Few shine as brightly as Kailani in the wide tapestry of the artistic world. Kailani's journey as a multifaceted artist with a passion for music and writing is one of passion, resilience, and a deep connection to the human experience. Kailani's artistry is a witness to the transformational power of creativity, from the tender age of six, when the world seemed to light up with divine inspiration, to her profound insights on loss, trauma, and healing.
Her work, whether it's the poignant melodies of "Untold" or the vibrant narrative of "She Saw in Color," has a raw honesty that draws readers and listeners in. As we delve into her world, we discover an artist who not only "sees in color" but also paints the world with hues of hope, pain, joy, and everything in between.
Join us as we explore the depths of Kailani's soul, her inspirations, and the stories that have shaped her into the artist she is today. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to her work, prepare to be charmed by the melodies, words, and heart of Kailani.
Mismir ( M ): Every artist experiences a pivotal moment when a mere interest blossoms into a true passion. Could you share the details of such a transformative moment in your journey?
Kailani ( K ): I feel pretty blessed in that I have always felt that my “callings” in life have been clear. There have been a few distinct moments when I watch someone else do something great and I immediately say to myself, “I have to do that one day.” In elementary school, I went to the “Young Authors Club” where we learned about writers. I instantly knew I was meant to write books, poems, and music. In school and in my free time I’d write all sorts of stories, poems, and songs. As I grew older, I tried to push my love for writing aside, but I quickly came to learn that once you find a calling, you can’t run away from it. Because if you do, it will chase you down until do it.
M: Muses can be people, places, experiences, or even thoughts and dreams. Could you tell us about your most influential muse and explain its impact on your work?
K: I feel like I’m meant to write “music that heals.” You will find that most of my songs aren’t about romance. Instead, I mostly write about deep pain in addition to deep joy. Some of these topics include abuse, suicide, mental health, family, God, poverty, or power.
M: The first time an artist picks up a pen to create, it’s a magical moment. Can you take us back to that initial moment for you? What inspired you to create for the first time, and what motivated you to embark on this creative journey?
K: I remember the first time I ever wrote, I was 6 years old. I remember standing in my kitchen, all alone, and the world just seemed so bright. I had this feeling that I wasn’t alone, that some higher power, God, was lighting up my world. Life seemed so joyful I had to express it somehow, and that was in the form of a song. I don’t know if or where I wrote it down, but I wish I could go back and listen to what I wrote!
M: Remaining in that initial moment and gradually moving to the present, could you share how your perspective and approach to creating have evolved over time?
K: I write about things that move me in a deep way. I’ve experienced a lot more pain since I was 5, and so many of my songs are also about that part of the emotional spectrum. Most of the time I write because I feel compelled, or that it's a message I have to share with other people. I’ve been learning to put my work out there even though it can be scary!
M: Many of your followers are aware of the challenges you’ve faced. Your resilience and strength in overcoming them are truly admirable. In July 2023, you released "I'm Not Superman," a song reflecting the feelings that you had when the unfortunate moment happened. Could you share the message you hope people receive from it?
K: “I’m Not Superman is a song about my youngest brother who committed suicide at 19 and the message is twofold. First of all, empathy is really important to me. I’ve learned that most of the time, people don’t need answers or advice, they just want to feel understood and appreciated for what they are going through. Feeling understood can also jump-start the healing process. As I explain the shock and grief of losing someone to a sudden suicide, I hope that others who relate can feel understood. While I highlight the trauma of losing someone, “I’m Not Superman” also carries a joyful message. Verse two starts out with these lyrics:
“Last night I woke up from a dream.
I ran into you in town.
And it shocked me right down to my knees.”
This is part of a greater story. My brother was unconscious in the ICU for over a month as we waited to see if he’d live or die. I asked God to give me a dream about my brother to let me know the outcome. I was hopeful, but to be honest I wasn’t actually expecting a response. However, I had a dream that I ran into my brother somewhere in town. He only had a few bruises on his body and I fell to the ground crying because I was shocked he was alive. My brother proceeded to laugh at me saying “What are you worried about? God’s taking care of me.” I didn’t just have one, I had SEVEN dreams all with the same storyline. It was truly an unbelievable experience. From that day on, I stopped worrying about my brother. I know he’s in good hands.
M: "The Taste of Tea Time" is a beautiful and emotional poem. Sharing such a personal piece must have been a profound experience. How did you feel sharing it, and what do you hope people will understand from it?
K: “A Taste of Tea Time” felt even more vulnerable than “I’m Not Superman.” While my song focused on the first month of recovering from my brother’s suicide, my poem zooms out to a year later in the recovery process. While I had already healed so much, the pain still persisted. Trauma can “ruin” our favorite things. If you know me at all, you know I’m obsessed with tea and can drink multiple pots a day. It’s also something I shared with my younger brother. We’d often have “Tea Time” in the middle of the night and talk about deep topics. After he committed suicide, there were months when the thought of tea made me want to throw up. It felt ruined. Every time I pulled a packet off the shelf all I could think about was his destroyed body. I couldn’t drink it without him. Thankfully, I’ve recovered from this and enjoy tea on a daily basis now, however, this poem is about that bizarre experience.
