Kiana Ledé on Holding on to the Grudges That Inspired Her Second Album
Kiana Ledé is one of the most exciting artists in R&B today, and if you need proof, look no further than her new album, Grudges.
This sophomore album dropped earlier this month, and while her billion-stream debut album, 2020's KIKI, might have been a tough act to follow, Grudges matches its power with authenticity and an unstoppable sound. Across 17 tracks, we get epic features with Khalid, Ella Mai and Bryson Tiller, and while her sounds feel as instantly classic as the best of '90s R&B, she delivers each track with her own modern, urgent twist and unmatched realness. It's magic from start to finish, and we had the pleasure of chatting with Kiana to learn all about the album, her growth as a human and what these songs reveal about her.
Sweety High: What does the album name Grudges mean to you? Why did that title track feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?
Kiana Ledé: "Grudges" was the perfect title because I am naming all my grudges and definitely letting off some steam. The song "Grudges" touches on acknowledging that I'm holding on to a lot of things—I am trying my best to let go of these even though it is really hard and I make mistakes.
(Grudges via Republic Records)
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SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the album? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?
KL: This album is about the things I've been through the last three years and not just about the grudges I hold against people in romantic relationships, but with everything including myself. I hope this reminds my fans that we all have trauma and make mistakes and hold grudges but we can get through them together.
SH: How would you describe the album's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?
KL: This album is R&B/alt-R&B. The transitions are what really bring it all together. They represent me getting some s*** off my chest. I just went into the studio and put my trust into the people I make music with and let them do what they do and make something that felt right to them, keeping the idea of what my sound is and what the album meant in mind.
(Photo credit: Katia Temkin)
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SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?
KL: I think these songs are stories of my past. I've done so much self-work, and so much time has passed since most of these songs were written, so I feel like it is a testament to how much I've grown. The one I still relate to the most is "Grudges," because healing and self-work are not linear.
SH: What's your favorite song on the album? Why?
KL: I'm in a very good mood today, but also people got on my nerves, so I would say "Bitter B****" haha.
SH: How do you feel you've grown musically since Kiki? In what ways is your growth reflected on this new album?
KL: I've become more confident, but I still have to get in the studio and sing. I'm finally in that phase where I can be creative again, so we'll see.
(Photo credit: Katia Temkin)
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SH: Were there parts that were a lot easier in the making of your second studio album? Parts that were harder?
KL: Some songs like "Deserve" and "Same Type" were really emotional to write about, but for the most part, everything just felt super cathartic. Especially "Grudges," because I was literally journaling throughout the entire session.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
KL: Get ready for my tour in September! Love to anyone that is reading this!
You can also listen to Grudges in full below:
For even more from Kiana, click HERE to read our interview with her on "Jealous" featuring Ella Mai.