Kiana Ledé Reflects on the EP That Sparked Her Musical Journey
Seven years after releasing her debut EP Selfless, singer-songwriter and actress Kiana Ledé is looking back on the project that marked a turning point in her career and in her life.
Though Selfless first dropped in 2018, Ledé says it still feels fresh, like it could have been released just yesterday. The Phoenix native shared a vulnerable and heartfelt message with fans last week to honor the anniversary, reflecting on how far she’s come and what the EP meant to her during a pivotal time of personal growth.
“When I listen to these songs, they make me feel like I'm living through those parts of my life all over again,” Ledé wrote in an Instagram post. “The heartbreak almost broke me, but the memories I made from making the music—getting kicked off the stage at The Grove for cussing during the biggest crowd I had ever had, having two songs on the radio, first-time performances, and seeing people's reactions to the music—kept me going.”
Ledé first stepped into the spotlight more than a decade ago. As a child, she began taking piano lessons and developed a love for performing, often uploading covers of popular songs to YouTube. Her talent caught national attention in 2011 when she won the KIDZ Star USA competition, performing Adele’s “Someone Like You”, a moment that led to a recording contract with RCA Records.
In 2012, she released her debut single “Hey Chica,” a pop anthem geared toward young girls. But it wasn’t until Selfless that she truly found her artistic voice—one rooted in R&B, soul, and emotionally charged storytelling. The EP introduced fans to a more personal side of Ledé, one that explored love, loss, healing, and self-discovery through poetic, intimate lyrics and sultry, textured vocals.
Outside of music, Ledé has also built a steady acting career, appearing in MTV’s horror series Scream and the Netflix family comedy All About the Washingtons. But music, for her, has always been the most powerful medium of expression.
In her reflection, Ledé shared that the period surrounding the release of Selfless was not only a creative high point but also an emotionally complex chapter in her life. She admitted to feeling unsure of herself and disconnected from her identity, which is why the project was titled Selfless in the first place.
“I thought I had lost myself before I released this project,” she wrote. “But I realized I wasn’t meant to know who I was yet. Though my core is the same, I feel like a much more healed and experienced version of who I’ve always been. I needed these experiences and the life I had at that time to even begin the process of finding myself.”
Ledé’s words offer a candid look at the growing pains of young adulthood and the often messy path toward healing and self-realization. For fans, her vulnerability serves as both a reminder of how far she’s come and an invitation to reflect on their own evolution.
Now in her mid-20s, Ledé continues to build on the foundation she laid with Selfless. Her debut album KIKI, released in 2020, was met with critical praise for its confidence, relatability, and unapologetic honesty. In 2023, she followed up with Grudges, a project that dug even deeper into heartbreak, emotional wounds, and the process of letting go.
Most recently, Ledé released her third studio album on Oct. 31, 2024, a project that fans and critics alike describe as her most personal and soulful body of work to date. The album explores themes of self-acceptance, reflection, and growth, blending powerful ballads with vibrant, R&B-rooted rhythms. It’s raw, melodic, and refreshingly authentic, showcasing the evolution of an artist who continues to expand her range and refine her voice.
From her songwriting to her visuals, Ledé has developed a reputation for creating music that feels real. Her ability to be open with her fans, not just about the highs but also the lows, has built a deep sense of connection and loyalty among listeners. She’s a storyteller, a survivor and a creative force who isn’t afraid to lay it all bare in her art.
As she continues to evolve, both personally and professionally, Ledé is shaping a legacy defined by resilience, truth, and timeless music. The anniversary of Selfless is more than just a milestone; it’s a celebration of where she started, how far she’s come, and all the moments that made her who she is today.
And if her latest work is any indication, she is just getting started.
