Kimmy Reader
‘I Would Not Stay’ is the new single from Somerset-born singer/songwriter Kimmy Reader, who will be performing at Summer Series at Somerset House with What Next in support to Katy B this summer.
The track is the written and produced by the singer, blending the indie pop of Ellie Goulding with the ambient, electronic sounds of Frou Frou and Postal Service. The singer explains: 'I felt useless when I wasn’t able to express how I wanted my music to sound, so a couple of years ago I began producing my own music to give myself more creative control. I actually completed this track on the same day as I got my first tattoo.'
She continues: 'The track’s meaning has evolved since it was written. It was originally directed at somebody else, but it has become more of a self-addressed warning of my own indecisiveness.'
‘I Would Not Stay’, with its optimistic overtones and haunting melody, has received many compliments for its composition from across the industry and her angelic vocals have been praised by folk’s Benjamin Francis Leftwich.
Her writing style is far from conventional. After years of classical training, music theory and production courses, Kimmy set up her own bedroom studio, where she recorded and produced her debut EP Tape.
Having gained a lot of local support and recognition, she moved to London in 2011 to study Commercial Music (BA Hons) at the University of Westminster. It was here that she began recording and producing her next EP Towering, from which ‘I Would Not Stay’ is taken. Cleverly taking what was initially written acoustically and transforming it into unrecognisable ambient pop, the somewhat circular EP is intelligent to say the least.
Kimmy is now working with a band in preparation for her summer gigs. 'The band gives my music a whole new angle - we’re not just going to play the recordings, that’s for sure.'
‘I Would Not Stay’ is available to stream on Bandcamp here and will be available on Spotify throughout July in association with Somerset House.
You can stream the Towering EP or download it for free via Bandcamp here.
Upcoming Live Dates
3/07/12 - Queen of Hoxton, London
8/07/12 - What Next at Summer Series @ Somerset House, London w/ Katy B
21/07/12 - River of Music (Cultural Olympiad) @ Somerset House, London
July - August (Various dates TBC) - M.O.L. Presents (Acoustic gigs across central London)