Kierre Lewis
Interview conducted on June 13, 2020
By Dan Locke
I’m an electronic keyboardist bringing a new sound to the table. My style is complied with strings, electronics, and a little pizzazz!
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in a modest home in Ashland, Ky. I wasn’t exposed to a lot of instruments aside from the piano that was inherited by my mother. My parents rarely played on it. Instead, my mom would whistle familiar tunes around the house and my dad would sing to country or bluegrass melodies while driving. They appreciated music, but didn’t talk about favorite musicians or attend concerts. Although they did not introduce me to many musical artists, it left an open door for me to find my own likings and genres.
How did you discover music?
My parents owned an 8-track stereo player and vinyl records. When I was three years old, I would pop in an 8-track cassette of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral pieces and listen to them every day. On occasion, my dad would play around on our piano. He couldn’t read music, but he made up his own songs. I sat beside him and watched his fingers tirelessly. I even tried to mimic him. I guess my mom figured that I should start learning to play the piano.
How did you start to write music?
I started playing by ear before writing my own songs. I could play almost every theme song of my favorite TV and cartoon shows along with radio jingles and ads. I composed my first song when I was in middle school. It was influenced by the theme to the movie, Watership Down and George Winston’s songs from the album, Winter.
How did you learn piano?
I had to wait until I was six years old before taking piano lessons. Most teachers in my community did not teach students any younger than the age of six. I also did not have the opportunity to learn the Suzuki method. It was “old school” all the way through high school and college. A great piano teacher in my hometown, Lisa Trumbore, encouraged me to compose and arrange my own music and would patiently instruct me to sight-read rather than relying solely on my ear.
Do you remember how you got your first guitar?
I have yet to purchase one. I have always dreamed of learning to play the electric guitar as well as the drums. Instead, I score it out and hire musicians to play for me. Thank you, Colin Coffey and Brian McGuckin,!!!!
How did you learn to arrange and compose your first song?
I tried a little bit of arranging music in high school. I was asked to play in church and at a few weddings. Since I had to learn songs rather quickly, I relied on my ear and played the tunes with a few changes. I then got creative and began adding my own renditions to the beginning and ending of songs. It was a good thing that I could memorize music easily and retain it. Otherwise, it would have been too laborious and perhaps, unenjoyable.
What was the first music competition you won? And what did you win?
My piano teacher invited me to participate in a KMEA competition (Kentucky Music Education Association). I submitted my first composition, hand written. I won first place and received a ribbon. I didn’t care for the prize, but the recognition motivated me to keep pursuing the composing and arranging of music.
In 1997 you released your first album “horizons”. Why did you go through a Deseret Book?
When I was in college, I had an opportunity to go to a workshop presented by Kurt Bestor. He was in the field of composing and arranging scores for movies and television. However, he also performed some hymns that he had composed and arranged with orchestration. I fell in love with that type of music and was inspired to work on my own hymn arrangements. After putting together 11 songs, I submitted it to Deseret Book, which was one of the few companies that distributed music with that sort of genre.
You just started your own label. Why did you decide to start a label? What is the hardest thing about owning a record company?
Submitting music to any company is a gamble. I don’t want to be confined to only one style of music. Also, I want to be able to own all my work. The toughest thing about an Indie musician has been trying to market my songs. There is so much time and monetary resources that goes into contacting artist reps, hiring extra musicians and finding a reputable recording studio with a solid, knowledgeable music engineer.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
I have not had the opportunity to tour, but if I did, I would be sure to make the time to meditate, connect with family and sleep…. if time ever permitted it.
Describe your current project?
My instrumental music can best be described as Classical Crossover with a cinematic feel including elements of dubstep, electronic and synth pop.
What is the name of your new album?
I am about 3 songs shy of completing my first album and I do not have a title as of yet. However, I may let you in on a little secret…. I’m thinking about “Daydreamer”. You’ll have to check back with me.
What is your favorite track on the album?
“Shall We Dance” has been my favorite song to compose. I love the cello and Greg Byer performed it beautifully on the recording.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I don’t have strong feelings either way. However, it does allow my music to reach a wide audience.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I prefer the clean and clear sound that comes from digital recordings for my own music. I’ve been spoiled with the newer technology.
Any plans to tour?
I do not have immediate plans to tour. But that could change if I come across musicians that have similar musical tastes to mine and are road ready.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you?
“Linus and Lucy”. When I was in grade school, I had a goal of learning to memorize and perform that piece. It was fun, energetic and iconic at the time.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I believe it is sparking a lot of creative ideas. Many musicians are performing online, teaching lessons or sharing posts from their studio sessions.
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Are you planning to do something like that?
That is something I would be interested in doing once I have completed my album. I’m thinking about sharing the process of how I come up with my songs via YouTube or Instagram.
There was an article in the New York Times this week talking about concerts may not start again until fall of 2021. Do you think it could happen?
It’s possible, but I hope that gatherings will be permitted much earlier.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I will most certainly be composing music. I may even venture trying out different styles and genres. Touring would be fun as well. I am keeping all possibilities open.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
First, thank you for the opportunity to share a little about myself with you. I am so grateful to be a musician and love creating songs that not only keep me uplifted, but can also have a positive impact on others. Music has been my soulmate in that I’ve always relied on it throughout my life.
Thanks again,
Kierre Lewis
You must be logged in to post a comment.