A NIGHT OUT WITH KYRA MACHIDA
Last week, LISTEN Magazine had the chance to attend Kyra Machida’s showcase and get a first look at what her upcoming debut project, BLONDE, has in store. Each song reflected her signature style — a blend of future-pop aesthetics layered with eclectic production and inventive beats — offering the perfect introduction to Kyra’s world and sound.
We caught her backstage after the performance and chatted about what’s coming and some of her favorite essentials when on the road.
This was your first time in NYC! What do you think of it so far? Is there a spot that stood out to you the most?
I love New York so much. It reminds me of home. I always had such a strong relationship with fashion and music, and I truly value the essence of unapologetic individuality and I saw that a lot in this city. I also loved how people just speak their mind because it fulfills their soul rather than speaking to fill someone else’s soul.
When you have to perform, what does your typical day look like?
I start my day with a lemon turmeric ginger shot then I go to rehearsal. After I’m done rehearsing with the dancers I continue rehearsing back to my hotel on my own until I feel good and then I get to slow down. I like to watch chick flicks movies/shows or listen to early 2000s pop music. While I get ready, I think about them a lot, almost like I channel them and I do a little prayer before I go to the venue.
How do you take care of your mental and physical health while constantly moving?
Right now I dance and stretch a lot but for my mental health I used to go somewhere quiet to ground myself once a week but lately I've been on a roll and just constantly moving and I can't seem to slow down. I complain about it but I know I love it. I’m just an Aries lol
Is there a song that you’re most excited for fans to hear off of BLONDE?
There’s an important storyline with my EP BLONDE and I was very intentional with the order of the songs because I wanted my fans to be able to paint the picture in their own way, but if I were to pick one song I'd say “Voicemail.” My attitude and my aura is def “Nasty” when the switch is on but sometimes when it’s off I’m just having fun with a little bit of sass in the most unserious confident way like “Voicemail.”
What’s your favorite song to perform live?
“Nasty”….I mean it’s a hot sweaty song and the choreo is sensual and mature especially with the chair dance intro but this song makes you appreciate being a woman with so much power and feel so immersed into the song without even knowing you’re deep in.
What’s one essential you can never travel without?
My eyeliner and my wired earphones (they’re usually tangled up together so it’s considered one)
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I usually like to be on my own for a bit. Stare at myself in the mirror, stretch, warm up and after that I kiki with my dancers and just dance around with them clearing our heads and just having fun before I get on the stage and switch to serving.
Is there a city that you’re most excited to visit?
London and Tokyo
Do you have a dream venue to perform in?
Royal Albert Hall in London and Madison Square Garden in NYC
What’s your go-to meal while traveling?
English porridge with honey and a good apple juice.
What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Other than my unreleased music the classic “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga.
