Kim Wild

There are fewer more passionate performers than Texan newcomer, Kim Kline. Now living in California, this powerhouse vocalist hasn’t forgotten about her Lone Star roots. As uk-fusion discovers, along with finding out what Kline’s rider is and learning what she’d be if she wasn’t a musician

You hail from Texas, but country music doesn't seem to have been much of an influence on your sound. You're much more of a rock chick, right?

Yes, I am from the country and I appreciate country music very much; however my mother was, and still is, a huge fan of classic rock. So that is where my love of rock came from.

Graham, where you were born and raised, has been described as "Neither too big nor too small, but just right". So, what was it like to grow up there?

I loved it. It's the kind of town where everybody knows everybody. It's very a simple lifestyle and laid back. Most of the time, you are on the lake relaxing or hanging out...like sitting on the tailgate of a pick-up truck and just chilling.

But just how does Santa Monica Bay, where you're now based, compare to Great Possum Lake?
They are both so beautiful; although, my memories of growing up on Possum Kingdom Lake mean that will always be home to me.

Entertainment World has described you as "The Industry's Next Diva". Whilst that's an obvious boost, it must also put you under intense pressure to fulfil such expectation?
No, not really. I am just doing what comes naturally, although it is an honour to have that connotation. What I feel is that true talent speaks for itself and people will always follow that. So, for me, it’s just about doing what I do and knowing how blessed I am to be doing it.
What effect has vocal technique and performance coach Steven Memel had on your career?
He has really opened me up to expanding my mind as a singer and performer. It is really just amazing what I have learned from him. He has inspired me in so many ways. I love to learn about technique while not overdoing it, to where it becomes too controlled. That is one of the many things that Steven is best at.
If you weren't a musician, you'd be...?
I'd be a cat......u know lying around all day relaxing, having a constant supply of food.....now that's a rough life. HA!
You sound quite angry when you sing. How much do you have to work yourself into a rage before recording?
I don't have to work myself up; I am just very passionate about my music and lyrics.  Everything I write is personal, so those emotions come to the surface because I have lived it.
What's on your rider?
For the most part I feel like my rider is simple. You know water, food...the basics...I don't need all red M&M's.....I NEED GREEN! Hehe.
Who do you look up to musically?
There are so many artists who inspire me musically. They range from Led
Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, U2, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Stevie Nicks, Beyonce...way too many to name.
Finally, what's only kinky the first time?
Pulling out someone's wedgy! 

Nominated for the 2007 LA Music Awards ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’, Kim’s name has also been put forward in the ‘Music Video of the Year’ category for ‘Inside’. Past LA Music Award winners have included The Black Eyed Peas, Hoobastank, 311, Korn, No Doubt, Everclear, System of a Down, and Alien Ant Farm.