The sultry swagger of Kita Klane is undeniably addictive. Dominated by a brooding beat, electronic flavors, and purring vocals, “Fingerprints” makes you want to get down and dirty on the dance floor of a dimly lit speakeasy- perhaps with a Gibson martini in hand.
– Madysin Hatter
Madysin Hatter’s SONG OF THE WEEK
Song: FINGERPRINTS, Artist: KITA KLANE
The sultry swagger of Kita Klane is undeniably addictive. Dominated by a brooding beat, electronic flavors, and purring vocals, “Fingerprints” makes you want to get down and dirty on the dance floor of a dimly lit speakeasy— perhaps with a Gibson martini in hand. The cinematic presence of this jazz/soul-infused alternative pop song begs your imagination to run wild and play in the shadows of mystery and adventure. Klane. Kita Klane. Remember that name.
MADYSIN: What was your inspiration for writing this song?
KITA KLANE: As with most of my songs, I write about what I live and what I have experienced. “Fingerprints” was the jump off point for the whole new EP. I had the chorus months before I ever sat down to craft the track, but it just kept living in my head and I knew the story should be told…so out came “Fingerprints”.
MADYSIN: What is your favorite line of lyric from “Fingerprints”?
KITA KLANE: “I’ve had careless conversation / Making promises and plans / Full of danger and explosions / I gotta die by my own hand”
MADYSIN: Describe your overall sound. Biggest influences?
KITA KLANE: My musical influences are very eclectic— ranging from Etta James, Billie Holiday, and Lesley Gore to NIN, Nirvana, and Amy Winehouse. My music genuinely reflects my own amalgamation of diverse influences. I don’t aim to sound like anyone or anything else. I want to create something that is a reflection of where I’m at now (which is a culmination of all the eclectic icons and influences that have impacted my musical taste from early childhood). I’ve always felt like I belonged in a world “gone by”, a “vintage noir” that has followed me and coloured my tastes from early on, so my music is the culmination of my vintage influences existing in my own mind (the mind of a modern-day woman), which I believe to be somewhere between ‘retro-fantasy’ and ‘modern rebel’.
MADYSIN: Where are you from?
KITA KLANE: Everywhere. But originally, Los Angeles.
MADYSIN: What’s one of your favorite local hangouts?
KITA KLANE: I love to people watch. I’m a storyteller (whether it be from my own night before, or the things I witness…or sometimes even overhear…having an espresso out at a street cafe). I love to travel because it’s like new oxygen. So I don’t have “hangouts”—I have places I end up. And inspiration seeps in the pores. If I had to confess something specific, I’d tell you that you might find me in one of the back booths at Swing 46 (just off 46th Street, NYC) singing along to all the Billie Holiday or Etta James standards being played by the live orchestra a la Nelson Riddle…it’s like stepping into a world that once existed and no longer does (until after dark and the band starts up in the back).
MADYSIN: Where and when is your next local gig?
KITA KLANE: I’m gearing up for a new live show that will mostly be all my new EP material, and some of the first EP. However, I’ve been getting my rocks off moonlighting in Los Angeles DJ-ing. It’s another creative outlet that allows me to share my indie-chanteuses and my electro-dance side together with an audience. I’m always grateful for the audience thinking outside the box with me on my DJ sets…it’s never boring or predictable. I figure it’s the least I can do out there since everyone and their mom seems to be a DJ nowadays. I’m also gearing up for some live performances with a new digital set up, which is very freeing and allows me to control my own instruments on stage without having to bring my whole live band.
MADYSIN: What’s next for you?
KITA KLANE: Everything and anything I hope…there aren’t enough hours in the day. My website will have some updates over the next few months for live dates, remixes, and even MORE new original music and collaborations.
MADYSIN: How is it working with Nic Harcourt?
KITA KLANE: Nic is my partner in crime. We inspire each other and vibe off of each other’s excitement and creative sparks. Nic was probably the first person that I truly believed, believed in me, and truly understood I wanted to contribute as an artist and that I have something to say and share. The first time I ever sang for him, it was just a guitar and me in the middle of a living room somewhere in LA. He tells me to this day it was about my voice and how unique he felt it was…how he’s had those moments in the past where he just “knew” whatever he was seeing in a young artist was genuine and potent. Nic made me think differently about how I was writing. The result is my current incarnation as a solo artist, songwriter, and producer. Joined by my writing partner and fellow production partner Frankie IV, of The Filthy Pillows.
MADYSIN: Hey, did I hear you on that Hulu ad?
KITA KLANE: Why, yes you did! I’m very excited that my new track “Fingerprints” accompanies the new Hulu campaign for CSI…I’m always excited to see if and where songs will get placed. It’s perfect that “Fingerprints” would end up promoting Hulu’s acquisition of all twenty four seasons of CSI, given its title. I’m very happy Hulu felt it was the right fit.
MADYSIN: What’s your favorite non-Kita Klane song?
KITA KLANE: Tough question. It would probably be “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore. I can still remember the first time I heard it, and how ominous and dark it sounded. But its lyrical content was that of a strong, fearless woman. I didn’t know until much later that this was the kind of woman I wanted to be when I sang. That mysterious and fierce woman finding her way on her own terms.
MADYSIN: What are you most excited to do this summer?
KITA KLANE: I’m very excited to be joining Camino Lara (Mexico Institute of Sound) and Toy Selectah (Controle Machete) on Central Park Summer Stage July 8th to sing my song “Velcro” that we collaborated on for their record, “Compass”.
Check out Kita Klane at www.KitaKlane.com. Download her music on iTunes. Photo Credit: Chad Michael Ward, Nic Harcourt, & Joshua Ballinger.
Madysin Hatter is a Singer/Songwriter/ROCKER. Visit www.MadysinHatter.com. Have a song you’d like to submit? Submit to [email protected]
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