Los Angeles-based “soulwriter” KIA, a Dutch singer, is making waves in the music scene with her compelling blend of Alternative R&B and soul. Her latest release, “Okay, Alright,” serves as a powerful introduction to her newly released EP, Retrospect. Her music has been hailed as “deep and hypnotic” (Buzz-Music LA) and has placed her in the “upper echelon of today’s soul wave” (Xttrawave). Recently, KIA gained notable recognition, winning both the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and The Howard Rosen Promotion Talent Search. The latter accolade earned her a Times Square billboard promoting her latest single. She was also nominated for Best R&B/Soul and opened the 2024 Hollywood Independent Music Awards with a sizzling performance of her single “Somebody Real.”
Beyond solo projects, KIA has contributed her songwriting and vocals to various productions, including the soundtrack of Netflix’s animation movie “Fearless,” Kevin Hart’s “The Man from Toronto,” Netflix’s “The Claus Family 3,” Hulu’s “The Devil Conspiracy,” and the German movie “Help! I Shrunk My Friends.” Her talents extend to notable series and productions like “The Madam$,” G’Day USA “Honoring Liam Hemsworth and Helen Reddy,” L-Acoustics L-ISA Technology, and Fortnite’s immersive audio catalogue.
KIA received her undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance with honors from ArtEZ Jazz & Pop Conservatory in Arnhem (The Netherlands). She pursued an academic semester in Songwriting at the Cornel School of Contemporary Music (Los Angeles). Some of her previous mentors are: Izaline Calister, Michael Indart, Jessica Vautor, Carla Hasset, Abraham Laboriel, Paul de Castro and Oscar Hernandez. In 2020 she received her Master’s Degree at the California State University in Los Angeles for Vocal Performance where she specialized in Commercial Music.
