Singer-songwriter Kirstie Fleur has recently unveiled the emotionally powerful single “Reform”, which evokes what this gifted artist calls artistic activism.
A blend of Americana, roots, soul, and folk, this timely track expresses Kirstie’s recent experiences with racial turmoil and how religious institutions have failed many citizens in recent years.
Kirstie has very kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding her latest musical release & you can find the full interview below.
Hey Kirstie, thank you so much for this interview. Can you start by telling the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution a little bit about yourself?
Kirstie: Thank you! I would describe myself as very empathic, deeply feeling, sensing, and perceiving. You know one of those people that reads the room immediately and knows what people are feeling without them saying a word, yea that’s me. I feel most invigorated when I’m connecting with people one-on-one over deep conversation. I love everything 70s, flowers, empowerment for women, sustainability, and exploring new healthy foods. I love trips out of the country and I am a total foody.
When did you first discover your passion for music?
Kirstie: As a kid, I was my mom always threw a microphone in my hand. She was a pastor and I was always at home singing. But I kind of realized singing was my thing in Middle School. I was in choir because it was just natural for me but I got chosen for additional performances, solos, and special choirs. At that point, I realized I could see myself doing this. I really fell in love with the performance piece of it.
Have you always wanted to pursue a career within the world of music?
Kirstie: Yes. From as early as 13 I was writing songs and loved writing sad songs about heartbreak. But as early as I can remember I wanted to be a ballerina, a fashion designer, a model, and a singer. Being an artistic kid a gravitated towards arts and performance and felt like I could do it all. And I have.
How would you describe your musical style to someone unfamiliar with your music?
Kirstie: Artistic Activism. Songs about love, justice, freedom, and longing with a swirl of peace, and elements of my personal spiritual journey.
You recently released the single “Reform”. How did the inspiration for this song come together?
Kirstie: The inspiration came from a church experience that was really the tipping point/breaking point for me. I was just fed up with injustice. But this song did not come out of me until years after all these crazy upticks in racial violence towards black people. In reality, I think my body was just not really ready to process those emotions. But the moment I had a safe space the melody and chorus lyrics flowed out. I was actually staying at the Read House Hotel in Chattanooga when I got the song idea and sang it into my phone.
You co-wrote this song alongside Isaac Gill & Madeline Kiel. What was it like writing this song together?
Kirstie: The first writing session was just me and Isaac via a zoom call and it was emotional for me. Isaac is a good friend and he really wanted to know where the idea came from so that we could write it honestly. So, I had to do a deep dive internally and fish for where this song was actually being birthed from. The second Zoom writing session was with Madeline included. So, I did a similar thing and ran through the storyline of the song, and between the three of us we came up with the lyrics for what “Reform” is now. It was important that the song was honest and that I felt safe, to be honest about what I experienced. This was such a great and professional team to write with.
This song clearly means a great deal to you & features a serious meaning behind it. How did it feel when you first finalized writing this song?
Kirstie: At that point, I just wanted to make sure that whoever was on production was going to catch my vision for the song. That’s always a thing. The day that I recorded the song in the studio, I added the last line “You gotta love”. On the way to the studio, I just kept feeling there was a piece missing and I sat in my car and sang it over and over and wrote on a napkin “You gotta love, it’s all about love”. So, we squeezed that piece in and it felt complete to me.
Did you always plan to release “Reform” as a single?
Kirstie: Yes. But I feel like this is a continued story. So, I have a plan to release some other pieces with a similar feel soon.
What does this song personally mean to you?
Kirstie: It means if you say that you love people, truly be about what you say you are about. It’s my rage against the system I guess you could say. Not only for myself but I am exhausted with seeing church leaders, institutions and our government not truly care about black and brown communities. I’m sure this song will be interpreted to mean many different things to many different people. That is art. I hope it speaks to who it is meant to speak to.
If listeners could take anything from this song, what would you like it to be?
Kirstie: You are seen. Your pain, turmoil, and even your patience with injustice. I feel you, hear you and I see you. Sometimes people just need to know they are not alone and that it’s okay to grieve what is broken in our world. I hope they feel that I intended to hold space for them in this song.
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Kirstie: YES!! Keep being kind, showing empathy, and loving each other well. We are way more alike than we sometimes care to admit. Cherish the differences that make us better as people and when it’s time to speak up against injustice, DO IT!!!
You can check out “Reform” on Spotify below or via further platforms here.
Fierce & Fabulous Revolution 