We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyah Ku`uleilani Conrad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyah Ku`uleilani, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by two main things: God and my family. The beauty of this Earth that He has provided for us leaves me in awe every day. I was born on the island of Oahu, Hawai`i and then raised out in the countryside of Parker, Colorado so I have a deep appreciation for nature and my Creator. I also am very inspired by my family and how hard they have worked to provide for me. If it wasn’t for those two things, God and my family, I wouldn’t be the musician I am today. I am blessed to live the life I do and each day is a new inspiration.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been writing music since I was 12 years old and always with a dream to let others know they aren’t alone in their struggles. Music has always been an emotional outlet for me and as someone who struggles to control their emotions, it was one of the only ways that I could convey to others around me about how I felt. I was just recently diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder which has been the most difficult thing to come to terms with. Growing up, I was in and out of hospitals for my mental health and I always hid it from the world because I didn’t want people knowing that the really funny and bubbly girl was actually struggling with so many demons inside her head. All the outside world could see was the music I was creating and that was enough for me because it meant that maybe people could understand how I truly felt and I always hoped it would help people feel less alone in their struggles. For me, creating music is about more than just getting discovered and being the next best thing because the way that I see it, music is the most ultimate medicine and can save countless lives if we just listen to the right message. I’ve learned a lot about music since I first started writing it almost 10 years ago and I’ve also learned a lot about life since then as well but as I enter adulthood, I’m not going to let my talent slip away. I want to use my gifts to help others feel heard and seen, just like it was my original dream back when I was just a kid.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would most definitely take them to my favorite ramen shop, Sukiya Ramen. There are two locations in Colorado, one in Greenwood Village and another off of Broadway. Their menu is amazing and I always crave it. I would also take them to Woods Boss Brewery because that’s where my old choir teacher, Luke Tredinnick hosts an open mic. Their beer is also excellent and they’ve built a whole venue just for live shows. I’d also definitely take them to a sports game of some sort because I love all Colorado sports. Whatever season we are in, I would find a sport to go to whether it be at the Pepsi Center, Coors Field or the good ole Broncos stadium… Empower Field at Mile High. We would finish our day at Red Rocks and catch a nice sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my little sister, Lizie. 2020 was quite possibly the worst year of my life but 2021 was one of the best because of her. She invited me out to join her on her summer internship where I got to spend my summer with her in a little cabin outside of Williamsburg, Virginia where we worked 80+ hours a week for 12 weeks straight building a business. We sold educational materials to families door-to-door and it was the hardest yet most rewarding experience of my life. The Summer of 2021 was where I started to realize how much potential I have and if it wasn’t for my little sister taking a chance on me then I don’t think I would have ever had the confidence to pursue music as a full-time career.

Website: www.universityofdenverkyah.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyahsgrowth/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/DaBackyardigan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm902S92fNqG32J6bXzoGwg

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@isthischoirclass

Image Credits
All photos taken by family members or other loved ones.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.