Kiana Ledé Making A Splash In The R&B Scene

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Kiana Ledé is R&B’s most relatable, youthful female artist. “I want people to feel like they are heard and understood. I want to make extreme versions of everything. If you’re going through a breakup, when you’re talking about an ex, it almost doesn’t feel like there’s a silver lining. It’s more like ‘this sucks. I don’t know what to do.’ You're in this sad, confusing state and sometimes you just want to feel a certain way. Sometimes you should just feel that way.”

If this is a lesson on being in your feelings, then Ledé’s 2018 EP “Selfless” is the handbook. “Take It All” is reminiscent of India Arie: guitar riffs, soulful and gospel like, it’s a tale of heartbreak and hurt. Then there’s dark and brooding “Wicked Games” a bop sure to make you wail every lyric at the top of your lungs. Breakout single “Ex” has been getting major play on the Denver airwaves. Lede describes her first time hearing it on the radio:

“I was freaking out. I didn’t know what to say or what to think. I didn’t believe it was happening.”

It’s no shock, Ledé’s career shows no signs of slowing down. Back in October she opened for pop star Jessie J. Now she’s teaming up with songstress Ella Mai for a national tour.

“The difference between this tour and the one with Jessie J is my mental state. I’m a lot more prepared for this tour. I know a little bit more about what I’m doing.”

Being honest and vulnerable with her fans takes top priority during her shows and in her craft. “I’m not a good liar. I’ll always be an open book,” Lede says when asked about what she wants fans to take away from her music. “This is all I can be.”

Ledé being her truest self, is what has made her the heartfelt storyteller she is now and it looks like she’ll continue in the same theme of love and relationships, mental health, and overcoming struggle. Her next move move is approaching quickly, a full length album set for release in late spring. “[Fans] can expect a little more selfishness. My life has shifted on focusing on my own shit and myself. I was going through another breakup, so they can expect a little more maturity.”

We’re ready for Kiana to not hold back. Prepare yourself for a performance as dynamic as her songwriting.

-Demi Harvey