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K.Flay

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K.Flay
K.Flay performing in December 2015
Background information
Birth nameKristine Meredith Flaherty
Born (1985-06-30) June 30, 1985 (age 39)
Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • musician
  • songwriter
  • rapper
Years active2003–present
Labels
Websitekflay.com

Kristine Meredith Flaherty (born June 30, 1985), better known as K.Flay, is an American singer, musician, songwriter, and rapper. She has released five studio albums: Life as a Dog (2014), Every Where Is Some Where (2017), Solutions (2019), Inside Voices / Outside Voices (2022), and Mono (2023).

Life as a Dog peaked at No. 2 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart and No. 14 on Billboard's Rap Albums chart. Every Where Is Some Where was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, while its lead single "Blood in the Cut" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. K.Flay is also known for collaborating with artists such as Dune Rats, Grandson, Mike Shinoda, Party Favor, Tom Morello, Travis Barker, Vic Fuentes, and X Ambassadors.

Early life

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K.Flay was born Kristine Meredith Flaherty in Wilmette, Illinois, on June 30, 1985.[1] She attended New Trier High School.

Flaherty's parents divorced when she was seven years old and her mother soon remarried, bringing in a stepbrother and a stepsister, with her stepfather later adopting her.[2] When she was 14 years old, her biological father died of undisclosed causes related to his alcoholism; many of her songs include references to him.[1] She has described herself as a tomboy during childhood, preferring baggier clothing and rejecting "all things girly".[3] In 2003, she enrolled at Stanford University, pursuing a double major in psychology and sociology. She has said that many people she met at Stanford influenced her musical style.[4]

Career

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2003–2013: Self-released material and RCA Records signing

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K.Flay rapping at Stanford University in April 2007

K.Flay began her music career in 2003, believing that most hip hop hits on the radio were "simplistic, misogynistic and formulaic".[5] After bragging to a friend that she could write similar songs, she wrote "Blingity Blang Blang", which she described as a "low budget rap parody that contained far too many obscenities".[6] After writing and performing the song, Flaherty realized that she enjoyed writing and recording music.[5] She continued to experiment with music by writing songs and performing and recording them on her computer. She released a mixtape called Suburban Rap Queen in 2005, which she produced on her laptop, and began performing.[7] She then independently released the now-unavailable mixtapes [appetite whetting 2.0] and MASHed Potatoes, as well as the EP Single and Famous with MC Lars.[8]

In 2010, K.Flay released her self-titled extended play. A year later, she self-released the mixtape I Stopped Caring in '96, which she later remarked was a turning point for her career.[9] K.Flay signed with RCA Records in 2012, releasing two more EPs, Eyes Shut in 2012,[10] with songs produced by Liam Howlett from the British band the Prodigy,[11] and What If It Is in 2013.[12] She parted ways with RCA Records in 2013 because of differences of opinion. Upon leaving RCA Records, she left behind more than 60 songs she had written while signed but no longer owned the rights to. K.Flay has described her time with RCA Records as similar to "an ill-advised marriage".[13] Her mixtape West Ghost was released in the same year; this release, along with much of her previous independent material, was available for free download on her official website.

2014–2015: Life as a Dog

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K.Flay in July 2014

In late April 2014, K.Flay announced[14] the release of her album Life as a Dog, by offering fans the ability to pre-order via PledgeMusic, reaching 196 percent of her initial goal. She wanted the project to be "DIY [and] self-motivated".[15] It was recorded and produced in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with the final mix produced at San Francisco's Different Fur.[16]

Life as a Dog was released independently on June 10, 2014.[17] The album reached No. 14 on the Billboard Rap Albums chart[18] and No. 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart.[19] K.Flay toured extensively once the album was released, including headlining a tour and joining tours with AWOLNATION, Third Eye Blind, and Dashboard Confessional in 2014. In 2014 and 2015 she toured Germany, France, and other European countries.[15]

K.Flay also performed on the Warped Tour in 2014, saying that it "was almost like an exercise in becoming a better performer".[20]

In 2015, K.Flay collaborated with Louis the Child on their song "It's Strange". The single was praised by Taylor Swift, who added "It's Strange" as one of her "Songs That Will Make Life Awesome" list[21] and was featured on the FIFA 16 soundtrack.[22] The song peaked at number 38 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.[23]

2016–2018: Crush Me and Every Where Is Some Where

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K.Flay in November 2016

On March 25, 2016, K.Flay released her single "FML".[24]