* M: Having followed your journey, it’s evident that you’ve been through a lot and have much to express and that you are employing the power of art to make a positive difference in the world. Your predominant artistic medium seems to be music. Why did you choose music as your main form of expression, and what makes it special to you?*
K: Music implores a number of elements to tell a story. you’re able to weave together sounds, and words, and if you add a music video in there, a visual medium to tell a story. Each of these three pieces is special on its own, but when you bring them together you can really create a deep experience. That’s what I love about music. I’m also obsessed with metaphors. Anytime I can craft a metaphor into a song of mine, it's a win.
M: "Untold" is a beautiful and resonant song. I enjoyed every second of it. Could you delve deeper into its story and share the inspiration behind it?
K: Releasing Untold, my first song was one of the best experiences of my life. Though I didn’t sing it because I didn’t know how to sing, it was incredibly special to put my first song, one I love deeply, out there. I have come to believe that a lot of pain in the world remains “untold.” To me, this song is a declaration of freedom. There’s a lot of shit going on in the world. A lot of injustice too, It pains me that “the world turn[s] a blind eye” to many of these injustices. I want people to be able to scream their lungs out and realize that their voice is powerful. Oppression comes in many forms and each form is real.
M: While browsing your website, I was drawn to the "The Story" page. I discovered the "She Saw in Color" project, which is more than just a written story. Two chapters from it, "Untold" and "I'm Not Superman," have already been released. Could you share more about the inspiration behind this project and when the other pieces will be released?
K: So glad that you checked this out! A few years ago, I began writing a novel where everyone has a choice as to how they view the world: in color, grey, or black. My novel follows a girl who “sees in color” and is also deeply connected to music.
I won’t give too much away, but seeing in color is a grand metaphor, one you get to explore and develop your own definition around as a reader. I also had a ton of songs written that I never actually planned on publishing because as of eight months ago, I couldn’t sing. and I was scared to publish my music. I had a great idea of weaving those song lyrics into every single chapter of my novel as part of the way my main character interacts with the “color” of life. Long story short, I’m rather determined. After I added the lyrics to the book, I had to create the songs too. So, “She Saw in Color” is both a soundtrack (a collection of 12 songs, 2 of which are released), and a novel. In my opinion, they go hand in hand. the novel elaborates on the story behind the songs and the music adds emotional depth to the book. I'll be talking about this publically on my socials soon as I'm aiming for my novel to come out soon!
M: Every artist creates with a purpose, a message they wish to convey through their art. What is your purpose as an artist, and what can we anticipate seeing from you in the future?
K: #1 (As stated above) I create music that heals. I hope you find a safe place in my lyrics, melody, and community. Life is hard and I want to be here for you.
#2 I don’t just want to be a “writer.” I want to create “lyrical masterpieces.” I want to create things that no one has ever done before. You can see that in my combined novel and album, my use of the blockchain, as well as my care packages.
M: What’s a hobby or activity you love outside your art?
K: I was nomadic for 6 years and have been to 27 different countries. I absolutely love traveling (especially internationally) and plan to do more soon. I love exploring local markets, trying new foods, learning about culture, and going on hikes. I also work full-time for Indexer.xyz.
As we draw the curtain on this enlightening chat with Kailani, it's clear that her path is about more than simply making art; it's about healing, connecting, and inspiring. Her narrative exemplifies the transformational impact of music, writing, and the human spirit. Kailani's voice resonates with candor and emotion, from the depths of personal anguish to the pinnacle of artistic expression.
We encourage those who want to learn more about Kailani to follow her on social media ( Twitter ) and explore her website. Dive further into her world, and you'll find a community of like-minded folks on her Discord channel, where discussions, thoughts, and shared experiences await. Be sure to embark on an unforgettable journey through her auditory sanctuary as well ( ***Spotify ***).
We are grateful for the opportunity to share this personal experience with you, our valued readers. We hope Kailani's story has touched your heart and ignited your own creative fires. As we continue to highlight the great minds that define our artistic environment, keep in mind that each artist, like Kailani, has a unique narrative waiting to be told.
Join us again next week on Storied Strokes, where we'll unveil another artist's narrative. Stay tuned to our social channels ( Twitter - Lens ) for subtle hints about our next feature. Only the keenest observers might guess who's next in line.
The Storied Strokes is ever-expanding, each thread representing voices like Kailani's. These artists, visionaries of tomorrow, weave tales that echo profound truths.
Our collective journey is far from over; in fact, it's just beginning. Stay with us, and let's continue to unravel these tales together.
