Kissie Lee is a multi-talented Atlanta based singer/songwriter who uses her platform to support women and help combat sex-trafficking. Here she shares what she’s been cooking up this summer.
You’ve made a big name for yourself in music. What was your process for success?
Really just collaborating with different artist, and also just staying 100% I believe, and utilizing YouTube and Tik Tok to drive a lot of traffic to my Instagram.
Singing has been your passion recently, but you’re also known as a songwriter.
Yes, I did. I was a songwriter. Well I should say, I am a songwriter for other artists and write my own music as well.
Those are both great talents to have in the industry. I see KeKe Wyatt was a previous client of yours. Who are some of the other artists you’ve written for?
I’ve collabed with Sammie, and Natasha Mosely, and KeKe Wyatt was my last project. For my new project, I’ll have Kid Major, Lil Scrappy, and a few other collabs. We’re still adding some features on. And as far as song writing, I’ve written for Jacob Latimore, Jacquees, Tiny Harris, and the OMG Girlz when they were still a group.
Wow, what an impressive list. What was your inspiration to go beyond writing?
Well, I started off as an artist. When I was a little girl I was in a singing group, when I lived in Colorado. And when I got to Atlanta, I learned that songwriting was like a career. So, that’s how I started writing for other artists. I focused on that for the first couple years, and then I just recently turned my focus back on my artistry.
Also, recently during your Instagram live, your fans were given the chance to choose your next single. What lead you to allow your fans this opportunity?
Yeah, we did YouTube live. It was fun! My manager Johnnie Cabbell came up with it, because I go on my Instagram live while playing my songs and everyone starts chatting, asking when the music will drop. Johnnie noticed and said we should do a whole session; have the fans pick the songs. So, we set it up, we promoted it for a few days and we got a pretty good turnout. Especially with Corona, I wanted to incorporate my fans and followers. They are the ones that listen to it so I might as well let them help me put it together.
That’s dope. You last project, Real, was a great debut to your singing career. What creative process did you follow for the production of your EP?
I actually wrote the main song while I was driving. It was about my ex, actually. A lot of the words in the songs, I actually said to him in real life. The second verse was all my personal experience.
You’ve also been utilizing your platform to spread awareness of the sex-trafficking issue in Atlanta.
Yes, I’ve been spreading awareness and I’ve also started this buddy system chat group so women can connect with each other. Basically, like a buddy system so they can find someone they can do things with together and stay safe.
Share your motivation to create this buddy system for women.
Well, I’ve had my own issue with Uber where the guy was driving in circles. Luckily, I saw a gas station and I was able to get out at and call a different one. It’s just scary; you’re out alone minding your business and people try to take advantage of you. So, I wanted to help other people feel safe, and plus I have a daughter and I want her to be safe.
Have you ever explored the possibilities of this being an app?
No, actually I haven’t. That’s a good idea, I’ll have to do that.
What’s your stance on women holding their own in the rap game?
I think we’re doing a great job; I love how Megan Thee Stallion collabs with everyone. She’s showing we as women can come together to make some money and just have fun. And I loved the WAP video. It was lit, I loved everything about it!
What guidance would you provide for other women striving to make it in the music industry?
Stay consistent. Always protect your craft. No matter how far you’ve thought you made it, there’s always more you can learn. And pick the right team, don’t be afraid to leave because of loyalty, a great team is essential.
Ultimately, what goals do you want to accomplish in the next few years?
Definitely Grammys, definitely Billboard #1’s, more tours or concerts, whatever we get to have. And, I see myself being in the top three list of R&B artists.
Tiara Cooper