Later that year, K.Flay announced she had signed to Interscope Records[9] as the first artist signed to Dan Reynolds' Night Street Records imprint. The EP's song "Blood in the Cut" appeared on the soundtrack for XXX: Return of Xander Cage,[25] Netflix's original series "Peaky Blinders", as well as BoJack Horseman (season 4, episode 6),[26] and in a 2017 NFL promo commercial drive.[27]

K.Flay's album Every Where Is Some Where was released on April 7, 2017.[28] The album's third single, "High Enough", was released in March 2017.[29] She was the opening act for the North American and European legs of Imagine Dragons' Evolve Tour.[30] In September 2017, Flay released the book Crush Me, a compilation of notes received from fans.[31]

At the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, "Blood in the Cut" received a nomination for Best Rock Song and Every Where Is Some Where was nominated for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.[32]

2019–2020: Solutions and Don't Judge a Song by Its Cover

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On March 1, 2019, K.Flay announced that she was working on her third studio album and released a lyric video for its first single, "Bad Vibes".[33] On March 19, the official music video for "Bad Vibes" was released.[34] On April 29, K.Flay revealed that the new album would be titled Solutions and announced the Solutions Tour. The album was released on July 12, 2019.[35]

On May 15, 2020 K.Flay released the song "Zen" with X Ambassadors and Grandson.[36] In December, K.Flay released a three-track EP called Don't Judge a Song by Its Cover which saw her covering "Break Stuff" by Limp Bizkit, "Self Esteem" by The Offspring, and "Brain Stew" by Green Day.[37][38]

2021–2022: Inside Voices / Outside Voices

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In April 2021, K.Flay announced that a five-track EP called Inside Voices would be released on June 11.[39][40] The first song from the EP, "Four Letter Words", was released with a music video on April 23.[41] A second single, "TGIF" featuring Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine on guitar, was released with an animated visual on May 21.[42]

Later in 2021, K.Flay began livestreaming on Twitch; she uses the platform to interact with fans, host live interviews with other musicians, and create and mix original songs in real time.[43] She also performed at the 2021 Grey Cup halftime show with Arkells and The Lumineers.'' On November 19, she released another five-track EP called Outside Voices. The EP's first single, "Nothing Can Kill Us", was released on October 15; its accompanying music video was released on November 4. A second single, "Weirdo", was released on November 17.[44]

On February 4, 2022, K.Flay released her fourth studio album Inside Voices / Outside Voices. The album combines the Inside Voices and Outside Voices EPs into one album and features two additional tracks called "The Muck" and "Good to Drive".[45] On November 16, she released "It's Been So Long". This was her first release since suffering from a viral infection earlier in the year, which caused her to experience sudden sensorineural hearing loss and labyrinthitis and ultimately led to complete deafness in her right ear. She explained on her social media pages that she wrote the song while recovering from COVID-19 and "isolating in a bedroom above a garage" in Tennessee, and that she "worried [she] wouldn't be able to sing or make music like [she] used to" but that recording the song felt "like a big step forward".[46]

2023–present: Hearing loss diagnosis and Mono

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On April 26, 2023, K.Flay released her first track of the year, "Raw Raw", along with its accompanying music video. The track had been teased on her social media pages in the weeks prior to its release. The song heavily features the theme of vulnerability, which she said was inspired by her hearing loss experience: "I wanted to capture what vulnerability really feels like. Outwardly it might seem tender, but on the inside it's messy and bloody and somewhat terrifying. It's a chainsaw buzzing at your throat."[47] In May, she teased her upcoming single "Shy" by playing it while on tour with Grandson and on Instagram Live.[48]

K.Flay performs at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on March 9, 2024.

On June 6, K.Flay announced that her upcoming album would be called Mono and revealed its cover, track list, and release date.[49] The following day, she released "Shy" with a music video.[50] The third single from the album, "Irish Goodbye", was released on August 17. The album was released on September 15 and received positive reviews, with its overall theme of vulnerability being singled out for praise.

