Vancouver-native Kardias Quing has a sweet new song called “Never Gone” that will really make you re-asses the quality of music new artists are making independently in Canada. It’s a high-definition mix of pop-ballad and sublime production by Withinroots (who is one of the strongest producers in Canada right now as is apparent by his recent placement with upstart Toronto artist Jugger) puts it in a “must watch” category. I caught up with the artist to get to know her a bit more.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a big observer. I guess I am always trying to understand what is happening before me, which has often taken me to a somewhat microscopic level of perspective, and tends to make me an over-thinker. Growing up I witnessed my parents continually face their struggles with perseverance, grace and faith, which has helped shape the way I see the world. I am who I am because of my experiences. Each moment of fear, courage, love and heartache contributes to that. I definitely love to make people laugh, although I am quite the crier, but I have learned to embrace my sensitive side because it fuels my creativity.
You’re from Vancouver right? How does that affect your musical influence ?
I live in Vancouver but I was raised in the TriCity area and spent a lot of my time growing up by the Coquitlam river. Along with the beautiful bodies of water, forests and mountains that kept me energized and centred, I have been blessed with a good circle of people who are always able to share their creativity and inspire me with amazing music.
Did you always want to be an artist?
We are products of our environment and I have been blessed to have come from a family of creatives. I remember my dad taking the guitar into the bathroom and coming out with a song for church & my brother drawing his favourite superheroes and super villains. Whether it was trying to understand my parent’s beautifully intricate cursive handwriting or admiring my sister’s collages and paintings, I have only ever known and found joy in using my creative outlets to express myself.
Tell us a little about your new single. The process and what it stands for.
“Never Gone” is my journey of understanding that we are not alone. There is a higher power than us that is a constant of unconditional love-beyond religion-and although our mind and heart may be clouded and altered with different perceptions, that unconditional love is true to its definition and is never changing, never lost, never gone. With open eyes and an open heart to trust, the possibilities are limitless. At first, I wrote the hook about Withinroots and Violincrush; how their incredible skill and talent turns any track into gold-even if their worst critics (themselves) disagree. No matter how long we haven’t worked together or seen each other, there is always a fire they spark within me. But then I zoomed out and realized it was much bigger than us, much bigger than my capacity to grasp and I felt a warm embrace while my minds eye opened to comprehending everything going on in my life at the time, bringing me back to my faith and trust.
What are some of your biggest musical influences?
Kimbra, Sara Bareilles & Corbin Vanderzalm really shaped how I wanted to sing and write, then being blessed by the Muses and hitting pockets of flow created by the brilliance of Withinroots have definitely shaped and continue to inspire my journey.
Do you have any projects dropping soon?
Absolutely! I am excited to serve y’all what has been cooking up, slow roasting in seasonal spices for well over 17520 hours.
What can fans expect from your music in the future?
Definitely collaborations, more R&B pop, and maybe some stripped down acoustic magic.
What’s in your Spotify playlist right now?
An eclectic range of Lizzo, Mahalia, Julia Easterlin, Smino, Khruangbin, Kimbra, Toro y moi, Jacob Collier, Anderson Paak, Moon Child & good ole Nick Hakim at the moment.
______________
More from Interviews
RESPECT. Exclusive! From the Crates! DRAKE Interview by ELLIOTT WILSON & Images by RUBEN RIVERA
Despite the constant criticism, there's no denying that Drake is one of the best hip-hop artists our culture has to …
RESPECT. Interview: Upcoming Artist Goon Des Garcons* Talks Debut Album, ‘Sheesh!’
Up and coming artist, Goon Des Garcons* has recently released his debut album, Sheesh! and this is one project you …
RESPECT The Hustle: Kristinia DeBarge on new single ‘Bet’, Quarantine Life, & What’s Next for Her Career
Kristina DeBarge discusses her upcoming single Bet, how she spent her quarantine, and what's next for her blossoming career. RESPECT …
