We had the good fortune of connecting with Kahra Keyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kahra, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is, “If it doesn’t open, it’s not your door”. What it means to me is that if something is “meant” for you, it will happen, but if it is not then it won’t. It can seem as a bit of a fatalistic viewpoint, but in it I see freedom. Freedom from worrying about “what if” something would have happened and questioning the validity of my art as well as my persona. I believe in goal setting, and writing down objectives. This combined with my prayers of protection from maleficent beings, if something doesn’t happen I can simply move on from it and focus on something that is working. So to keep my mind focused on the positive. On that project that did go through and make it the best it can be. The key is to know when to shift your attention in another direction, not to keep putting energy into something that is static. Keep the flow going!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art falls into the music category, however it is really so much more! As an independent artist I get to wear many different hats as there are many different processes to not only music creation but promoting it. First of all, understanding technology and music/video computer programs has been helpful to be able to continue for many years on a small budget. Since I can record myself on Protools at home, that saves me money from renting out a recording studio and paying an engineer to record me. I definitely send it to be mixed and mastered however, as this work should be done by someone who is a professional to get the sound quality to its absolute best. I also work with different producers as that is also not my forte. I also enjoy getting feedback from monthly meetings with NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). We have been doing Zoom meetings since COVID and they are very helpful on getting direct feedback on your song. It is also fun to critique others! I’m always up for doing photoshoots as pictures help to promote me and my music brand. For a while I was a model for the Academy of Glam hair and makeup school in Davie. I’m thrilled with some of the uniquely creative photos I got from working with them and hope to do more! Learning how to pose and model has been very helpful as an artist, but it’s also fun! After the photoshoots it’s time to film music videos to promote the songs. It really does take a song to the next level when there is a visual to go along with it. I’ve also been able to gain exposure for my music by entering the music videos into film festivals. I like to film whenever I travel, and now have over 30 music videos shot all over the world! I have filmed a lot myself, but others I have worked with Directors and Producers. What sets me apart is my ability to edit on Final Cut Pro. It’s a lot of fun to film but it does take time to properly edit a video. I like editing though! I get to relive the experience of wherever I was filming it, and choose the best pieces. I see it as a giant puzzle and the final product is all of the best pieces that I enjoyed watching. There is always another level as far as brand exposure. I need to continually find new ways to promote as well as change with the ever changing landscape of the digital music world. I am always up for cross promotion and working with other songwriters and artists.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is a fun, vibrant place to live! I love how there are many different neighborhoods and scenes to choose from. I usually always like to take guests someplace new they haven’t been, so it just depends on that and what vibe we want. Since I am vegan, I like best to dine at vegan restaurants. My favorite is Plant Miami in Edgewater for the classy feel with hands down the best tasting and healthy vegan food in Miami. It is also a school where they have vegan cooking classes. They don’t even have tofu on the menu, they are so ahead of the health curve. If I’m in the mood for the South Beach club like atmosphere with a great vibe and nice bar, I head to Planta South Beach even though I would consider their food “vegan junk food”. This is definitely a place any carnivore would like. I go regularly to Love Life Cafe in Wynwood, which is a casual place with a mix of healthy and vegan “cheat” food. Their BBQ Jackfruit pizza is always worth cheating for. My favorite vegan friendly places are Zuma in Downtown Miami and Swan in the Design District which has a gorgeous atmosphere with beautiful people. The lounge upstairs named Bar Bevy is a fantastic early night place, usually clearing out by 2am so we’d head over to The Sylvester across from Midtown Miami. This is a fun and unassuming late night party place with solid DJ’s and music played super loud (need earplugs to avoid going deaf) but quite the opposite feel from the design district (you can actually talk to strangers). Ball and Chain off of Calle Ocho is also a nice change of pace with the Cuban vibe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to Bella Fashion Designs and the Miss US Nation Pageants for their continued support of my singing and modeling career throughout the years! For bringing me into the loop on opportunities that come along. It is not an easy industry, and it’s super nice to have the support of an organization that seeks to inspire confidence and uplift women. They offer women the ability to represent their communities as well as castings for actors and modeling opportunities for aspiring models. Participating in a pageant can be challenging, but it pushes you to be the best you can be and perhaps win a title you can carry the rest of your life. Reach out to them for the next step in your journey at 954.274.5600 www.missusnationpageants.com bellanationtv@gmail.com

Website: www.kahramusic.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kahramusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kahramusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kahramusic
Youtube: www.youtube.com/kahramusic
Other: www.reverbnation.com/kahra www.soundcloud.com/kahramusic

Image Credits
Kahra 1: AJ Borromeo Kahra 2: AJ Borromeo Kahra 3: AJ Borromeo Kahra 4: AJ Borromeo Kahra 5: MMSIB Photo Kahra 6: Tony Grandson Kahra 7: N/A Kahra 8: N/A