Nikkiesha McLeod dives deep with Kimmortal, a queer non-binary Filipino-Canadian musician and visual artist. Kim kicks off the conversation with a look into their creative process, emphasizing how their early experience with music began with an acoustic guitar belonging to their sister, leading to a self-taught journey of songwriting and creativity. They discuss the impact of formative moments, such as performing original songs for family, which cemented their love for storytelling through music. Kim also shares their multifaceted background, highlighting the influence of their family and cultural heritage on their work while reflecting on the intricate relationship between their queer identity and their artistry.

Kim's approach to genre-blending in music is intentional, shaped by powerful moments from the past and grounded in a seeming desire to rebel against conventional structures. They describe how their songwriting process is influenced by digital media, utilizing snippets of inspiration pulled from various platforms to craft soundscapes that reflect their emotional states coupled with societal commentary, ultimately using their art as a means of addressing darker subjects while simultaneously seeking joy and connection.

This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.

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https://kimmortalportal.com/

https://kimmortal.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/kimmortalmusic

https://www.instagram.com/kimmortaltheartist

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0:09  Introduction to Kimmortal

3:19  Welcoming Kimmortal

6:43  Kim's Early Musical Journey

10:04  Influence of Family on Art

12:48  Education and Intuition in Music

15:23  Genre-Bending Artistic Intent

19:22  Creative Process and Inspiration

26:42  The Meaning Behind "Stop Business As Usual"

32:22  Evolution of Kim's Music

38:46  Identity as a Queer Non-Binary Artist

40:14  The Struggle with Specificity in Art

41:30  Embracing Power in Otherness

46:29  Navigating Community and Acceptance

51:04  Surprising Musical Influences

53:30  Performing vs. Studio Work

56:16  Storytelling and Political Elements in Music

56:25  Future Projects and Inspirations

59:48  Combining Artistic Projects

1:00:52  Recommendations for Other Artists

1:03:14  Current Reading and Social Media Presence

1:06:19  Conclusion and Final Thoughts