Kim Hightower - Reviews

CD Review by: Kendra Beltran of Bryan Farrish Radio Promotions Cemetery Road Kim Hightower's Cemetery Road is a plethora of sounds. It has songs that will make you tap your feet to an endless array of good times with "The Change" to songs that treat the heart to a powerful pack of emotion like "Joey." Her passion comes through in every song and allows listeners to connect to her message. Kim's voice and demeanor will garner fans of Aimee Mann and Liz Phair, so fans of those musical women are urged to pick up, and respect Kim Hightower's Cemetery Road. Track 3: "Cemetery Road" has the pleasure of being the title track to Kim Hightower's album. The repetition of "time stands still" is both haunting and refreshing at the same time. While one never wants to loose someone they love, they can't help but feel at ease knowing the one they loved is living with eternal peace as time forever stands still for them six feet below. Track 6: "I Can't Go Back" is a slow jam that will have audiences singing their hearts out. There aren't a lot of women in music who operate the way Kim does. While many women in music rely on confidence in over sexualized personas, Kim has an assurance that can be heard her heartfelt lyrics and delivery. Track 10: "95 Degrees" has an upbeat pace that will get crowds moving to the beat. Kim's voice is a force to be reckoned with. There isn't a dull moment from start to finish and definitely hotter than the suggested temperature in the title.
Interview by Taxi, The World's Leading Independent A&R Company Q: Where did you grow up? A: I grew up in Baltimore Maryland..but as an adult, I have lived all over the place, meaning world... Q: What made you realize that music was your path? A: Well...Music has always been an avenue of escapism for me...in a song or lyric. And when there is no one to talk to, sometimes, a connection with a lyric can be very soothing...When I finally realized in my life that this path is what makes me whole...I took it, and I'm not turning back. Q: How would you describe the music that you typically create? A: I like to create music with a point or destination...I want you to feel something. Its not always going to be positive ...sometimes its painful or expressive but if you don't feel it, then whats the point?? Q: Who are your biggest musical influences? A: One of my biggest influences is Damian Rice, but I grew up listening to a lot of Hippie music too, like Crosby Stills and Nash, Neil Young...Joni Mitchell, Melanie...My favorite band right now is " the Avett Brothers" Q: What makes your music unique? A: My voice is a little different but I would say that I make a connection with people and for me thats what is important. Every artist has a reason for why and mine is to make you feel... Q: Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you're most proud of? A: Maybe just that I am here doing what I want to do, and not many people are doing that in their lives. Its not because I am chasing a dollar or have any reason other than my own personal destiny. I am proud I am pursuing it. Q: What's next for you? A: Oh my...the sun, the moon and the stars.....the journey unfolds each day and a new page is written...I want to adventure into the unknown a little bit and keep getting in front of an unsuspecting audience...I will be playing some more festivals this year and just getting out wherever I can play...I will also be doing some private house concerts and booking all over the country whenever possible. Hope to see you soon...
Interview By Orlando Venues Magazine We had the pleasure of speaking with Kim about her music and her life. Venues What drove you to this life of music? Kim I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. My Dad was a singer hobbyist. I learned, first, to love music. I wanted a career in music but was afraid that I could not survive financially and thus for a long time I was a closet musician. 10 years ago my oldest some Joey was killed in a car accident and I pulled out every song I had ever written. About a hundred songs and I realized that I had to be true to myself and I have never looked back. Venues Good for you Kim Thank you. This is not the typical story given, I am sure! Venues When and where was your first Live performance and how nervous or empowered were you? Kim My first performance was at the downtown library in Orlando where I did all of my original music. I do cover songs as well now, if I must. I was beyond nervous, sweating from areas I never imagined I could sweat from. But I saw people empathizing with my words in connection. It was healing andmoving from others as well for me. Venues Who do people say you remind them of in terms of voice and music? Kim Such a variety such as Fiest, Tori Amos, Amy Winehouse, Amy Mann lots of bluesy stuff Venues I am going to give you a new one. You remind me of Sade in the song Cemetery Road. Are the women actually inspiration or just happenstance? Kim The above women mentioned were who interviewers and listeners have told me that I remind them of. I am compared on JANGO also, I love Sade. Cemetery Road is a song about the story of my son and how every thing around me is changing but the fact of his story is still the same. Time stands still on Cemetery Road. Venues Wow Kim You understand...Thank you...Connections with the audience are the same. The story may not be specific or even close. But they feel something. If I can move you with even just one word, that is what I wish for. Venues Singer songwriter definitely comes across in your lyrics. What is your favorite line or lyric...you know the one that gives you goose bumps just thinking about it? Kim Have you heard “Use To Be”? Whenever I want people to realize about life, and not being able to go back I want people to feel that today is the last day perhaps to tell someone you love, that you do love them. The last line in “Use To Be”, I sing: “You can Never Go Back and be the way we use to be. Whenever I sing this I feel chills and have the sensation of posibly losing it for a minute or two. Venues Beautiful Kim Thank you. Venues Who do you listen to that would make us say no way, not in a million years? Kim Radiohead, Muse, Neon Trees, love the Avett Brothers and Damien Rice. I love all music actually. I like everything in moderation. Venues Thanks for your time, Kim.