kultures

we caught up with kultures for an intimate interview

question: We are loving your new single “Living in the Same House.” Can you tell us a little about the backstory of the song? When was it written and recorded?
answer: Thank you so much for listening. I’m glad you like the song. “Living in the Same House” was written and recorded throughout 2020. Like most of my music, it began as a very organic seed idea and developed overtime into something much more expressive and refined. I was exploring a long distance relationship, 10 years in the making, traveling back and forth between Cleveland and Chicago. I started to reflect on what it meant to live together with someone while simulatenously working through the trials of distance and separation. The songs refrain speaks to the moment you realize you’re ready to take the next step in a relationship. I did my best to utilize production techniques that help convey the gravity of that realization.

question: What is a passion of yours outside of music? Where do you live and what is one thing you enjoy about the area?
answer: Although music is often at the forefront, I’m also passionate about connecting with people, building friendships, and having meaningful conversation. It’s great that those passions often go hand in hand and fuel one another. I’ve met so many wonderful people through music and also through simply living life and keeping an open mind. I live in Cleveland, OH, home of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the World Champion Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), and most of my family and friends. I love living in a community where I am connected to so many people and everyone is supportive of those around them. We also have great food here, another passion of mine.

question: Who are some of your biggest influences? Have you ever been in a musical project before Kultures?
answer: Two of my biggest influences are my father and my grandfather who introduced me to music at a very young age. They got me started on my musical journey and showed me how much joy music can bring. Sonically, I’m influenced by a long list of artists incluing Bon Iver, The National, Father John Misty and so many more. I’ve been a part of musical projects my entire life, which have all helped me get to where I am today.

question: What is a favorite memory from your youth? What kind of music did you listen to at a young age?
answer: Wow, good question. One of my favorite memories is playing live in my first band when I was only 12 years old. I had auditioned to join the band by playing the guitar solo from “Californication” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A few months later I was playing my first show with a bunch of high schoolers and doing my best John Frusciante impression. Growing up I listened to a lot of the classic rock legends (The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Chicago) and eventually started getting into newer music.

question: What is one of your all-time favorite albums? Do you have an ultimate goal for Kultures?
answer: One of my all-time favorite albums is ‘Carrie and Lowell’ by Sufjan Stevens. He may be the individual artist I look up to the most. His music is continually evolving and always beautiful. ‘Carrie and Lowell’ is pure from start to finish. My goal for Kultures is to continue growing as an artist, connect with as many people as possible, and experience the world through music.