Meet Kimbra: Uncovering the story behind the artist

In this excerpt from her new course Kimbra: Vocal Creativity, Arranging, and Production, Kimbra pulls back the curtain on her rocket to stardom with Gotye, her musical development, her perspective on music making, and so much more. Sign up for the course today at soundfly.com/kimbra.
Kimbra shares her experience making "Somebody That I Used to Know," unpacks how she found her niche making pop music that falls 'left of center,' discusses the genres she turns to for inspiration, and offers her take on women in the music industry. If you're inspired by her perspective, consider signing up for her full online course, available exclusively through Soundfly.
*Join Soundfly's Membership for access to dozens of in-depth courses from top artists like Kimbra, Com Truise, and Kiefer, a supportive Discord community, new weekly lessons in your inbox, and much more: tinyurl.com/yv2kedua
Filmed at Outlier Inn: www.outlierinn.com/
@theoutlierinn
Keep the conversation going with Soundfly at:
/ learntosoundfly
/ learntosoundfly
/ learntosoundfly
Follow Kimbra:
Website: KimbraMusic.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/KimbraMusic
Twitter: @KimbraMusic
Instagram: @KimbraMusic
KZbin: / kimbramusic
Patreon: / kimbra

[@nathanpetronzio6442]

Imagine both winning the Grammy for ROTY and Prince saying he loves your song within the same 10 second window. That’s peaking at an unreal level.

[@slickrick1042]

She is a huge Prince fan and has been saying it for over a decade. She lists him as one of her primary influences and if you listen carefully within her older music you can really hear it.

[@o.j3022]

Imagine your entire career being defined by a song she didn’t write and then never accomplishing anything in her field for herself.

[@anameyoucantremember]

@@o.j3022 Ouch

[@o.j3022]

@@slickrick1042 this woman wasn’t even relevant 10 years ago. She featured on one hit song and made 3 albums that are absolute garbage. Her record label cancelled her last album because it was going to bomb. Don’t believe me? You can see the promotion for the album that was meant to come out in 2021. Her career was over before it begun.

[@slickrick1042]

@@o.j3022 I didn’t know that nor do I really care. I just discovered her music about a year ago. I can see the decline of the music though. She tries to get too artsy with it. Her starting music was more Taylor Swift and her middle music was good but her newer music is woke trash! When she moved to New York it all started going down hill for her. She can’t play the same song twice the same and I guess it really is true. Get woke go broke!

[@Bloodworia]

She is a musician in a world of performers.

[@MedalionDS9]

Kimbra's first solo record was great, can't believe she didn't blow up bigger

[@boordbelsj]

Thats the problem in this time... tiktok idiots are getting more attention then people with real talent

[@stefannita3439]

@@boordbelsj Kimbra's first record came out 5 years before TikTok lol what are you talking about

[@boordbelsj]

@@stefannita3439 think the new movie dont look up is a nice example for this..

[@o.j3022]

Her first album was a mash up of half assed pop tracks. Her only song was with Gotye in 2012, she never had a hope after that.

[@o.j3022]

@@boordbelsj her only real talent seems to be featuring on songs 10 years ago and not knowing when to call it quits.

[@whiteoak60]

She is a Powerhouse..... just unreal talent

[@o.j3022]

***whose career is now over after the massive FAIL of an album drop LOL

[@Jaa_morant]

@@o.j3022omg look who is here again? The internet tycoon? What a way to waste your life - writing poisoned comments all day long. Damn u must have been rejected by her or I don’t know why anyone would generate so much hate all around. And I know the best part? She couldn’t care less about your existence, while you are here being salty and it’s just making YOUR life worse. Myself I’m not gonna waste any of my time on a damaged individual like you, stay salty 😂

[@briannovak5028]

She’s like an angel… pretty sure she hasn’t blown up because she didn’t sell her soul… and hey… this is just my belief so just think before you criticize lol cheers 🍻

[@WishboneWoody]

She seems so confident and self empowered. 👏

[@bluepacificsurf]

Kimbra is such a natural, not just as a singer, but in front of the cameras she just shines !!

