Today we’d like to introduce you to Kira Lingman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. While I do not consider myself an introvert in any way, I was incredibly shy about singing and never had the courage to pursue it. By the time I was in high school, I felt I was too far behind to catch up to my peers, but longed to be in a band. It wasn’t until I was 15 when I told my dad that I wanted to be a “blues guitarist” and he immediately went out and purchased me an Epiphone Casino. I’d lock myself in my room listening to everything from Muddy Waters to Led Zeppelin, Peggy Lee to Patsy Cline trying to pick up the riffs I’d heard. I took some lessons but was never classically trained. My teacher, Ori (RIP Gotham Guitars!), taught me how to use my ear and play what I felt… essentially to use the guitar to express my emotions. He never cared whether or not I played a song perfectly, he just wanted me to really feel every note. Playing guitar then became this cathartic and therapeutic experience that was all my own. I’d play along to all my heroes and build off the riffs that I loved or add chords to songs I felt were unfinished. Those early lessons were the foundation for how I write and play today.
It wasn’t until after graduating college, that I finally mustered up the strength to perform live. I started working at a local surf shop, where my manager at the time was in need of a guitarist for a show. I asked to sit in on a session, which he obliged but was so nervous to play with other people. To my surprise, I quickly realized I could hang, got comfortable, and was blown away by how much fun it was! We started playing shows together and I was hooked. I would play any venue for any amount of people, by myself, or with a band, I just wanted to perform. In those early years, I played more shows than I can count in dingy dive bars on weeknights for people half-listening, and fully drunk. But it was those shows where I honed my craft, thickened my skin, and learned what did and didn’t work. However, playing bars mostly means playing covers and I had a ton of original songs I wanted people to hear.
In 2013, I met Zach Bozeman at a dinner party for a friend I was writing music for. I found out he was a drummer and I needed one! I knew we were a perfect musical match the first time we jammed. He played one of my songs I’d played with many other drummers before, but it was so different than everyone else. It was exactly what I’d always wanted, but could never communicate. It was like he intuitively understood what kind of music I wanted to create. For years, we’d perform and write as a duo.
In 2018, I met DeFrance at an open-mic night I hosted at a local music club in Hermosa Beach. We were on the lookout for a full-time bassist and asked if he wanted to sit in with us on a few shows. Again, we clicked instantly. His understated force was exactly what the band needed and from there we formed The Hollow Legs.
We all come from very different musical backgrounds and that blend of influences has elevated our songwriting and shaped our sound into something truly unique.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road. If it were, I’d be farther along in this business. I’m constantly learning how to navigate this ever-changing industry. As the frontwoman, writer, player, booker, promoter, and manager, many of the struggles I have lie in time management, confidence, balancing life and music goals, and defining what “success” means to me.
As a DIY band, it is so important to keep organized and keep moving. If you want it to be a business, you have to treat it like one. Try to prioritize, but above all else, just keep doing. I wish I could just focus solely on writing music and performing, but realistically it’s not possible with all the other responsibilities (and a full-time job to pay the bills). It’s no secret. If we were in it for the “money”, we’d be dead broke by now. So, you have to be smart about your choices. I stay motivated by staying focused on why I do this in the first place. For me, the joy comes from performing live with people I love and respect. Success to me is defined by the life-long relationships I’ve developed with the musicians and artists I’ve been lucky to collaborate with and the shared experiences created with the people who really support our music.
My advice to young women starting out is to really assess what they want from their art and pursue that because life is to short to let anything hold you back when it comes to your passions. It’s ok to have your goals change too. When I first started out, I had lofty dreams for myself, but then had to take a step back look at the big picture to reflect on what was actually best for me, the band and my personal life. Once you find this out, the journey isn’t so frustrating and it becomes a fun puzzle to figure out.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a guitar player and I’m a singer. I’m inspired by soulful singers and guitarists who don’t care if they miss a note. For me, art and music aren’t about perfection. In fact, I think the lack of perfection can make art more relatable, approachable, and hence, more effective. I love thinking about how I’m going to convey my intended emotion to the listener. I have always been drawn to fuzz tones and chaotic bending of notes. I rely almost completely on feel and my ear in writing, playing, and improvising music. I think the fact that I don’t know the rules of music, helps free my creativity. My guitar playing style is a bit unique. I simultaneously fingerpick and use a guitar pick. Something I gravitated towards after learning The Cars song “My Best Friends Girl” in high school.
As for The Hollow Legs… Bozeman, DeFrance and I are all naturally busy players, so in our songs, we try to harness that chaos without taming it. I’m not sure we fit neatly into any particular genre, we simply write songs that we would want to listen to and we hope it makes you want to dance or sing or yell. Over the last several years, we’ve accomplished so much I’m proud of… playing music festivals with headliners like Tom Petty and Willie Nelson, recording two music videos, and releasing our debut single last year, “Shiver My Bones.” But I’m more excited about what’s coming next. We have several new recordings in the works as we speak and looking forward to releasing those later this year!
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I think people underestimate female leaders. I am constantly having to prove myself as a guitarist and singer. I’ve encountered so many people over the years who would say things like, “you play so good for a girl.” While it is intended as a compliment, one would never say the same thing to a male guitar player. I also encounter so many men who think it is appropriate to give unsolicited advice about what I should or should not be doing. Anything from how I sing, to how I play, to the pedals I use, to what I’m wearing; you name it, I’ve been critiqued.
In terms of the booking/management side of things, getting paid what you’re worth can be a struggle at times. When you start, you’ll take any gig at any price, but as you evolve as a band and business, you have to be assertive to get what you deserve. At the same time, it’s moments like these that toughen you up and ultimately push you to be a better player and smarter businesswoman.