On January 11, 2024, K.Flay released the single "Carsick", which had previously been available only on physical copies of Mono.[51]

On November 12, K.Flay released the EP I'm Making Friends With The Silence, containing softer versions of six songs from Mono inspired by her hearing loss.[52]

Musical style and influences

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K.Flay has cited a wide range of musicians such as Royal Blood, Missy Elliott, Garbage, Lauryn Hill, Tame Impala, Jeremih, Metric, M.I.A., OutKast, Liz Phair, Cat Power, and Shlohmo as influences.[53][54][55] Her work has covered genres including hip hop, alternative hip hop,[56] indie,[57] and pop rock. She has described her sound as "genre-defying" and draws from lo-fi pop and hip hop with a strong indie component in her sound.[57]

Personal life

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Flaherty resides in Los Angeles. She has hinted at being bisexual in her lyrics and interviews, and was in a relationship with fellow musician Miya Folick from 2018 to 2021.[58][59]

In September 2022, Flaherty revealed that she had recently experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss and labyrinthitis, causing her to undergo multiple forms of hearing therapy.[60] In October, she revealed that the treatment had been unsuccessful and that she had gone completely deaf in her right ear.[61] After she began releasing music again later that year, she admitted that she was initially concerned about her ability to keep making music while being totally deaf in one ear, but was adapting to the condition.[46]

Discography

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Main article: K.Flay discography

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Work Category Result
2018 Grammy Awards Every Where Is Some Where Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical[62] Nominated
2018 Grammy Awards "Blood in the Cut" Best Rock Song Nominated

