Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Kiirstin Marilyn

THE RELEASE

Kiirstin Marilyn, a captivating singer songwriter, with a pop sound is also an actor and passionate activist based in the vibrant heart of New York City. She has been immersed in the world of music and live performances since she was 3 years old. Throughout her three decades in the arts Kiirstins journey has taken her from dreams of musical theater to becoming the lead vocalist of a post hardcore progressive rock band after college. Alongside this she co founded the regarded comedy duo known as the Goddamn Vegan S.O.B.s. These diverse creative endeavors truly showcase Kiirstins spirit. At the age of 22 Kiirstin experienced a shift towards street activism, which inspired her to utilize her expression as a powerful tool for dismantling oppressive systems. In 2020 she released her debut solo album titled "There Are No Cats in America " which was produced by Adam Tilzer. This album fully brings to life Kiirstins vision by exploring themes ranging from feminism, to veganism. Kiirstin Marilyn, an artist has left a lasting impression through her performances, in renowned TV shows. She has an EP called "Kristoffer " set to be released on November 10th, 2023 which is dedicated to her brother. Kiirstins work serves as a beacon of light in the realm amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and shedding light on the path towards an equitable and sustainable world. Her dedication to using creativity as a force, for environmental justice truly exemplifies its power.

In a poignant moment on May 16th, 2021, Kiirstin Marilyn's world was forever altered with the devastating news of her brother Kristoffer's passing, a tragedy that unfolded against a backdrop of mental health struggles. Growing up with a deep bond transcending labels, Kiirstin had always stood by Kristoffer, who battled Bipolar disorder and Anxiety disorder, often turning to self-medication in the absence of a diagnosis. The EP "Kristoffer," releasing on November 10th, 2023, stands as a heartfelt tribute, fulfilling Kiirstin's wish that her brother could hear her music and understand his profound impact. Produced by Adam Tilzer, the EP is a powerful collection of original songs and a cover, offering a raw journey of love, loss, and remembrance. Simultaneously, Kiirstin's work on "Kristoffer the Film" explores these themes further, as seen in the widely acclaimed Part 1 released on October 13th, 2023, alongside the lead single, "Beyond the Bad." Through this multifaceted project, Kiirstin invites listeners and viewers to reflect on the complexities of human experience, fostering empathy and understanding for the struggles faced by others.

THE INTERVIEW

If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?

My Mount Rushmore would definitely have John Lennon on it. It's very hard to pick just 3 more though. I feel like there are so many, and a lot of them are bands with 4 members, but to represent a few bands I'll just list the lead singers: Rou Reynolds of the band Enter Shikari, Serj Tankian of System of a Down, and Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins.

Were there any personal experiences or stories that influenced the creation of the EP, and if so, how did they shape the final product?

This EP is deeply personal, inspired by the real-life experiences I shared with my eldest brother, Kristoffer, and the things I observed during our upbringing. He battled cancer at 13, and I only learned after his passing in 2021 that doctors didn't expect him to live past 25. This revelation has given new perspective to his suicide attempt at 25, a theme explored in the track "Twenty-Five." It's a reflection on my adult understanding compared to my perspective at 15. The EP serves as a means to process my grief, resurfacing forgotten memories and shedding light on his struggles with mental health and addiction, reshaping my perception of who he was.

How did you approach the selection and arrangement of the songs on this project to create a cohesive and impactful listening experience for your audience?

This body of work is deeply emotional, with each song carrying a progressively heavier emotional weight. The sequence of the tracks was thoughtfully arranged to offer listeners brief respites from the overwhelming sadness that permeates the collection. I drew inspiration from the mid-90s alternative rock sound for a couple of tracks, which, while still addressing poignant themes in their lyrics, introduce a different musical dimension. These tracks are strategically interspersed among the more emotionally intense ones, providing a delicate balance within the album.

How do you see this EP representing your artistic evolution or progression, and what new elements or techniques did you experiment with during its production?

This EP serves as a significant milestone in my artistic journey, reflecting a profound evolution and growth in my music. One of the key aspects of this album's representation of my artistic progression is the depth of emotional connection and vulnerability in the lyrics and music. It's a departure from my previous work, as I delve into more personal and profound themes. While my previous bodies of work often featured an abundance of electronic elements, drawing influence from hip-hop, dubstep, and electro-pop, this EP takes a more stripped-down approach, placing a strong emphasis on authentic instrumentation; Less 808 and more acoustic warmth, showcasing a raw and emotionally resonant sound. In essence 'Kristoffer' represents a significant step in my artistic evolution, embracing new elements, techniques, and a deeper connection to my personal experiences, all of which have contributed to a more authentic musical expression.‏

Can you share any memorable or profound moments from the recording or writing sessions that had a lasting impact on you personally or creatively?

The writing and recording of this EP has been full of memorable and profound moments. I will never forget sitting down with my producer, Adam Tilzer, to complete the lyrics for "Beyond the Bad," which was the first song written for the EP. After writing the 3rd verse, in which I'm speaking very honestly about my brother's suicide attempt, I realized, "Ok we are doing this. We are going there." After that each new song, both writing and recording them, was next to impossible without taking a pause for tears.

I must admit, I find a sense of pride in my journey during this process, especially in picking up the ukulele and learning enough to compose the song 'Older.' Surprisingly, I didn't initially plan for it to be part of the EP, but it came together just in time. While it's not my first time playing an instrument on my own recordings – you can hear me on the alto saxophone in some of my earlier work – it's the first instance where I've recorded a song that's solely me playing an instrument and singing. Not to mention, it's a brand new instrument for me, and the experience has been truly rewarding.

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