Kaleidoscope: Interview with Indigiqueer Music Artist and Author Roger Kuhn
“Kaleidoscope” is a new single by singer and songwriter Roger Kuhn, a Two-Spirit Indigiqueer artist of Poarch Creek, Russian, and German ancestry. A native of North Dakota, Roger grew up on a farm and enjoyed taking walks in the forest but his upbringing was marred by his father who was an abusive alcoholic. Roger discovered what it meant to be Two-Spirit — a term used to signify male, female, and intersexed individuals who combine activities of both gender traits — when he was in his mid-20s. His new dance track, “Kaleidoscope,” is rooted in classic house and progressive EDM and was inspired by his life experiences.
Roger recently discussed his life and career via an exclusive interview.
Meagan Meehan (MM): You grew up in a very rural area. How did you first discover dance/house music?
Roger Kuhn (RK): I first heard dance music through Madonna, which led me to other dance music artists, remixers, raves, and eventually ecstatic dance communities.
MM: How did you realize that you had a knack for songwriting?
RK: I’ve been writing songs since childhood. I often made-up songs about my day or a friend. When I would share my work, people would express how the songs made them feel. Their reactions helped me recognize I was capable of writing songs that moved others.
MM: What typically comes to you first, the lyrics or the melody?
RK: It really depends on where and what. If a song comes to me in the shower, it’s usually a melody first. If I already have something I want to process, lyrics come first. Often, if I don’t have a song finished in under thirty minutes, I lose interest and do not finish it.
MM: How does being two-spirit impact your creativity?
RK: I am not limited in the expression of my emotions. Because I am not confined to any specific binaries, I am free to explore whatever themes, moods, or emotions I want to.
MM: Was it empowering to write a song like Kaleidoscope which is based on such personal experiences?
RK: Kaleidoscope came to me in a really natural way. I was doing a little writing retreat on the coast of Northern California. I was sitting underneath some redwood trees as hummingbirds were whizzing by. I was enamored with the beauty of nature in that moment and the lyrics and melody for Kaleidoscope emerged. I finished that song in less than ten minutes. Having Velvet Code’s gorgeous instrumental was also very helpful.
MM: You are very open about having had a tough childhood due to your father being a violent alcoholic. What do you wish more people knew about mental health struggles and finding ways to cope?
RK: Trauma informs who we are but it does not have to define us. I learned at an early age that my creativity was a vessel for healing. Despite the violence in my day-to-day existence, I found music to be a beacon of hope that helped me through incredibly challenging times.
MM: Out of all your songs, which are your personal favorites and why?
RK: Some of my favorite songs I have ever written are on my holiday album. I am very proud of those songs. I also really love Mvto and What’s Your Name, and I love The Future, a song that will appear on my upcoming album.
MM: What music video ideas do you have for these songs and which ones are you most excited about filming?
RK: Could I have Beyonce’s budget for a bit? I love what she does with her visual albums, brilliant. If I could, I would make videos for all the songs on my upcoming album. The songs all have similar themes of redemption and liberation. I would love to see my videos reflect the evolution of joy in life.
MM: What is the best part of being a musical artist?
RK: Sharing stories through song, having a platform to share my opinions, and expressing myself creatively.
MM: What are your ultimate musical and/or career goals?
RK: My goal is to open for one of my favorite artists. Lucius is my top choice! Also playing international gigs would be the ultimate dream come true.
MM: What is coming up next for you and is there anything else that you would like to mention?
RK: 2024 will be a big year. I have a new book coming out in February called Somacultural Liberation and a new album that will be released in the spring. I will be doing lots of book talks, music gigs, and creating more magic.
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Roger Kuhn’s “Kaleidoscope” is being distributed by So Fierce Music/The Orchard/Sony Music Entertainment and is available now on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms. The music video for “Kaleidoscope” can be watched here.Visit www.rogerkuhn.com. Follow Roger Kuhn on Instagram and on Facebook, X and TikTok @ rogerkuhn
Photo credit: Bjorn Bolinder
