Collective Scream presents: a conversation with Kira Metcalf
Kira Metcalf is a Brooklyn-based musician known for her moody, genre-blending sound that mixes folk, jazz, electro, and grunge. Her songs are emotional and introspective, with lush vocal harmonies that move between soft vulnerability and up-front strength. She creates music that feels personal, reflective, and powerful.
Kira will be opening up the next show for the Collective Scream Benefit Show Series on Saturday, July 12 at The Gutter.
We checked in with Kira about her upcoming releases, dream local lineups, and which parks inspire her tattoo goals. Get to know her below!
Why is supporting this month’s organization, MIXTECA, important to you - or what made you want to get involved with Collective Scream?
I wanted to work with Collective Scream in general because it’s really hope-inducing to coalesce with people in the NYC music scene voicing the same concerns that I share with so many friends and artists. With ICE and the US Government threatening immigrant communities across the U.S., but especially in NYC, I’m grateful for the opportunity to support MIXTECA’s mission of helping people obtain access to crucial legal aid as well as health and social services here in Brooklyn.
How do you think music can be and is important in difficult or turbulent times?
I think fear tactics of oppressive regimes usually lead to people being silent, isolated, and uncertain. They want us to feel ashamed of who we are and who we love and what we look like so that we'll give all our precious energy to fitting a mold instead of taking up the space we deserve.
Music gives us mainline access to those innermost fears, allowing us to grapple with hard questions, confront shame, and express our true feelings. Maybe even find some peace and healing through all the turbulence? Hearing a song that resonates with how we’re feeling can inspire us to feel that sense of unity that strengthens our collective voice. I am absolutely a lyrics fiend and my main goal of writing and performing is to let people know that they’re not alone in those darkest moments and that together we can build something beautiful and meaningful out of horrible circumstances.
What is one unique thing about being an artist in the NYC music scene right now?
I don’t know how it is in other cities but it really does feel like NYC is THE place where you can find incredible music, drag, theatre, and art that’s reasonably affordable and incredibly inspiring literally every single night of the week. People performing for nothing just for the love of self-expression and community. That feels very NYC to me.
What have been some memorable experiences playing local and/or DIY shows?
Playing Our Wicked Lady’s Winter Madness Battle of the Bands was an incredible experience. And not to be whatever, but I’ve met some of my most treasured friends and music collaborators at shows and in local online spaces. These relationships of mutual respect, support, collaboration, and love have been such a gift. Bahhhh friendship <3 Also, my neighborhood (Flatbush/Ditmas Park) has a great annual music and art porchfest called Artmageddon every year and it’s the best. So many trinkets and music and peak strolling.
What surprises or challenges can come with being a local musician in NYC?
Like everything else in NYC, it can be incredibly cost prohibitive. Artists are struggling, venues are struggling - it’s easy to feel defeated. And that’s without major streaming services denying artists the revenue they deserve or labels generating AI music. *suffers a rage stroke*
But the surprises meet many of the challenges: active, inclusive DIY scenes, artists supporting artists, anyone who ever comes out to a show ever. Going to shows reminds me that my phone is not real life and people will always seek out live music. Collective Effervescence! Collective Effervescence!
Any other local bands that you would love to share a bill with?
I love Go Home and would love to play a show with them. Marble Mouth, Skorts, Groupie, Razor Braids, A Very Special Episode…. So, so, so many.
If you had to get a NYC-specific niche tattoo, what would it be?
There are a few specific trees in Prospect Park I would love to ink on my body forever. Also some incredible old headstones/marble sculptures in Greenwood Cemetery. Stick them on me. OR the Nighthawk pre-movie Godzilla action figure. Or or or….
Please let us know about any new or upcoming releases, tours or other projects people should be on the lookout for!
I have a record that was an EP that is now a record (lol) that is coming out late summer/early fall. It’s my first full release in a long time and I’m incredibly excited/anxious to get it out so please follow along for updates on that. I also now am playing bass with my dear friends in Honeycrush! And I have more of my own shows coming up in August but most importantly, July 12th at the Gutter for Collective SCREAM! AAAhhh!!