Notes

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References

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  1. ^ a b Dickinson, Chrissie. "K.Flay is making up for lost time". Chicagotribune.com. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  2. ^ Cornish, Audie. "'Wanna Be Mine?': K.Flay Extends An Open Invitation Of Sisterhood With 'Solutions'". NPR.org. National Public Radio, Inc. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  3. ^ "K.Flay and the Climb Upward". Interview Magazine. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  4. ^ Nuno Caldeira (August 10, 2016). "k.flay about LH". YouTube. Retrieved April 12, 2017.[dead YouTube link]
  5. ^ a b "K.Flay – Biography | Billboard". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on September 9, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  6. ^ Yeanoplos, Kevin (December 27, 2014). "K.Flay shows true collars on 'Life As A Dog'". AXS. Archived from the original on July 29, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  7. ^ "K.Flay* - Suburban Rap Queen". Discogs.com. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  8. ^ "K.Flay". Discogs. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "K.Flay releases video for first single with Interscope Records – RIFF". Riffmagazine.com. September 13, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  10. ^ "Eyes Shut – EP by K.Flay on Apple Music". iTunes. April 6, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  11. ^ Raymundo, Oscar (March 9, 2012). "K.Flay on Money, Education and Why She's Okay With Having No Street Cred". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  12. ^ "What If It Is – EP by K.Flay on Apple Music". iTunes. August 6, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  13. ^ "K.Flay Interview: New Album, Fan Power + Missy Elliott". Popcrush.com. July 17, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  14. ^ "k.flay". May 17, 2014. Archived from the original on May 17, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  15. ^ a b Wing, Jaclyn. "K.Flay: The Performer Cover Story". Performer Mag. Archived from the original on March 16, 2015.
  16. ^ "K.Flay". March 4, 2016. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  17. ^ "Life As a Dog by K.Flay on Apple Music". iTunes. June 24, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  18. ^ "K.Flay – Chart history | Billboard". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  19. ^ "K.Flay – Chart history | Billboard". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  20. ^ "K.Flay talks to New York Music News". NYMN. Archived from the original on February 8, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  21. ^ "Taylor Swift's 'New Songs that Will Make Your Life Awesome' List". Archived from the original on January 14, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  22. ^ "Louis The Child Produces Flume-Inspired Track, Lands Spot on FIFA '16 Soundtrack – PRO MOTION Music News". PRO MOTION Music News. September 13, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  23. ^ "Louis the Child – Chart history | Billboard". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  24. ^ "FML – Single by K.Flay on Apple Music". iTunes. April 6, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  25. ^ "'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' Soundtrack Details | Film Music Reporter". Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  26. ^ "Music from BoJack Horseman S4E06". Tunefind.com. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
  27. ^ "NFL Drive". YouTube. November 11, 2017. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021.
  28. ^ "Every Where Is Some Where by K.Flay on Apple Music". iTunes. April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  29. ^ Aikins, Gabriel (March 11, 2017). "K.Flay shares single "High Enough" off upcoming album". Substream Magazine. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  30. ^ "Imagine Dragons Returning to Minnesota This Fall with New Tour". 106.9 KROC. May 9, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  31. ^ "K.Flay Creates a Pumpkin Mask, Discusses Inspiring Message Behind 'Crush Me' Book". Fuse.tv. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  32. ^ Lynch, Joe (November 28, 2017). "Grammys 2018: See the Complete List of Nominees". Billboard.com. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  33. ^ KFlayVEVO (February 28, 2019), K.Flay – Bad Vibes (Lyric Video), archived from the original on December 20, 2021, retrieved March 1, 2019
  34. ^ "K.Flay – Bad Vibes (Lyric Video)". YouTube. February 28, 2019. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  35. ^ "K.Flay announces 'Solutions' The Tour 2019". Axs.com. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  36. ^ "X Ambassadors Share Timely New Track "Zen" feat. K.Flay & Grandson". UMusic. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  37. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "K.Flay – Don't Judge A Song By Its Cover (Behind The Scenes)". YouTube. December 8, 2020.
  38. ^ "K.Flay – Don't Judge A Song By Its Cover (2020, Cassette)". Discogs.com. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  39. ^ "K.Flay Is Tired Of The Bullshit—Announces 'Inside Voices' EP". Shore Fire Media. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  40. ^ "K.Flay decided to explore her own psyche for her 'Inside Voices' EP". Alternative Press Magazine. April 27, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  41. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "K.Flay – Four Letter Words (Official Video)". YouTube. April 23, 2021.
  42. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "K.Flay – TGIF (Official Audio)". YouTube. May 20, 2021.
  43. ^ "officialkflay". Twitch. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  44. ^ "K.Flay remains a relatable voice on fiery EP Outside Voices". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  45. ^ "K.Flay Drops Deluxe 'Inside Voices / Outside Voices' LP". Shore Fire Media. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  46. ^ a b K.Flay [@kflay] (November 16, 2022). "IT'S BEEN SO LONG IS OUT NOW !!!!!!! https://t.co/X9stuDWjvb https://t.co/iVbaoUGJmM" (Tweet). Retrieved December 15, 2022 – via Twitter.
  47. ^ "k.flay unveils first song since hearing loss, Raw Raw". Kerrang!. April 26, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  48. ^ K.Flay - Shy (live), May 23, 2023, retrieved June 6, 2023
  49. ^ "K.Flay on Twitter: "K.Flay on Twitter: "haters will say it's photoshopped. MONO..."". Twitter. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  50. ^ K.Flay - Shy, retrieved June 6, 2023
  51. ^ "K.Flay - Carsick (Official Visualizer)". YouTube. January 11, 2024.
  52. ^ "K.Flay Announces 'I'm Making Friends with the Silence' EP, Plots 2025 Tour │ Exclaim!". K.Flay Announces 'I'm Making Friends with the Silence' EP, Plots 2025 Tour │ Exclaim!. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  53. ^ "Interview with K.Flay | LA Music Blog". Lamusicblog.com. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  54. ^ "K.Flay: Solo rap artist shows versatility". SFGate. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  55. ^ "Interview: K.Flay Takes Us To School In How To Head-Bang Like A Pro & Her Favorite Books | Nerdist". Nerdist. October 24, 2014. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  56. ^ Zellber, Xander (September 16, 2016). "K.Flay, SOHN & Mitski: Emerging Artists of the Week". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  57. ^ a b "K.Flay finds her mojo with Life as a Dog". Georgia Straight Vancouver's News & Entertainment Weekly. September 24, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  58. ^ "K.Flay on Instagram: "i love you @miyafolick. everything is bigger and better and brighter now. thank you for taking good care of my heart. i'll keep taking good..."". Instagram. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  59. ^ Barlow, Eve (June 25, 2019). "How K.Flay and Miya Folick Found Themselves in Each Other". GQ.
  60. ^ K.Flay [@kflay] (September 8, 2022). "love u sm ❤️ https://t.co/bzzz9UzZex" (Tweet). Retrieved December 15, 2022 – via Twitter.
  61. ^ K.Flay [@kflay] (October 20, 2022). "kinda can't believe i'm typing this, but i am officially deaf in my right ear 🫠 tho i was lucky enough to receive incredible medical treatment, none of the interventions were effective. on the plus side, i am now 15% more handsome, 30% smarter, and 50% better at metallica riffs https://t.co/434Tguxcer" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022 – via Twitter.
  62. ^ "Grammys 2018 Winners: The Complete List". Billboard. Billboard is part of MRC Media and Info, a division of MRC. January 28, 2018.
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