'Don't Make Me Lose' is KIRI's 2nd single of the year. The upcoming Singaporean singer-songwriter fights against destigmatising mental illnesses and trauma, with the aim to inspire her audience by putting out music that is soothing; full of synth waves and chill beats accompanied by meaningful lyrics that pull on heart strings. The song is written by Multi-awarded songwriter, composer, arranger and record producer, Jonathan Manalo, alongside Filipino singer-songwriter, Trisha Denise. ‘Don’t Make Me Lose’ is about the frustrations of a struggling relationship to the point of giving a final warning about whether to salvage or end the relationship.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey KIRI, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hi Kamil, thank you for having me! Music has always been a part of my life, it is what helps me start my day, and also the last thing I hear before bed. I have to be honest, I never really imagined myself doing music. I have always thought of it as somewhat of a farfetched dream, i'd never be able to reach. I saw it as something that was never meant for me, and that I could only watch others live that dream through the television or radio. Growing up, I was always moving back and forth between countries and schools, I could never really keep my friends and I was diagnosed with Depression. So writing poetry and music was really my outlet and savior; to be able to express my thoughts and emotions. Gradually, I found myself surrounded by like-minded people, with the same interest and love for music, and that led me to this amazing year, where I had the amazing opportunity to release my debut single "I am here" alongside my vocal coach Mang Iraman, and Asmat Tarmimi from Academy Of Rock Singapore and with the support and guidance of Priscilla Teo and AORGlobal, I am able to do what I love today, that being music. Music saved me, and I just hope that my music is able to comfort someone else out there.
What is your creative process like?
For songwriting, usually I am jotting down concepts or scenarios that either I've experienced or seen into my notes on my phone. From there, I list down feelings, and analogies related to this scene. From there, all thats really left with is to convey those words into a delivery that is able to carry the message. Things like, where do I pull up into a higher note gives off a very vulnerable feeling, and where I go down into the lower register would feel a little more grounded or sure.
Your latest song is 'Don't Make Me Lose'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
'Don't Make Me Lose' was written by the amazing Sir Jonathan Manalo and Filipino Singer-Songwriter Trisha Denise. Personally I have been through a couple of rough relationships in my past, and often I found that I was losing myself in the midst of trying to fight for things to work out. At the same time, during the recording of the song, I was dealing with a breakup, and so I kind of just poured my heart out into this song. The feelings of frustrations, the pain, the longing for closure, all of that was placed my delivery. But most importantly I found new love and respect for myself and understand that it's alright to let go sometimes. So this song is really about having inner strength in those moments to put your foot down, and stand up for yourself.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
Currently, I'm on tour in the Phillipines and I had the incredible opportunity to perform for Phillipines most streamed songwriter, record producer, Sir Jonathan Manalo's 20 years of Music Concert on the 15th October this year. It starred a list of phillipines biggest singers, and to have shared that stage with all of them, on the inside, it was really scary. But I wouldn't really say it was a challenge becuase I had taken it as a motivation and I'm inspired to continue to do what I do best, and give it my all.
What is the biggest mistake you have made within your career to this point?
I think the biggest mistake was to underestimate how much work it really takes to make that final production ready for release. Before I had delved into this career, I had always thought it was just between 2-3 people, a songwriter, a singer and the music producer. But it really involves so much more than that. There is marketing to be done, promotions to ensure the song reaches the masses and vetting with others to see if this song would be a hit or miss. But even after discovering that it really takes a village to make it all happen, I only have mad respect and appreciation for the help I got from my friends with my music video and my coaches at Academy of Rock SG.
Are there people who help you with the production of the songs?
Personally, I'm still figuring out the ropes of production at my own time, and I wish to one day be able to try it on my own. But in the meantime, there are a whole lot of amazing producers out there with a variety of styles who are looking to share their works, so I'm lucky to find that in my music school Academy Of Rock Singapore and also honoured to have worked with Sir Jonathan Manalo.
What are your long term goals?
There are songs in the making as of now. I do hope to release my first EP, perhaps late next year. In the long run, I do hope to just put out more music, adventure different topics, do more collaborations and
have my own concert.
What do your fans mean to you? What do you value most in them?
I love each and every one of my fans. There are no words to express how grateful and how much it means the world to me, that my songs are able to move, comfort or be a companion for them in their times of need or happiness. I wish I could personally thank each and everyone of them. But all in all, I just wish for their happiness, and appreciate the support they have given me. Because they are my drive to continue to share with the world what I love most, and that is all thanks to them.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
When I first released my debut song earlier this year, I recieved an instagram dm from an old classmate that I had not been in contact with for 10 years since graduation. She was so sweet and she shared how my song had helped her deal with her pain that very day and I teared up because I was glad that the song was able to comfort her and it meant alot that she wrote to me. I also played acoustic versions of my usually syth filled songs, stripped and slowed down, and a fan came up to me recently after my performance and shared how my song made her cry. These are just some moments that made me realise that my audience can feel my heartfelt love for them through my music. and I'm just happy to be able to do that for them.
Where is the best place in the world you’ve ever been to?
I think, that the best place in the world to me, is anywhere you feel like you wish time would stop. For me, it's when I'm having a barbeque with my friends and we chat into the night. Other times, it's when I go for a morning walk and I sit to watch the sun rise. Sometimes it's even when I watch an old couple... kiss. Wholesome moments like these are what makes the world look beautiful to me. The best place in the world, is where you can be happy.