Vocalist Kiara Lanier, aka Ki, was hanging out at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Prime Time event after guesting with Nomo, one of Chicago musician Elliott Bergman's projects. A new touring addition to Bergman's main group Wild Belle, Lanier also spreads good vibes via her recently launched "cool consciousness" lifestyle blog the Qi Shop (theQiShop.tumblr.com). The site's goal, she says, is to "share knowledge that encourages me and the readers to grow into our greatest selves." There's also room for fashion in Ki's philosophy: she tries to be intentional about the visuals she takes in and gives off. "Visualization influences thought," she says. "My outfits are affirmations too. I want my outfits to read 'Afro-Futurist monk from the south side.'" When it comes to "clothes, relationships, ways of being, thinking," the self-described minimalist advises people "get rid of anything that is taking up dead space in your life and closet. I've come to recognize this is an act of practicing worthiness. Knowing we're worthy of what we desire for our life is so important." Lanier opens for Nomo at Schubas on November 28 and performs with Wild Belle at Metro on January 15.
Kiara was also featured in my Chicago Reader column.
