Kaien Cruz

I am a 23 year-old independent artist from a small town in South Africa. An atypical, non-traditional mixed kid, taking up space in Web3 to revolutionize the music industry. 

I am
KAIEN CRUZ.

MY STORY
I released my very first song, after my older sister heard me singing in my bedroom and eagerly dragged me to the studio. No one really knew I could sing or play guitar, until the song ended up on the radio. It quickly began topping the charts & getting nominated for awards. A couple of months later, I sang at my second live performance ever in front of 90,000 people opening up for Justin Biebers Purpose Tour.
Fast forward, I moved to LA just before the pandemic & have since released two EPs, Demos For Ransom & BUFFERING, got signed to CAA, went on my first US Tour and have been booked to perform at major stages including Governors Ball in NYC & SXSW in Austin.


WHY WEB3
Growing up queer in a small town meant it was always easier to talk to people online that I could relate to. Platforms like tumblr played a big role in cultivating a space & community, where I could connect with like-minded people. I have found this same sense of connectivity & community in Web3.
After the success of my independently funded & pushed EP, I went on multiple different label runs, meeting execs from every major label. I quickly realized that a lot of people in the music industry didnt understand the vision of what I was trying to create, not allowing me to have full creative control and reins on my future. Technology, music & entertainment go hand- in-hand, so naturally, I have a big interest in creating a community on Web3 that can be a part of my journey & career as an artist, while simultaneously creating a blueprint for aspiring artists that want to retain creative control as well.
I want to encourage others to stop fighting for a seat at a table that was never built for them and instead create their own table, specially curated to their needs, interests and passions!

"Kiss Me Like I"m Drowning" is a cinematic sound journey of self-discovery and exploration. I hope you enjoy!

Kiss Me Like I"m Drowning #19

Kiss Me Like I"m Drowning #20

Kiss Me Like I"m Drowning #21

Kiss Me Like I"m Drowning #22

Kiss Me Like I"m Drowning #23

Kiss Me Like I"m Drowning #24

Kiss Me Like I"m Drowning #25

I am a 24 year-old independent artist from a small town in South Africa. An atypical, non-traditional mixed kid, taking up space in Web3 to revolutionize the music industry. 

I am
KAIEN CRUZ.

For a more in-depth look into my story, please read the description of my first drop.

This being my second drop on Sound I wanted to share something special and close to my heart. I collaborated with some of my favourite artists to create a truly distinctive, cohesive piece of art.  

Sonically I wanted to strip it down and show a more raw side to my vocals, with Cam Griff on guitar the soothing strings carry the musical direction with heavenly resonance. That paired with the genius engineering and production of Tr Wright brings the whole song together seamlessly. Lyrically I really wanted to be as brutally honest as possible, touching on themes of tumultuous relationship dynamics, navigating those turbulent emotional highs and lows. 

Visually I collaborated with one of my favourite graphic artist Alex, to create an animation piece that encapsulates what it feels like to handle all of those wild emotions and turn them into super power like abilities. 

I am so proud to present to you, Black Ice. 

With love always, I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. 

Kai

Black Ice #1

I am a 24 year-old independent artist from a small town in South Africa. An atypical, non-traditional mixed kid, taking up space in Web3 to revolutionize the music industry. 

I am
KAIEN CRUZ.

For a more in-depth look into my story, please read the description of my first drop.

This being my second drop on Sound I wanted to share something special and close to my heart. I collaborated with some of my favourite artists to create a truly distinctive, cohesive piece of art.  

Sonically I wanted to strip it down and show a more raw side to my vocals, with Cam Griff on guitar the soothing strings carry the musical direction with heavenly resonance. That paired with the genius engineering and production of Tr Wright brings the whole song together seamlessly. Lyrically I really wanted to be as brutally honest as possible, touching on themes of tumultuous relationship dynamics, navigating those turbulent emotional highs and lows. 

Visually I collaborated with one of my favourite graphic artist Alex, to create an animation piece that encapsulates what it feels like to handle all of those wild emotions and turn them into super power like abilities. 

I am so proud to present to you, Black Ice. 

With love always, I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. 

Kai 