Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kla Higgenbottom. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I first knew I wanted to be an artist. When I was a freshman in high school. I was looking for a program to join. So, one night I went to see the school’s musical. My high school was known for their productions. So, I decided to check one out. That year the musical was called “Ragtime”. One of the leading characters was singing a song title “Your Daddy’s Son” . I was smitten with the entire performance. It sparked a joy inside of me that I didn’t know was there. After that I joined the theater program. That one moment set me on my journey to realizing I wanted to be a artist in some way. I wanted people to see my work, and become overwhelm by the emotions they feel when watching. That’s what happened to me. It’s a moment I remember so vividly.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I would classify myself as a artist. By that I mean, I am a actor, singer, songwriter, and much more. I think everything thus far has lead me to be in the industry. From being a part of band in middle school. To being a producer, box office manager, and a performer in high school. Next stop was going to college to be a journalist. Then I moved to Georgia to become an artist. I got started by taking classes and working on my craft as a actor. I sought to be a part of scenes, and short films held by other artists. In between I kept working and booking small gigs. However, I still felt that I needed more experience in the field. So, I worked as a production assistant in the industry for three years. To learn the inner workings on how to put on a project. That alone give me insight and skills to go forward and create my own content. I also, think by working in the industry it gives me a advantage of what all goes into making a film, commercial, music video, and festival. It helps me to prepare and see what might be needed in the industry. I think I am most proud of just staying on this path and not getting distracted.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn my way of creating in general. In a way create a system that allows my creativity to flow. I would have an idea of a character and be so stubborn with that idea. That I might overlook how the character needed to be. Or what the character was trying to reveal? What could this character give to the world? So, now I approach my character with more curiosity. I allow myself more time to come back to the character. I went back to studying some of the artists who inspire me. I’m constantly seeking out new approaches to taking on new characters. I sometimes take breaks in between when I feel less inspired and venture out into other artistic passions. I think before I would have an idea. I was so set on producing that one way of displaying that idea. Which I now understand that it’s so many ways to tell a story. It’s more about finding the truth of what’s hidden in discovery. I would be so nervous that I would rush through the creating process instead of giving my character more time to fully develop. Now, I use my nervousness as a way to ask more questions. Explore more, and always be a student first.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I think the entire process is rewarding. Rather it is starting with just a thought, and then putting it to paper. I might start talking that idea out with other creatives who get my vision. It’s getting a script, and finding a way to give this character a backstory, so that I am able to share their story. It’s creating lyrics for a new song, and working on my delivery until I am ready to lay down vocals. It’s seeing people’s reaction to my project, my creation. To hear them tell me how it impacts them. See how it inspires them to create something themselves, or how it sparks a new thought, and creates new conversations. The entire time I am testing my own limits. I am surprising myself. It can be frustrating at times, but in so many ways it’s rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kla_kay/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT06XywhkGBHmpSfuvkMXuQ
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kla_kay?_t=8VGSqipMTqV&_r=1
Image Credits
Credits for photos provided: Patrick Thomas Michael Lindsey Amber Higgenbottom Sheretta Danielle