Grenville Kleiser once said, “Learn to depend upon yourself by doing things in accordance with your own way of thinking,” and this upcoming artist is doing exactly that! Inspired by unique creatives like Miguel, James Black, Beyoncé, and UK artist Jai Paul. A Closer Look would like to present to you, the resilient beautiful mesmerizing R&B artist, Knyves Escobar.
Knyves was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, roughly seven miles out from Washington, D.C. She recalls being close to the only brown skin girl in her neighborhood after moving from a predominantly Latino area to a place with little diversity. “I think I was probably one of the few Latinos in my graduating class.”
At the age of four, Knyves recalls telling herself “I’m a musician,” and it seems as though, she has spoken it into existence. Growing up, she was a key player in her school’s orchestra as the first chair cello. However, outside of practicing and playing one of her many instruments, the cello. Knyves started to create her own music and record on the audio software, audacity. As she ponders on that thought she stated “It’s humbling to know I was using audacity and voice memos [ to create music back then],” which is understandable, like the saying goes, you’ve got to be a beginner before you can be anything else.
Although she was writing and producing her own music during that time, Knyves didn’t kick off her professional musical career until after graduating from the University of Maryland. She recalls feeling depressed and upset during that time because she wasn’t taking her talents and abilities seriously. Yet soon, this same feeling pushed her to invest in voice lessons and discover her true musical sound. “It was definitely another round of soul-searching,” she stated.
When it comes to Knyves musical style, she deviates from other artists because it’s simply a one woman show. Knyves produces, writes, mixes, and plays all of her instruments herself! “It’s a huge burden, but It’s something I take pride in,” Knyves proclaimed. The advantages of working alone in Knyves view is not waiting on others or explaining yourself to someone else, “You’re in charge of your own creative process.”
As an artist, in this creative process, she hopes to target those who identify as a “Sad boy,” or any individual that has dealt with trauma. She’s fit to write on this topic because in the past ten years, Knyves has overcome tough obstacles that has changed her life. From these experiences, she wants to build that relationship with her fans and establish a therapeutic session for both her and the listeners.
When it comes to the D.C. music scenery, Knyves shares with us a downfall that she has noticed as a newcomer, she stated it can get “cliquey as if you were in high school again,” because of the many styles and hierarchy. Despite that, she enjoys meeting other local creatives and wishes to continue meeting multiple artists like herself.
Aside from music and meeting local artists, Knyves recently graduated from the University of Maryland with a major in Spanish and a Latin American studies certificate. “My goal is to be an interpreter for the Latino community and stick up for those who may not stick up for themselves, due to language barriers,” She strives to continue to help the community use their voice and overcome the system. “I’m hopeful for change,” Knyves stated.
This summer, Knyves plans on releasing new singles and visuals for us all to enjoy, cry, and sing as loudly as possible. In the long run, she wishes to extend her reach outside of the DMV and hopefully release two albums. She stated that she’s “A little person with huge dreams!” She vows to continue to trust the process and follow her gut without the common doubt every artist feels.
As for advice for aspiring artists, Knyves would tell them to be motivated and do the hard work. She stated “It will not only make you a stronger writer but a better performer as well. In conclusion, “Keep pushing and never stop working on your craft.”
Read more about Knyves Escobar with a closer look below.
What’s your favorite tattoo and what’s the meaning behind it?
I’ve recently gotten another tattoo behind my arm. It’s a pair of knives, and they’re about six inches long. It’s new but I think it’s really cool; so now I can walk up to someone and be like “Yeah I’m Knyves! You want proof? Here!”
On a scale of 1- 10, I would say the pain was a 6.35.
What song do you currently have on replay?
“Bags” by Leikeli47. That song bumps!
If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If I didn’t have to sleep, I would work out and make more music. Those two activities I tend to put on the back burner but If I had more time, I would make a beat daily.
If you can hang out with any celebrity for a full day, who would it be and why?
I would spend the day with Chaz Bear aka Toro y Mai. Besides being attractive, his music is so inspirational, and I’ve been listening to him since high school. He’s fire!
What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?
My biggest pet peeve is when people drive slowly, I also hate when people leave big gaps while driving on the freeway.
When and why did you cut your hair?
I randomly decided to cut my hair and settle with a blonde pixie cut in 2016. After having black long hair my whole life, I needed a change. However, the maintenance of keeping a pixie cut became expensive and added up over time. Then one day, for some reason I decided to take my dad’s recommendation and schedule an appointment with a new barber. Something you should never do! Long story short, a trim turned into a high and tight haircut! It was so embarrassing, and I was upset. However, I’m in love and satisfied with my look now!
Magnified Topic of the Week: Knyves Escobar single “Jaded”
Knyves Escobar’s single “Jaded” was one of the first songs Knyves released. This amazing heartfelt tune was written on her bathroom floor, cheerlessly over a boy that left her for another woman. “What does she have that I don’t/ I don’t understand where I went wrong.” After dealing with constant disappointment and heartbreak throughout her love life, Knyves ultimately spilled out the hurt in words and tears. From the mellow tunes to her melodic soothing voice with lyricism straight from the heart. Be sure to listen below and don’t forget the tissues!
Written by Dejah Moné