Nikkiesha McLeod dives deep with Kimmortal, a queer non-binary Filipino-Canadian musician and visual artist. Kim kicks off the conversation with a look into their creative process, emphasizing how their early experience with music began with an acoustic guitar belonging to their sister, leading to a self-taught journey of songwriting and creativity. They discuss the impact of formative moments, such as performing original songs for family, which cemented their love for storytelling through music. Kim also shares their multifaceted background, highlighting the influence of their family and cultural heritage on their work while reflecting on the intricate relationship between their queer identity and their artistry.Kim's approach to genre-blending in music is intentional, shaped by powerful moments from the past and grounded in a seeming desire to rebel against conventional structures. They describe how their songwriting process is influenced by digital media, utilizing snippets of inspiration pulled from various platforms to craft soundscapes that reflect their emotional states coupled with societal commentary, ultimately using their art as a means of addressing darker subjects while simultaneously seeking joy and connection.This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.===https://kimmortalportal.com/https://kimmortal.bandcamp.com/https://www.youtube.com/kimmortalmusichttps://www.instagram.com/kimmortaltheartist===0:09 Introduction to Kimmortal3:19 Welcoming Kimmortal6:43 Kim's Early Musical Journey10:04 Influence of Family on Art12:48 Education and Intuition in Music15:23 Genre-Bending Artistic Intent19:22 Creative Process and Inspiration26:42 The Meaning Behind "Stop Business As Usual"32:22 Evolution of Kim's Music38:46 Identity as a Queer Non-Binary Artist40:14 The Struggle with Specificity in Art41:30 Embracing Power in Otherness46:29 Navigating Community and Acceptance51:04 Surprising Musical Influences53:30 Performing vs. Studio Work56:16 Storytelling and Political Elements in Music56:25 Future Projects and Inspirations59:48 Combining Artistic Projects1:00:52 Recommendations for Other Artists1:03:14 Current Reading and Social Media Presence1:06:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts