Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
July 30, 2020
While isolating during a pandemic isn’t the best way to work on new music, singer-songwriter Kiiara is making the best out of an unfortunate situation. Based out of Chicago, the 25-year-old musician is celebrating the release of her latest single, “I Still Do,” which tackles how inexplicable your feelings about love can be. Her previous releases include “Open My Mouth” and her Linkin Park collaboration, “Heavy.” Fans may stay in touch with her on Instagram and Twitter, Facebook and on her website kiiara.com.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Florida. I love going to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. I always feel so relaxed and refreshed there. I think it’s the combination of the humidity, wind and ocean. I’d recommend just relaxing by the beach and eating sushi every day. Get a hotel with an ocean view where you can walk across the street and be at the beach within less than a minute.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. Florida. I have family there, so we’d always go visit. It was something we’d do at least once a year. I remember going to Walt Disney World a lot. My favorite ride was the Pirates of the Caribbean one. We’d also go to the beach a few times a week.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. I’ve learned to just go with the flow and to never forget to bring headphones or you’ll end up having to buy a pair at the airport every time. I have way too many pairs of headphones at this point. I’ll just leave them at my friends’ studios.
Q. Would you prefer to have a casual meal at a street cart or fine dining at a nice restaurant?
A. Any sushi restaurant and STK Steakhouse, because I try to eat as healthy as possible. I have low iron, so I have to make sure I eat red meat.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. I love going to Vegas for a weekend. I usually don’t leave the hotel, though. I’ll just chill in my room, watch movies and order room service.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Miami and Chicago.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Detroit. The energy just made me feel comfortable. It’s what I’m used to. Detroit definitely has an edge to it, like Chicago. That and when I was last there, it was late fall and the seasons are the same as Chicago, so it was just really comforting. I could definitely see myself living there.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. I’d love to go to Hawaii. My best friend and I always joke about moving there for a year. We’d set up a recording studio and just make music all day, every day. Seems like it’d be a pretty relaxing place to be for a little bit.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. Headphones, phone, computer, iPad, glasses, an oversized hoodie, yoga pants, sneakers, makeup and my skincare products.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. Florida with all my friends, because I always feel so relaxed there, mostly because it’s familiar. I’ve been going there on vacation for years. I’d be pretty content with just watching movies. I’d probably just spend the entire time in a hotel with an ocean view.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. Vanilla ice cream and vegan cookies or brownies.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. I don’t do any research before I go away on a trip. Usually I have either my brother or manager with me.
Q. What is your best vacation memory?
A. Being in Amsterdam and my friend flying across the world to come hang out with me, because I really needed a friend there. I woke up the next morning and they were there. I was so happy! I’ll never forget that trip.
© 2020 JAE-HA KIM
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