Kiria (musician)

Kiria is a British singer, songwriter and guitarist, born and currently based in London[1] Her debut album Radio was released in October 2010, by independent record label Koochie Coo Records.

Musical style

Kiria plays melodic guitar pop incorporating elements of punk rock, with the singer citing original British punk groups, such as the Sex Pistols and The Clash as key inspirations.[2] This combination of influences has led some critics to associate her music with the pop punk genre,[3][4] however Kiria has made efforts to distance herself from the label, telling EGL Magazine she resents associations to "bad, cheap, manufactured record 'industry' style 'punk' pop".[5] Instead she has adopted the tag 'Pink Punk', a phrase initially used by veteran Ritz journalist Frances Lynn to describe her music.[6]

Other critics have commented that Radio is too diverse in its musical influences to be easily categorized,[7] with particular reference being made to reggae track And Another Thing[8] – and notably more aggressive, overtly punk-influenced closing track "Live Sex On Stage",[9][10] on which Kiria duets with actor and comedian Paul Kaye.[11] Kiria and Kaye have also appeared onstage together in Kaye's Mike Strutter Group,[12] and at media events such as 2008's Loaded LAFTA Awards.[13]

Live shows

At live shows, Kiria is joined by a four-piece backing band, consisting of Evil Eden on bass, Jessie May on violin, Steve Rooney on drums, and on guitar Tony Feedback – formerly of Angelic Upstarts.[14][non-primary source needed] Performances are often theatrical, with the band sometimes appearing in fancy dress and frequently being joined by Kiria's mascot 'Jelly Baby', seen in the video for her single of the same name.[15] Kiria has played at a diverse range of events, from the annual Warborough festival[16] to the opening of LGBT art exhibition Loudest Whispers.[17]

Discography

Albums

  • Radio (2010)

Singles and EPs

  • "Live Sex On Stage" (2008)
  • "Alright" (2010)
  • "Jelly Baby" (2010)

References

  1. ^ Discogs.com entry
  2. ^ "Interview with Kiria at Veglam webzine". Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2010.
  3. ^ Gig review at Music-News.com
  4. ^ 'Radio' review Black Velvet Issue 66 "Kiria is a feisty Londoner with a skill for throwing out pop-punk tunes"
  5. ^ 'An interview with Kiria' – EGL Magazine
  6. ^ Kiria, The Star Who Sings Pink Punk by Frances Lynn
  7. ^ "'Radio' review at SonicShocks.com". Archived from the original on 2 April 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2010.
  8. ^ "'Radio' review at SonicShocks.com". Archived from the original on 2 April 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2010.
  9. ^ 'Radio' review at TheMayfairMallZine.com
  10. ^ "'Radio' review at SonicShocks.com". Archived from the original on 2 April 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2010.
  11. ^ 'Live Sex On Stage – Kiria ft Mike Strutter' – video at YouTube.com
  12. ^ Interview with Kiria at Save A Scream webzine[usurped]
  13. ^ Paul Kaye & Kiria Loaded Laftas gallery
  14. ^ Kiria's official MySpace page – 'Band Members'
  15. ^ 'Kiria – Jelly Baby' – video at YouTube.com
  16. ^ "Warborough Festival 2010 line-up". Archived from the original on 9 March 2010. Retrieved 8 November 2010.
  17. ^ Camden LGBT History Month 2010 – page 28