Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kindred Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kindred, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is Testimony Deluxe, the evolution of my debut album Testimony. It is a continuation, an expansion, and a glimpse into where my sound and storytelling are headed. Testimony was deeply personal and completed not long after my father passed. When it came time to create the deluxe version, I wanted to honor that journey while embracing new layers of expression.
One of the most intimate additions was the demo for Numb, a song born from grief. It’s rawest form allowed listeners to feel every note, every ache, and every unfiltered emotion in my voice. I also included the unplugged version of The Gospel According to Preston. With the version on Testimony, something got lost in translation during mixing. The original home recording had a purity that couldn’t be replicated, so I released it exactly as it was meant to be heard. My Mom insisted on it lol.
Then there’s Miss You Most, a little holiday heartbreak wrapped in the question: what do the narcissistically lonely do at Christmas after they’ve cheated one too many times and finally have to face the music? Let’s just say they FAFO.
Testimony Deluxe isn’t just a look back. It is a taste of what’s coming next, with bolder themes, deeper storytelling, and the kind of music that makes you feel something.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Kindred Williams, a multifaceted artist, creator, and advocate dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of marginalized communities. Whether through music, design, or community work, my artistry and activism are deeply intertwined, reflecting my commitment to celebrating authenticity and inspiring change.
Born Preston Kindred in Washington, D.C., I’m a proud graduate of Bowie State University, the first historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the Maryland/DC area. My artistic and activist journey gained momentum during my time on campus, shaping the person and creative I am today.
Music has always been at the core of my story. Growing up, my parents’ extensive collection of Gospel, Jazz, and R&B classics shaped my sound and ignited my love for storytelling through song. My debut album, Testimony (2024), is a deeply personal exploration of life, love, and resilience—a reflection of my journey toward liberation and self-discovery.
Beyond music, I’m the founder of Kingfinity Design Studio, a creative agency I launched in 2010. What started as a college side hustle has grown into a thriving business that partners with organizations like Philly Black Pride, DR Takeover, and numerous NPHC chapters to deliver bold, unforgettable designs. Through my work, I’ve helped countless brands amplify their voices and make lasting impressions.
My passion for community is just as strong. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, my husband and I co-organized the Unity March on Columbus for Black Lives, bringing together nearly 3,000 people in a powerful display of solidarity and advocacy for racial justice.
Whether I’m performing a soulful ballad, designing striking visuals, or championing the causes that matter most, I use my gifts to make an indelible mark on the world—one that’s rooted in authenticity, creativity, and love.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I would say the driving force behind my creative journey, beyond my passion and love for the art, is the pursuit of living out my dreams.
My mom and dad were my biggest advocates, especially when it came to my music. But for a long time, I struggled to see my own worth.
When I finally decided to record an album, it wasn’t just about taking that leap into being a recording artist, it was about creating something my parents could be proud of. Unfortunately, my father passed before I could release Testimony, but I know, without a doubt, that he would be proud of me. And my mom? She reminds me every chance she gets.
But over time, I realized that making my parents proud, while important, wasn’t a sustainable why. Once I achieved that, I had to ask myself, now what? Why am I doing this? And the answer is simple: For me.
I’m doing this to live out my dreams, even the ones that feel impossible. Even the ones I never thought could come true. Because whether they happen or not, I owe it to myself to try.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The reality is that being an independent artist in today’s music industry is tough. Without real support from fans, it’s nearly impossible to thrive. Unless you’re a household name, people just aren’t buying music like they used to. I’ve experienced this firsthand. Since April 2024, despite investing thousands in production, I’ve made only $20 from streaming and $105 in album sales as of January 2025.
To truly support artists, we have to make purchasing music a priority again. We pour our hearts and souls into creating and then spend even more on marketing and promotion, only to not break even for years after release. Performing costs money. Music videos for song exposure cost money. Social media ads cost money. Marketing costs money.
Imagine having the best chocolate cake in the world. You know it’s delicious. Your friends and family know it’s amazing. But it’s expensive to make. You gather the money to create it and then pay for commercials to let people know it’s available. You invest in professional packaging to deliver it to those who love it. Then, when it’s time to see the return on your investment, you’ve made back less than a quarter of what you spent. You love making the best chocolate cake in the world, but without support, you can’t afford to explore the lemon cake or the carrot cake.
It’s time to rethink how we value music. If we truly love and appreciate an artist’s work, we have to invest in it. Not just with streams but by purchasing albums, sharing music, and showing up. That’s how independent artists survive and create more of what you love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kingfinity.org
- Instagram: @justkindr3d
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15gGJUEq5Z/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@justkindr3d?si=9syEMFoWJf0zJtez
- Other: https://linktr.ee/JustKindr3d?
