“Kindness, Diversity and Opportunity” – an open letter by Kyle Richardson
Photo credit: Jeremy Sobocan
I remember the moment well. It was one of my first co-writing sessions for “So Hot It Hurts”, the first single I ever released.
My collaborators were toying with different lyrical ideas about how I would sing – directed at a nondescript “girl” – but what they didn’t realize was that I was gay.
I hadn’t come out to any of my musical collaborators at this point. As I was a little younger and still new to establishing myself as an artist in my adopted city of Vancouver, I was a little unsure as to whether or not I wanted to make a big deal about the gender specifics behind the song, I hesitated a moment.
If I were completely open about my life and my sexuality as a gay man, would that change my collaborators’ opinions of me? Would it affect my potential viability as a recording artist? Would anyone be uncomfortable? I also asked myself if I even wanted to bring that conversation into to my music in any capacity.
As it turns out, I didn’t have to decide because my hesitation didn’t go unnoticed. One of the writers pulled me aside during a quiet moment in the session and asked me point blank if I was gay – prefacing it by assuring me that whatever my answer was, it was okay.
I was honest and opened up and told them the truth. I was gay.
To my relief, there was almost no dialogue about it. Everyone involved was basically like, “Oh, cool!” and we kept working. Nothing changed, other than I felt a weight had been lifted and I could be myself. I didn’t need to be guarded or apprehensive about bringing authentic lyrics and ideas to this and other writing sessions. Conversations became easier, things flowed naturally, and I was able to just be me, which allowed my focus to just be on writing good songs with great people and being proud of what we could do together.
The ease in which my co-writers and producers embraced my authenticity, and the kindness they showed in caring enough to ask for, listen to, and value my perspective and my life was invaluable. Their encouragement helped me tremendously at an early time when I needed it the most. By embracing me with open arms, it meant that sharing my stories and my unique life experience mattered – and in turn, it established a sense of trust in myself that I didn’t have and also encouraged me to follow my own creative instincts.
Take it from me – the kindness of my creative partners and their inclusive nature allowed me to create space for myself in the music industry as a diverse artist. That’s exactly what we need more of in the industry today. New perspectives and fresh ideas from all walks of life can only mean that even more people will connect with lyrics and artists whose messages and themes are relatable.
For an artist, being comfortable in your own skin is essential to feeling like your music can have the depth and heart that rings true to who they are.
From my experience in those early days – which has led all the way to the recent release of my debut album, Louder Than Words – I want to encourage others with the same love and kindness that was shown to me in the hope that they can bring their own authentic selves to their music and continue to make our industry a place where creativity and uniqueness is welcome.