Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Kyle Lionhart

In 2015, singer-songwriter Kyle Lionhart made a splash when he dropped his debut EP, Keep in Mind. It had people around the world talking and soon caught the attention of several record labels. Fast forward to 2019, and this fast-rising international superstar is looking to build on that success with his long-awaited debut album, which he states is some of his most personal and honest work to date. This past March, Kyle gave listeners their first glimpse at the record with his brand new single, “So Close”, which explores a time when Kyle felt lost and confused. Pop Culturalist sat down with Kyle to chat about all the new music he has coming out.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Kyle: My short answer is being introduced to Jeff Buckley, but that didn’t happen until I was nineteen. I’d say that it’s been a bit of a long journey that’s built my passion for music. Music was always a part of my home growing up. My father was a musician and because he was a guitarist, my sisters and I had to play different instruments. My first musical experience was through the drums. I have these funny memories of my father getting stoned and making us jam out to songs by The Cranberries when I was in my early teens. Listening to Blink-182, Metallica, Slipknot, and Nirvana, I was full of angst and wanted to escape the world, so I played drums to “Zombies” (Cranberries’ hit) on repeat. It was tedious but it also built my love for playing music.

I started surfing when I was thirteen, which introduced me to that “laid back acoustic sound”. My mate had made me a mix CD with artist like Ben Harper, Xavier Rudd, John Butler Trio, and Eddie Vedder, which inspired me to pick up one of dad’s guitars at home and start playing and attempting to sing. This was the beginning of discovering my passion for singer-songwriter music and the capacity in which I could write and express my own music.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Kyle: Jeff Buckley

PC: Tell us about your new single, “So Close”. What inspired the track?
Kyle: I wrote this song In the midst of chaos. I was lost. I didn’t know what my next step was or what direction I was heading or why. Everything was bubbling up; all my past decisions and mistakes were haunting me again. Everything I thought I had built a solid foundation under started falling apart, and it all started with an argument with someone I love and look up to.

PC: You’re releasing your long-awaited debut album soon. What can you tell us about it?
Kyle: This is a tough one! I can tell you that there’s some of the most brutally honest songs I’ve ever released, and that it’s probably the best sounding album I will have released to date.

PC: If you had to pick one song that best encompasses the album, what would it be and why?
Kyle: A song off it called “Flying” which more or less tells a short story of my life and what I’ve had to overcome. I think it gives a small insight into my upbringing and paints a larger picture of why I write the songs that I do.

PC: You got your start busking around Bryon Bay. What did you learn from that experience that you’ve been able to apply to your career?
Kyle: I think it’s helped me with my stage presence and performance. You’re not given an instant audience like when you’re doing big supporting gigs or playing in bars, cafes, and clubs where you have people there already drinking and eating. You have to get people to stop and hang out in pretty uncomfortable circumstances (on a street corner) with no other motivation (food or alcohol) and make them stay long enough to buy a CD or at least remember your name.

PC: Did that experience give you a greater appreciation for all the success you’ve had?
Kyle: I love busking. I don’t think I’ll ever stop. So yes, I appreciate everything it has taught me and everything it will teach me to help keep my head straight and to not forget where I’ve come from.

PC: You’ve had incredible milestones in your career. When you look back, is there one that sticks out to you?
Kyle: Not really! They’ve all been pretty unexpected and a real shock if I’m being honest. Everything from going on tour with one of my songwriting heroes, Foy Vance, to supporting Niall Horan, selling out shows nationally and internationally. The latest and one that’s up there is recording my debut album in Nashville.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Kyle: Nothing’s a guarantee until it happens.

PC: As we look ahead in 2019, what does the rest of the year hold for you?
Kyle: New music and lots of it! Plus, touring, videos, busking, traveling, surfing and just making sure I get my music to as many ears as possible.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Kyle: Queer Eye

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Kyle: The Notebook

PC: Favorite book?
Kyle: Autobiography of a Yogi

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Kyle: Grease

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Kyle: Eminem

PC: First album you bought?
Kyle: Korn’s Life is Peachy

PC: First concert you attended?
Kyle: Pete Murray

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Kyle: Red Rocks Amphitheatre

To keep up with Kyle, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “So Close” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.