HIGH-CLASS BRASS
Interview by Danielle Phillips
The trumpet is the highest register in the brass section. To Kiku Collins it is a stimulating high inspired by the endless possibilities of sound. Kiku’s album Here With Me is a soothing phenomenon. I was captivated by the sultry sounds of her horn techniques. She has a way with the semitones that will allow you to visualize the story behind each song. Kiku’s mentor, Mr. Mel Broiles, taught her the foundation of survival in the industry and encouraged her to follow her deepest passion—music. Here’s a sneak peak into the life of one of the most classy, beautiful, talented individuals I know. Kiku is turning up the treble through the sounds of high-class brass.
Kiku was always interested in music as a child. Her brother, two years her senior, was a trumpet player. “I begin singing at a very young age and started piano at about six years old,” the beautiful, talented Jersey girl tells AffluentMag.com. “I started to play the trumpet at about 9 years old.” Kiku plays the flugelhorn, the valve trombone, the cornet and sings, but her primary instrument is the trumpet.
“While I studied classical performance at the Manhattan School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy, I listened to quite a bit of jazz and pop, which eventually inspired crossing over to the jazz/commercial world.”
Kiku has many musical inspirations—from Miles Davis and Chet Baker, to Maurice Andre, Chris Botti, Sarah Vaughn, Cassandra Wilson, Pat Benatar, Sade, Dido and many more.
“ My first paying gig was probably in grade school—maybe sixth or seventh grade—at a church, playing hymns. I originally volunteered to play. The church decided to start paying me. It was nice to feel respected for what I worked so hard at.”
For Kiku, many doors of opportunity have opened for her musical passion. Beyonce held worldwide auditions in search of female musicians to make “B-Day” history on the keyboard, percussions, bass and lead guitars and brass forming her very own backing band. “I went through 4 long days of auditioning to get the spot. Beyonce is great. She is a very hard worker, has an amazing musical mind and a beautiful personality.” Kiku toured the world with Beyonce over the course of a year and is currently working with a new artist. “Now I’m playing trumpet and singing for Michael Bolton, which is a great experience and a lot of fun!”
Kiku says the trumpet is a very physical instrument. Every professional trumpet player must hone in on the skill and work at it. “It has been called the most difficult instrument,” says Kiku, “and while everyone doesn’t agree, it definitely is a high maintenance instrument. “
I asked if she faced challenges as a woman playing an instrument that is predominantly played by men. “Men are sometimes intimidated but I'm finding more and more that they support me and my talent as time goes on.”
Kiku is not only talented on stage, but also very active behind the scenes. “I’ve produced jingles for television and radio, and also co-produced my album. “I was planning to begin composing my new album when I got the call for Michael Bolton. I still plan on writing for the album and I have my home studio set up to begin, I just need the time. Studio time depends on what is going on in my professional and personal life.” Because of Kiku’s dynamic musical abilities, she is on numerous websites for her solo album as well as her tour work.
“My passion is my family and music combined. I wouldn't be me without both, so it all seems to work out, no matter how challenging some moments feel. I try my best to balance it all.
“Music is life. The industry is so varied that there's really not so much of a need to ‘fit in’ anymore. I do believe that my music is marketable. My album is an instrumental record that is labeled as ‘Jazz’, full of memorable melody and not a lot of complex lines. I wrote it so that my non-musician friends would enjoy it.
Kiku desires to ensure the future of phenomenal music by inspiring young musicians. “ I'm working on doing clinics in schools. My posters are popping up in school music rooms across the country! I've also been featured in music educator magazines such as the Jazz Times Education Guide for the Getzen brand, which has been very inspirational for me to do more outreach for children.”
Kiku believes there are struggles in any field. As a freelance musician, it is about finding enough work to live comfortably. “I don't work on a salary, I don't get health insurance— life is very unpredictable.”
Kiku incorporated acting into her talented abilities a few years ago. “My first real acting job involved playing the trumpet and singing. I recently shot a television commercial with my daughter— both of us are playing the trumpet.” While Kiku loves touring with some of the world’s most popular musicians and enjoys acting, she would love a steady musical or acting job that would allow the time and dedication a solo music project demands.
Check out Kiku Collins at www.kikucollins.com and
http://www.myspace.com/kikucollins.
Tour schedules are listed on both sites.
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