Canadian singer-songwriter Kiesza returns today with the release of her brand new album Crave – a deeply personal, electronica/pop infused record that chronicles the Hideaway singers personal experiences over the past 3 years as she fought her way back to full health following a traumatic car crash that left her bed and housebound, incapable of writing/recording or performing and facing the possibility of never being able to walk again.
Written entirely by Kiesza herself, and sonically inspired by the sounds of 1980’s, the album serves as the follow up to 2014’s Sound of a Women and features production credits from the likes of Peter Wade, phonehome, Bobby Love, Chris Malinchak, Electic, Louis Biancaniello & Mike Biancaniello and LICK DROP.
“There is so much I could and want to tell you about what it took to get to this album and why it sounds the way it does.” Kiesza says of Crave. “I will tell you everything in time, but for now just know that this music is intended to lift you up – it’s there to give you a second wind, and to boost you spirit. I wanted it to be positive, for you and for me, as I know a lot of us need that right now. I’ve been on that same rollercoaster that you almost certainly have for the past five years: that one called life. And there is still so much to share…”
As a former member of the Royal Canadian Navy, a ballet dancer and a Beauty Queen, Calgary native Kiesza has always danced to the beat of her own drum.
After exploding onto the scene in 2014 with her monster worldwide smash hit Hideaway, the multi-talented artist and performer took over in a BIG way, setting the charts alight and tearing up festival stages the world over! Such was her impact and popularity, the then 25-year-old Kiesza was recruited to write songs for the likes of Rihanna and Jennifer Hudson and invited to collaborate on new music with industry icons Duran, Duran as well as Skrillex, Pitbull and Diplo.
Now back and better than ever, Kiesza is ready to pick up where she left off, with a fresh new perspective and a killer new sound!
We caught up with Kiesza for the latest in our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
Manhattan Lower East Side is amazing.
Favourite place for brunch:
I love this little place in Toronto called Saving Grace. They have this amazing avocado espresso smoothie and their brunch menu is incredible!
Best coffee in London:
I don’t know which is the best but I love the little coffee stand at Kings Cross station and their cute little Oat milk lattes. Love getting them on the go. Don’t even know the name of the stand!
Favourite gallery or museum:
I love The Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens! “Mooney” Warther has been a big inspiration to me since I first visited his museum and learned his story on becoming the World’s Master Carver.
Tell us a secret:
I study physics in my spare time and frequently think about becoming a physicist.
Favourite place to shop:
Love shopping in Shoreditch when I’m in London. But my all-time fav is rummaging through various vintage shops for gems!
Favourite place to find inspiration:
Nature always brings me inspiration. I always need to get away from the city to recharge.
Best London destination for a date:
There are so many adorable little restaurant with amazingly menus. It’s hard to choose! But probably finding a good restaurant and then walking around the beautiful streets to explore would be fun. There’s still so much of London I haven’t seen!
Favourite park:
Heritage Park in my hometown of Calgary holds a lot of great memories from my childhood.
Favourite food market:
This is a hard one to answer. I recently visited the Malibu farmers market and thought it was really adorable! Great food as well!
Your sanctuary in the city:
My home in Toronto. I love it. It’s unique and inspiring to live in.
What inspires you?
Life and all of its surprises. And people around me, as well as their stories.
This season I’m loving
I love the summer because I love the smell and beauty of lilacs and summer flowers!