[@pr9062]

I'm not sure what i would be happier with, the grammy itself or Prince saying he loves your song.

[@elishagreymusic5006]

When she started talking about women in the industry, I really felt that. When I was in audio editing classes in university there was always some men (at the same level as me) shooting down my ideas or being belittling about my limited technical vocabulary, despite the fact we were in an entry-level class. I started teaching myself to produce my own music so that I wouldn't have to create music in an environment that was pretentious. We are all just trying to make songs and have a good time and work hard. Also, I love Kimbra, Settle Down is one of my favorite songs ever! I didnt know she was the voice in Used to Know until this vid :)

[@udontknowmeno]

A lot of men feel threatened when a woman is as good or even better and they feel the need to try and belittle women so they give up and these men with little self esteem feel better about themselves. I cheer you on in your journey. Don't ever stop because some little worm is trying to crawl up in you.

[@manifestgtr]

@@udontknowmeno What are you talking about? In every environment I’ve ever worked in, men couldn’t care less who works alongside them effectively. I feel like this is one of those narratives that people parrot without any consideration. “Oh, but there was this time….” Right, you encountered an asshole. You think dudes don’t encounter assholes?

[@udontknowmeno]

@@manifestgtr I think you were trying to answer Elisha. But other than that: oh of course dudes encounter bad people sometimes but they are not as often as women put down just because of their gender.

[@zhulza]

Maybe your ideas sucked.... Also I can almost bet you women have done the same thing to men so complain more please.

[@unloveableandre]

"I didnt know she was the voice in Used to Know until this vid." That's amazing. I only know her because of Used to Know. Glad you know her better and for her own work. The sexism and misogyny, needs to end. It's so arcaic and stupid.

[@evolicious]

massively underrated artist

[@oxouk]

After the Gotye song came out I went done this Kimbra rabbit hole. I listened to everything she did, watched every video I could find. I liked how diverse her style was and how she used her voice for mimicking instruments. That's something that I used to do in the early 90's with a microphone plugged into a delay and flange pedal whilst adjusting the pitch and rate of delay. My voice ended up sounding like a synth. Her creativity is inspiring, she also seems very down to earth which I love.

[@alienteknology5390]

What a lovely person she is we need more artists like her. We need more Kimbras, Bjorks, Grimes, Aurora & Hania Rani.

[@everyojaniromerosifuentes5612]

Fiona apple Sky Ferreira Lorde Fka twigs

[@glaucorotondi2339]

and less Anitta's

[@diamond82737]

caroline polacheks and imogen heaps

[@andreapellegrino7937]

Kate Bushes Sheena Ringos Hikaru Utadas Florence Welches Corinne Bailey Raes Lianne La Havases Elisas (Italian singer-songwriter and producer)

[@akealahlindsay708]

@@glaucorotondi2339oh please 😂 that Brazilian singer is nothing but no good

[@I_hate_Vegemite]

Her high intellect, personal style, speaking voice and fine physical appearance makes Kimbra an exceptionally attractive and appealing woman.

[@sqd8r]

She looks amazing. Nice to see the industry has not destroyed her. She's so grounded. Amazing song.

[@whatthus8730]

being masterful at what you do and being a nice person at the same time - love that

[@UsmanChicago]

She has a wonderful speaking voice as well.

[@ayzay7212]

Been following Kimbra for years. Love her, and love this little minidoc.

[@jespersander6760]

I'm kinda hating my self for not discovering her earlier.. A genius with her voice and that awesome rytmic movements Wich makes her so damn great!❤️ 💪 and also, what a beautiful woman ❤️✌️

[@rwilsonpaladin]

I loved the song with Gotye...but I really love her own songs more...

[@dennis300cr]

It was 12 years ago with her win with Gotye that made wonder who she was finding her name was Kimbra and then I found so many of her amazing underrated music videos on You Tube!

[@stephaniot3442]

I loved her first album! Reminds me of 2012. A hard and transitional time in my life. She was there with me all the time! I love you Kimbra!!!!

[@davegarski1548]

Absolutely fell in love with "Vows". Such a fantastic sounding album, especially loud in my car!

