Kami Kehoe is an unapologetic force of nature. The Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and drummer has just released her latest EP, Kandy, and it’s her boldest project yet. Kandy defies genres, seamlessly blending gritty alt-rock with the haze of shoegaze and hints of hip-hop. Kami also has her Warped Tour debut on the horizon and the current fall tour alongside industry heavyweights Daughtry, Seether, and POD. With over 25 million streams and 24 million TikTok views worldwide, she is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about artists in modern rock. We caught up with her recently to talk about Kandy, the evolution of her sound, and what’s next as she continues to take over some of the biggest stages of her career.
“If I can change one person’s life through my music, then I’ve reached my goal. I make music for me; I release music for others.” - Kami Kehoe
MSM: What was the vision behind the Kandy EP, and what story or emotions do you hope it conveys?
KAMI: I wrote “KANDY” during a break up I was going through, and each song goes through the stages I went through during the heartbreak. It wasn’t the healthiest relationship, so I write a lot about that as well. “KANDY” symbolizes something that tastes good but it’s always good for you. If I want this EP to convey any type of an emotion I just hope it can help people get out of a toxic situation, or maybe even help them understand how they’re feeling in general. Love can be blinding so I would love to try and help people open their eyes.
Is there a song in your catalog that feels like it best represents “who Kami Kehoe is” right now?
I think “DOPAMINE” definitely showcases who I am sonically, the vocals being emotional while the production is gut wrenching and powerful with some different genres blended in. I wrote that song when I was at the lowest point, when I felt absolutely nothing, and that song helped me feel something again. So it holds a special place in my heart.
You blend elements of alt-rock, shoegaze, hip hop, and even metal. How do you approach genre and style in your creative process?
When I’m writing a new song, I just go based on where the song is leading me. I always say if the song sounds good on its own, with just vocals and a guitar, I can have the freedom to mix any type of genre I want. So my creative process is just very free, no boundaries or boxes.
You’re often described as redefining modern alt-rock. Do you feel any pressure, or power, in being labeled this way?
I love that I am playing a part in the new rock scene. I’ve been making rock music since I was a kid, so I love that I’m able to blend it with other genres and make it more of my own style.
Your voice and vibe are gritty, raw, and sultry all at once. How did you arrive at your sound, and how much of it was instinct vs intentional?
I think over time I found my true voice, doing different genres over the years, I picked up a lot of different inflections. I’ve come to the realization that I sound / sing the best when I’m pulling from my emotions. And I always want that to come through in my music.
Your songs often balance vulnerability and strength — can you walk us through your writing process when something deeply personal turns into a track?
I usually write from personal experiences, that’s why it can be so vulnerable for me. Writing this EP was like taking a piece out of my heart. It's my form of therapy, truly.
What’s one moment in your career that made you stop and think, “Wow, this is really happening”?
There have been a lot of incredible moments so far, and I’m grateful for every one. When I played Warped Tour, that was probably the moment that felt the most surreal.
You’ve got tour dates lined up with Daughtry, Seether, and POD. What are you most looking forward to on that tour?
This tour has been absolutely incredible, being alongside these legends has been a full circle moment for me. My favorite part about the tour is being able to meet all of my fans all around the world.
Your fanbase has exploded, especially online. How do you stay grounded while navigating viral moments and internet fame?
Music is the one thing that truly keeps me grounded, I’m always writing and creating and I think that’s my way of keeping my mental health stable as things start to grow. I also try to keep my health on point with working out and making sure I make time for myself and my family and friends.
If you could collaborate with any artist in the world – alive or dead – who would it be?
I love Joan Jett and Miley Cyrus. I’ve looked up to both of them since I was a kid, so that would be a dream come true
You’re fearless in your visuals, your lyrics, and your sound. Have you always been that way?
I think writing is the only time I can ever be truly honest, and I think that’s what makes it so emotional at times. Making music feels like my therapy. I think to be fearless is to be honest and to be your true self. So I think I’ll always carry that with me.
How do you envision your sound evolving over the next few years?
I have so many ideas and dreams, but over time things change, so I don’t have a distinct sound I’m shooting for. I just want to continue to make music I love, and songs that can help myself and others. I always want to be true to myself and my fans, but I will continue to grow and create and see where it all takes me.
