Photo by KFIR
Queer Next Up is a series originally posted to our Instagram. We feature smaller queer artists who we think deserve your love, support, and dedication.
An irresistible mix of pop, dance, and soul, KFIR (he/him) is a timeless pop ambition and dancefloor gospel that celebrates all things. The NYC-based singer-songwriter delivers infectious hooks, cutting confessional lyrics, and empowering music that dives deep into spreading a message of being true to who you are, wearing what you want to wear, loving who you want to love, and creating a safe space where everyone can feel accepted.
What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
I have a picture of me at the age of four at my grandmother’s house. In one of our big family reunions, you can see them all sitting around me and it looks like I’m giving one hell of a show, singing and dancing. It looks like I’m so into it, that even my face was involved (LOL). But my mom used to say that since I was a baby I was always reacting to music, even shaking my cradle wildly when hearing drums and rhythm.
Why do you create art?
Why do you breathe? It’s the same. It’s a necessity. It’s a force that I’m lucky and unlucky to have. Sometimes I feel like it created a never ending chase in my life. In the bridge of my new track “Somewhere Else” I keep repeating the lyrics “I’m always running.” I feel like that sums it up. I feel like this new track is explaining exactly my relationship with my creative, artistic and dreams ventures in life, but really if you listen to it I’m sure lots of people will find it relatable to their own passion, whatever that may be.
What does your work mean to you?
It’s my life. Every time I think of quitting, I always come back to it. My creativity and inspiration keeps on haunting me. I can wake up at night with new melodies in my head, new ideas that I feel responsible for bringing to life for some reason. I believe they just like my artistic creativity is given to me for a reason.
What are you most proud of?
What I’m mostly proud of is my perseverance and determination to continue on doing what I enjoy. Even though it presented me with so many struggles, disappointments and strife in my life, I’m proud of my ability to get replenished fast and continue on. Hearing my music come to life is a very proud moment for me.
What have you learned about yourself though the artistic process?
I have learned so many lessons. One is that patience is a virtue. I actually learned how to be more flexible and go with the flow. I learned how to let go of disappointment faster and heal from it and move on. I am still stubborn and ambitious but I think I’m much more carefree which means with less self inflicted pressure. If things are not happening in my expected timeline I don’t freak out over it or lose sight of what’s happening. Everything’s supposed to happen on its own time and if it’s not, you have to learn how to let go of the disappointment and move on.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
In life, money is not everything! So stop stressing out, or feeling like a failure, be more secure in who you are and what you have to offer. Take what others might think or project on you with less self-judgment and just be who you are! If there’s one thing that I would change it would be a better self confidence, being easier on myself and more forgiving.
Can you give us a sneak peek of what’s to come?
I think a lot of new material, I’ve been writing and recording demos non-stop throughout the pandemic and even now. I’m currently working on a stage performance/club show that I’m hoping to be taking on tour. I’m hoping to book as many performances as possible, maybe even do a few festivals and Prides around the globe. Next year I am finishing my long work relationship with “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway after many years of performing with them. The show is closing and finally I am free and capable to focus my entire energy and being onto my own craft. I’m hoping for many good and exciting new ventures and whatever it will be I know it will be filled with music, dance, and performances. Hopefully one of those will be at UCLA soon!
Follow him on Instagram (@kfirmusic) and listen to his music on Spotify and Apple Music.