A return to Soul: Kita P

 Jazz/Soul singer Kita P released her EP The Lesson in 2017 and sailed into 2018 on a high note.
 
How do you describe your style of music and what influences your style?
My style is a mixture of folk, r&amp;b, Blues, funk, and hip hop. All the things I have been

influenced from. I constantly listen to Me’shelle Ndegeocello, Luther Vandross, and

Janko Nilovic. I’m inspired by the musicality and all the nuances throughout the journey

of the song. Lyrically Ndegeocello is motivation to live my truth through my music.

Where are you from? Where do you currently reside and how has that affected your artistry?
I am from Harrisburg, PA aka Starr City. Since 2005 I’ve been in NYC and been based in

Brooklyn since 2006. I’m in a space where there are a tremendous amount of performing

artists of all sorts consistently working and sharing their craft. More than anything it is a

friendly reminder that I have to continue even when i’m tired. I think of the scene and

community as friendly competition to be better than I was yesterday.
 
Can you recall when you decided to become a musician?
Singing and performing for a living has always been in the back of my mind since I can
remember. In 2008 I performed for the first time in NYC at an open mic, #OneMicNite. I
was always asked to sing on a lot of other people’s music and albums but wasn’t
creating anything that was just mine. I speak with my Mom regularly and she always
gives me sound advice even when I’m not ready to hear it. She mentioned that she
didn’t see me or hear me doing anything that I came to NY to do. So in 2012 I released
my first self-titled project.
 
What type of education did you receive to prepare you for performing?
I grew up in a Black Baptist Church where I sang on the youth choir once I started to

talk. I also took part in several local productions of musicals and plays. Ex: The Wiz. I

knew by the time I was graduating high school I needed to at least attempt to pursue the

one thing that would make me happy which is performing. As a result I am a graduate of

the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and The New School receiving my BFA. I

received a lot of my education from the community of artists in this city and abroad. I’ve

learned how to communicate my visions better, how to move in certain spaces, and my

worth as a creative.
 
Is your practice routine different now that you are more experienced?
Yes and no. I think the only difference is now my time is more limited so I have to be

more intentional about what I focus on when I practice. I also have more money to invest

in my craft so I have a standing rehearsal with my full band, #BlackLicorice, so that we

can dig deep in the development of songs.
 
Who are your top 5 musical influences?
● Janko Nilovic

● Me’Shell Ndegeocell

● Luther Vandross

● Anita Baker

● Erykah Badu

Who is currently in your ipod?
● Me’Shell Ndegeocello

● Janko Nilovic
● Kita P

● Ohene Cornelius

● Crimdella

● REAL iShmAel

● Precious Gorgeous

● Chris Rozik

● Jay Z

● Merc The Big Body Benz

● Truth City

● Gifted Soul-Child - CPT

● Erykah Badu

● Solange
 
What are the pitfalls and highpoints of being a musician?
I always like to begin with the positive I think the highpoints is the music I am able to

create and the connections I have been able to build surrounding music and creativity. I

know that I am a solo artist just like many but I cannot say enough how much others

have contributed to me being here at this moment and how that is necessary for me to

progress and grow.
 
A pitfall or as I like to call, the challenge of actively pursuing a career with music and live

performances is really a combination of not always being the best at receiving feedback

because I get so attached to what I create. Additionally, my lack of patience can

sometimes make me rush through projects just so I can say I got it done.

Do you have any projects coming up that we should look out for?
In 2015 I started a series called, #KitaPMusicSessions, where I would bring you the

story behind the musician. Focusing on acoustic bass and guitar players I would join

them in song and have a nice chat with them about what all got them to this point.

Focusing mostly on their challenges and triumphs with their instrument.

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it8ai7sM1tw&amp;list=PLcK_kAC8POHA9hnPq5MQrePhThfF

FnPBL
 
Follow Kita P on Instagram to keep up with her music @KitaPMusic.