KYRI

Since KYRI’s time at BIMM London, the alt-pop artist has recorded at the legendary British Grove Studios (with producer Martin Hollis), released his debut EP ‘Waves’ and received praise from an array of respected music and LGBTQIA+ publications. 

The Popular Music Performance (Vocals) and Songwriting graduate, who describes his sound as ‘ethereal, electronic and atmospheric’, has continued grafting and honing his songwriting skills – something he says has helped him to become the artist he wants to be.

“I knew I wanted my primary focus to be on becoming an artist – writing, recording and releasing my own material that I could be truly proud of,” KYRI says.

KYRI dropped his first EP ‘Waves’ in August 2020 and has received critical acclaim – with Wonderland Magazine debuting the album, and calling it: “angelic and impressive”.  However, his highlight so far is receiving messages from music-lovers around the world, who’ve connected to his tracks:

“On Instagram, I received so many super kind messages about my music from listeners all over the world and the EP has been streamed over 100k times on Spotify. This was so overwhelming. For me, the idea of having support like this is insane, amazing and kinda hilarious. I’m so grateful and thankful to those who have opened up and reached out. The fact that my music has touched them in some way is what it’s all about. It’s made it all worth it.’

KYRI, who continued one-on-one sessions with two of his tutors (jazz pianist Sam Crowe and vocal coach Anna Higgs) after completing his studies, advises BIMM students to get as involved as they can with music and supporting organisations.

“My main piece of advice would be to get plugged into the ecosystem,” he says. “There’s so many amazing organisations to help you develop professionally and artistically  – Wired4Music, The Roundhouse, Sound & Music, Youth Music and more! Then there’s the funding bodies – Help Musicians UK, PRS, Arts Council England etc. to be aware of. Go to BBC Introducing Live, The Ultimate Seminar, any of the panel talks at The Roundhouse and generally just embed yourself in the scene and learn as much as possible.

“From a playing perspective, I’d also say practice your technique as much as possible and use open mics to practise performing. I think it’s really important to take the time to properly learn music theory – to read and write music. You never know when it will come in handy and give you that edge professionally.

“Other than that, work hard, learn as many new skills as possible, don’t compare yourself to others and remember to enjoy it all!”

Following the success of ‘Waves’, KYRI is working on new material and is looking to venture down an ‘experimental, artsy, more electronic and avant-garde kinda route’, featuring exciting collaborations.