Your incredible songwriting skills are really on display on your new single “State of Mind”! What is the story behind your new track?
Reva K: Thank you. I wrote the song in 2017 and the original demo had a mellower feel because of my initial inspiration for writing it. In 2021, I played it for my producer Stefan and told him I was unsure about whether or not it made sense to develop it further. He insisted that it was a potential hit and so we commenced work on it a few months later. As we re-tracked everything, the intent evolved and it really became what Stefan calls my anthem of desire.
What sparked your interest in music and made you start writing songs when you were younger?
Reva K: At an early age, I gravitated toward making music because it felt like a natural way to express my thoughts and feelings. It was less of a conscious decision but more instinctive back then. I’m certainly more aware of that inclination as an adult. Beyond that, writing and playing music can also offer me a form of escape from my thoughts and the sometimes chaotic world around me.
What was your experience like being the mentee of Grammy-nominated producer, ill Factor?
Reva K: ill Factor helped me get on my feet as a recording artist. His support and belief in me from day one has been invaluable. Through his online program Beat Academy, I learned how to arrange my songs and find my sound. The basic production knowledge I gained from ill has given me an advantage in communicating my ideas, when crafting new songs with Stefan.
Who would you say are your biggest inspirations when it comes to other guitar players?
Reva K: Honestly, I wasn’t ever focused on or inspired by specific guitarists. My focus has always been on songwriting. So, I wanted to learn guitar for the sake of having a tool with which I could sketch out my own song ideas. Over the years, my playing style evolved as a result of listening to countless guitarists playing in great songs.
I love your modern-pop rock sound so much! Who would you say are some of your biggest influences when it comes to your music?
Reva K: Thank you. Ed Sheeran, HAIM, Kacey Musgraves, Eminem and Taylor Swift have all had a significant impact on the way I approach my music. But even before that, I was first introduced to great hooks and clever lyrics from the band All Time Low. More recently, Stefan has turned me on to bands like New Order, Air and Lush, who are starting to infiltrate my psyche as I continually write new material.
What is one of your biggest goals for your career? To play a certain venue/city or collaborate with another artist? I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you!
Reva K: Well, I like the idea of playing some shows in Southern Europe or maybe Brazil, where there’s a rapidly growing interest in my work. I don’t know about collaborating as I really enjoy the process of writing and recording my raw ideas and then pulling Stefan in to further map out arrangements and the rest of the production process. That said, I would certainly embrace an opportunity to write with Kacey Musgraves or Haim.
Interviewed By Sarah Curry
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