She’s laid back, approachable, kind, and beautiful, she’s a lesbian diva in her own right, her hot single "Friend Of Mine" is turning the heads of many. She is Kia Hamm of Los Angeles California, by way of Philadelphia, New Jersey and Atlanta. Kia has gathered all of the ingredients to become the next neo soul/R&B icon. Currently she is working on the release of her new CD which will include remakes of popular R&B Soul hits. She will also, be featured on three songs by an Atlanta Songwriter/Producer Reggie Cason, which will be released in the next few months. Keep up with Kia Hamm on
MySpace , you can also visits Kia Hamm on
Facebook. I had the pleasure of interviewing Kia check out what she had to say.
Lesbian Life: Who is Kia Hamm?
Kia Hamm:(Laughing) I do have a lot of different characteristics who I am, I’m a daughter, I’m a friend, I’m a lover, I’m an artist, just a down to earth girl from Philly.
Who was some of your musical influences?
I don’t know if everybody from Philly influenced me but I would definitely have to say that when I was a little bit younger I guess that Philadelphia sound that
Gamble and Huff.
Phyllis Hyman was one of the greatest influences on me as a vocalist ⎯ because I was always in middle school choirs and church choirs but I didn’t have the little schoolgirl voice that my friends had. My voice was always a little bit heavier and sometimes I was a little bit shy to sing because of the reaction I would get. But when I heard Phyllis Hymen, she was great to me and I said she has a voice you know that’s not a soprano voice not a really thin high pitched voice and she’s awesome so it made me you know, more comfortable in my skin and you know, with my gift.
So Phyllis Hyman definitely gave you some insight of what you should do with your voice. Were you ever threatened with such a strong voice for your age?
I did, sometimes I would feel a little embarrassed. Nobody ever reacted negatively but it would get a reaction you know man, you don’t look like you sound like that. I would just kinda shut up you know?
I’ve been to your MySpace your song “Friend Of Mine has over 11,000 hits, that’s impressive for an unsigned artist. Is your friend in the song a special friend as in a lesbian friend or is that just like a girlfriend hanging out with you at the nightclub, what’s up with the song?
That particular song, actually it’s about a few friends that I have or should I say "so-called friends" is written by a friend and great writer named LaRombe. What we would do before we started recording or writing anything we'd talk. We'd just have a little pow wow about whatever was going on in my life. The next time I would go to the studio, he would have a song about it. That particular song is about a few friends that I had that weren’t so…I guess not so upstanding. It was two or three girls we used to do things, I would do everything they wanted to do but it would be, "Oh I'm sick," "I’m busy." They'd stand me up. These were just regular friends and at the time, so we wrote a song about it. Doing this song was a way of venting without ruining the friendship.
So how do you explain that song getting so many hits on your music page?
Actually, I don’t know whether you are familiar with the lesbian show,
”Lovers and Friends” the producer of the show contacted me about a year ago and wanted that song to be the theme song.
Are you bi-sexual or are you lesbian?
I am a lesbian, I did use to date men though. I guess the last young man that I dated, might have been about…2005, I guess for a while I considered myself bi-sexual and um, I loved him but at one point I realized I loved him, I’m not in love with him and I no longer want to have sex with him. So it was a done deal (laughing).
Has being lesbian presented in special challenges for you?
Not yet, I don’t believe it has. It could be because when I tell people I’m a lesbian, I always get, “Oh, you don’t look like a lesbian.” I really don’t know what that means because it’s not one set way to look. I think when people see me, that’s not the first thing they see. They don’t even think about that, so I don’t think it’s presented any problems. I do not have any qualms about letting anyone know.
What would you say to a younger demographic of lesbian who were inspiring artist wanting to enter the industry?
I would definitely say be true to yourself. If it’s something you are not ready to disclose, then don’t disclose it, but don’t let it be because you are afraid because when you start off that way, then where does it end? Are you ever going to feel comfortable with who you are? Just be true to yourself and be the best you can be. The rest will work itself out.
I’ve seen you around West Hollywood and Los Angeles and you always seem so down to earth, how do you stay ground stay grounded in Hollywood?
I’m just happy, I don’t know any other way to be, I really don’t. I don’t have the energy that it takes to be a snob you know? Why would you want to? I think if you put good things out you get good things back. In my heart I love everybody I have joy in my heart, happy to be alive, can’t complain.
Do you do any of your own writing?
I am writing right now actually. I think because I got hooked up with a producer so young I got used to being told what to do. I’ve started writing again, and hopefully you guys will be hearing something soon.
This website is viewed by thousand of women all over the world and I am sure they are going to want to know…are you seeing anyone?
If I told you, I would have to kill you (Laughing), naw, I’m just kidding. I am and I’m very happy.
What’s next for Kia Hamm?
I’m ready to perform. I’m looking right now for new producers to work with who reflect who I have become as an artist
Where can people hear your music?
A.
MySpace or add me on
Facebook.,
