening to more alternative music like Alanis Morissette, Oasis, Green Day, and Ani Difranco.
You’re also known as a songwriter. How important is it to write your own music?
It’s really important for me to write my own music. My creative impulse is strong, and self-expression is a major part of who I am. Writing my own music is also paramount because of the profound gratification I receive from governing the energy I put out. The statement I’m making is my own.
Tell us about your songwriting process. How do you choose a topic to sing about?
I don’t often choose the topic. There are real moments when the topic chooses me! I literally sit at my piano or listen to a beat made by my producer, and the music simply flows out of me, almost as if I’m channeling it. There are also times when I’m feeling something intensely – like falling in love. Usually inspires some of my best work.
What has been your biggest challenge as a vocalist?
Last year, I went through a three month period where I could barely speak, let alone sing. I felt pretty empty. I had to strengthen my vocal cords with a lot of rest; I had to supplement the delicate vocal region with vocal exercises, and I had to practice restraint. Most of all, however, I had to remain determined and focused on my goal, which was to get my voice back! Gradually, my voice did return to its powerful state, and I am so grateful!!!
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
Stay tuned by following me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube! I’ll be posting links to my new music soon! Right now I’ve got music out with an amazing artist, Oscar Del Amor. Check out a remix of our song, “One Moment Forever” here: https://m.soundcloud.com/lam-86/lam-ft-oscar-delamor-and-christy-knowings-one-moment-forever-remix-196
Who are your musical icons/influences?
There are definitely some amazing artists that helped to spark that musical impulse within me. Some since childhood, and others more recently: Janet & Michael Jackson, (since childhood – who wasn’t?) Aaliyah, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Alanis Morissette, Ani Difranco, VBND, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Dave Matthews Band, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, Tracy Chapman, The Smashing Pumpkins, Lil’ Wayne, and Bach. There were many others, but we’d be here all day.
When looking back on the production of your music, what resonated with you the most and why?
There are certain sounds that match what I feel and who I am. Clean, airy, yet powerful production really resonates. I love music that makes people feel amazing. It’s all about how the music makes me feel when I’m creating it.
In your opinion, how could a vocalist make an impact on the world?
Vocalists carry energy that affects people universally. It’s vibrating in nature, and we are all affected by vibration, energy. It’s my responsibility to emit a vibration that supports my values and what I stand for.
You’re also an actress and comedian. Tell us about your latest projects. You’re a series regular for three seasons on Nickelodeon’s hit series All That. Tell us more.
Being on “All That” was definitely an incredible experience! I love that I am part of something so iconic that brought so many people a great deal of joy. Fans often express how much my presence on the show meant to them. That’s a massive reward, to hear that. Right now, I am working on launching a few new projects I think my fans are going to love.
Do you have anything else you would like to share on your music or acting career?
I’m delighted to bring some new energy through my new music and am really looking forward to stepping into my acting again, full force. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (@christyknowings) and stay tuned!
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