[@yumiitomusic]

so cool!! grew up listening to kimbra ❤ thanks for this amazing documentary/interview!

[@nitinwadhwa2933]

Cant wait to learn from Kimbra. Love soundfly

[@oh_rhythm]

love her confidence which is derived from real experience and hard work

[@mikabass]

love her music and personality. her knowledge is great about production

[@DaminionC]

She looks so different now

[@potato_sal4159]

Soooo true it’s insane I wish she didn’t do plastic surgery

[@potato_sal4159]

Glad to know I’m not the only one

[@ramarsal0224]

ikr. I found her really pretty before. Not that she's not pretty now, I just like how she looked before more

[@nonamemonster12]

@@potato_sal4159 She just looks older. Changed her hair and the way she does her eyebrows. Your face size can change as you get older too - none of this has to be a result of plastic surgery.

[@colinpodhaski339]

She's gorgeous and has a gorgeous voice

[@0mar_Vargas]

She's an incredible artist, so talented 💖

[@AnakinSANE]

This woman is awesome! 😮 i’m sore that I just discovered her, but also glad that I finally did.

[@johnross4605]

I absolutely love Kimbra's Voice , face , and style.

[@isitoppositeday6944]

One of the funnest and most moving voices I've ever heard. So talented.

[@chrismitchell45]

One of the greatest live performers I’ve ever seen. Outstanding

[@MrsWilliamTheBloody]

Her accent has become such an America-Kiwi hybrid. Weeirdd

[@rickbyce5875]

You my dear are one of a kind. Such a wonderful, beautiful sound that comes from your heart and soul.

[@brianwilson9828]

What a great soothing speaking voice she possesses!

[@Bravelonelypeople721]

I've love that you can hear the LA in her accent. She's lovely, I've been a fan for awhile and I love her

[@cedrichenryii]

I think I am mesmerized by her beauty. And I can hear her beauty in her songs.

[@gangoffour6690]

Her most outstanding feature. Her vocal uniqueness. Love Kimbra.

[@dproukous1570]

Aurora & Kimbra are 2 amazing talented creative woman.Would luv to see them collaborate

[@WeetbixBox]

I remember first hearing her on a Miami Horror song years ago. Fell in love with that song and her voice straight after!

[@jho_ouiii]

I can’t wait for her to blow other people’s mind!!! Been listening since Vows.

[@Girlwiththemusic]

She’s so talented. ❤️Also I love love her earrings.

[@petergrundy8081]

She is an absolute treasure and talented artist much loved

[@hallesdad]

One of the most beautiful voices in music

[@donaldchoo9584]

i love kimbra's voice , she gives of a very soothing tone and her song are really great to listen on a rainy day. its sad that generation caught up with music genre... she could've been more popular

[@tarunsakthivel9050]

Her voice is amazing

[@aresaurelian]

I love Kimbra. She is interesting. Her music is a journey of exploration using voice, style, and a sense of vision. Thank you @Kimbra.

[@powergirlmania]

She is so beautiful!I love her ! She’s a great singer😊

[@vortega472]

I remember the first time I heard Somebody I use to know - a buddy played it for me - I was transfixed and I remember going home that night and replaying the song over and over and over. It helped me reconcile some feelings I had since my first year at University. I spend that night writing a number of poems - I'm thinking 5 or 6 all came out - they poured emotion and memories into me and from there I was able to convert my past pain into something to help me make peace with a 19 year old me.

[@ReNeGaDeAu]

Beautiful talented and seems really down to earth, i love her

[@zorantaylor3190]

"The Golden Echo" is, bar none, the most underrated pop album ever made. Fight me.

[@misterno6807]

I love this woman. ❤️

[@danrung5524]

What a smart and articulate woman . So special!

[@mikeburch2998]

Kimbra is a super talented musician. Greetings from Arizona.

[@leoquinteromusicproject1902]

I love Kimbra... I really love her... she´s amazing, a very deep artist... beautiful woman... wowwwwwwwwwwwwww no words just I love her.!!! Best wishes ever.!!!❤

[@chrisobrien1344]

Kimbra is a gem💖

[@MultiMeg101]

Brilliant voice 🤘🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🔥

[@jettivonaviska]

Ayyyyy! Settle Down is my favorite Kimbra Song. Classic.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

love your music!!

[@LordIronfist]

Damn, imagine Prince saying "I love this song" about a song you were a part of creating.

[@Zlist1994]

lol and him presenting you a Grammy at the same time. Mind Blown XD

[@tonysoprano7897]

she is a real star of this song

[@jaconavery]

How have I just found out about her? She's amazing.

[@chriswright2553]

Kimbra, you'd be great at audio books and voiceovers - your voice is amazing. Have you ever done any?

[@akimyoung8507]

You’re amazing Kimbra. Appreciate your contributions to music❤️🤟🏾

[@BraveAbandon]

Reminds me of sheena ringo for how much she experiments with her sound, and how amazing some tracks turn out thanks to it. Creators who dare to actually use their creativity! When artists actually care about making art, its so refreshing! They bring new light into the world with their work!

[@specialed36ify]

She is awesome.

[@oogabooga4813]

Smart, mature and talented!

[@scottcrosby-art5490]

So pretty with a great voice

[@stefanbuzea9744]

The best of the best=Kimbra!❤

[@chasebuckingham7193]

I love her

[@michaelstewart1526]

I'm glad she's showing her ears now

[@Fuiape]

I've been writing and producing songs for 6 years now, still haven't found the courage to show these to anybody because I feel I suck... still I won't give up! I just keep thinking of writing songs and practicing. I wish though, that I could have a mentor, some sort of support than just 4 walls on a daily!

[@andseraf8544]

Thank you

[@averageguy1261]

A true professional

[@beckynelson6786]

Kimbra's music is quality music!❤

[@kinesky]

I'm a big fan of Gotye and Kimbra, but "Somebody That I Used to Know" is just a good song, at the right time. They both have 100 times better songs in their work. Soy un gran admirador tanto de Gotye y de Kimbra, pero "Somebody That I Used to Know" Es solo una buena canción, en el momento indicado. Ambos tienen canciones 100 veces mejores en sus trabajos.

[@chaos6504]

can u tell me wich ones pls ?

[@kinesky]

@@chaos6504 Gotye: heart a mess - coming back - thanks for you time, etc Kimbra: Good intent - plain gold ring - two way street - good intent, etc

[@bigshott9117]

Are you kidding me?

[@SASoldier]

LOVE the earrings!

[@JSOD88]

Gods I love her music and voice

[@lasanbangpraxay7592]

and big brain

[@homehome3231]

She is a very talented sweetheart! Happy birthday 🎉today

[@marviceustaquio2283]

Kimbra🔥❤️

[@joseph71345]

Great talent

[@bjarnyg]

she had her moment with that song.

[@pangrac1]

Never seen prettier eyebrow in my life. 😍

[@damiandennett]

Kimbra is a legend 😊

[@fstover5208]

Most pop musicians don't have an aesthetic. Kimbra does and articulates herself intelligently.

[@crsu9680]

You know it's a good one when Prince says "Oh I love this song."

[@alfredisla7213]

You remind me something kimbra ❤️

[@Reliquary87]

Watched an interview of her at 21 and now, talk about that American-esque accent she has now.

[@stprinz]

Insanely beautiful and talented ❤

[@tutubeos]

Wow 💙

[@kevinnapier8996]

#Excellent!!!!!

[@robertpearce5553]

Kimbra ❤❤

[@Greg-lo1tl]

She's so gorgeous.

[@BMohantyone]

Big Fan ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@hopper131]

Killer voice, killer beats/loops, smart AF, and gorgeous. What more could you want in an artist?

[@goranvukovic1991]

Beautiful and talented woman!! Wish to hear her more!!! Way to go Kimbra. 👌👌👍👍❤❤

[@brookemahan8063]

life really is just not fair. Her face is stunning. Her voice is even better. And i was just bragging to my daughter that i make the best Ramen. Sucks to be Kimbra. 😭😅

[@marinasalas6731]

Kimbra 🙌🏽

[@Veypurr1]

I like Kimbra, she is cool

[@copkent1]

Kimbra is absolutely beautiful