K-Bust has toured across South and North America, most recently completing her “Fearless 2020” tour in the U.S., where she performed at notable venues like Skully’s in Columbus, Ohio, and the legendary Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, California. A seasoned performer, K-Bust has also participated in Canadian Music Week in Toronto, Canada.
She is currently preparing for the release of her third studio album, REBIRTH, a project where she took on the roles of writer, producer, and mixing engineer. Check out the exclusive Interview below:
1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?
K-BUST: It all started on my sixth Christmas; a moment so vivid it still feels like yesterday. Among all the gifts, there was one that completely captivated me: a little synth. I remember unwrapping it and being instantly mesmerized. That night, I was glued to it, exploring every sound and trying to learn the songs it came with. I stayed up so late, lost in my own little world, imagining myself on stage, playing my heart out in front of an audience.
That synth wasn’t just a toy—it was my gateway into music. It sparked something deep inside me, this unstoppable curiosity and excitement about creating sounds and melodies. Looking back, I realize it was more than just a moment; it was the start of a lifelong love affair with music. That early connection to electronic sounds still influences me today, shaping the synth-driven, emotive style you hear in my songs.
2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?
K-BUST: My musical journey was definitely more about personal exploration than formal training. From an early age, my mom would always tell me I had a natural ear for music, and that gave me the confidence to trust my instincts. I remember sitting with my little keyboard, listening to my favorite songs over and over until I could play them back by ear. It was like solving a puzzle, and every time I got it right, it felt magical.
That process of discovery shaped how I approach music today. It taught me to rely on intuition and let the sounds in my head guide me. Whether it’s crafting a melody or building an arrangement, I’ve developed this ability to translate what I hear internally into something tangible. It’s a deeply personal and instinctive way of creating, and I think it’s a big part of what makes my sound unique.
3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, what’s the story behind choosing the name ‘K-BUST’?
K-BUST: I’ve had so many musical influences, but if I had to name a few, Lady Gaga, Depeche Mode, and David Bowie stand out. Their artistry, boldness, and love for synth-driven music were huge inspirations for me. They shaped my fascination with blending electronic sounds and emotional depth, which has become a defining element of my own music.
As for my artist name, ‘K-BUST’ is actually a creative abbreviation of my real name, Karla Bustamante Garrido. I wanted something that felt authentic to who I am but also had an edge—something that could embody the energy of my music. My full name didn’t feel particularly “artsy,” so ‘K-BUST’ became the perfect balance: close to my identity but with a punch that reflects my personality and sound.
4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?
K-BUST: What really sets my music apart, I think, is the passion and raw energy I pour into it. Every song is a piece of my soul, and I truly hope listeners can feel that fire. Sound-wise, I love fusing rock guitars with synth-driven elements. There’s something magical about blending those organic, gritty guitar sounds with the electric vibe of synths. It gives my music a certain edge, while also making it unforgettable. I want my sound to hit you both in the chest and the heart—powerful, but also emotionally charged.
If I were to describe my music to someone discovering me for the first time, I’d say it’s a journey through contrasting emotions—intensity, vulnerability, and excitement, all wrapped in a bold, synth-pop package. It’s like dancing through your emotions, from heartache to liberation. I want people to feel the connection to their own experiences when they listen, whether it’s love, loss, or longing.
Ultimately, I hope my music evokes a sense of catharsis and joy. When I’m writing, I’m not just creating melodies; I’m sharing a piece of myself, and I hope that when people hear it, they feel like they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through. Whether it’s that explosive energy or the more intimate moments, I want them to feel something real and powerful.
5. Music often transcends entertainment. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
K-BUST: Music, to me, is so much more than just entertainment. It’s a powerful vehicle for change—whether it’s social, political, cultural, or even spiritual. Music has this incredible ability to transcend boundaries and touch people’s hearts, and I truly believe it can be a catalyst for change. It’s a form of protest, a way to challenge political decisions, and a tool to unite us in times of struggle. It can also connect us to something deeper, to our spirituality, in ways that words alone can’t.
As an artist, I definitely use my platform to speak on issues that matter to me. Being a woman in this industry, I’m passionate about advocating for gender equality and empowerment. That’s a cause that’s very close to my heart, and I try to channel those feelings into my music. But I also think music is deeply personal, and while it can have a larger cultural or political impact, it’s also a space for my own expression—my emotions, my experiences, my own truth.
For me, it’s all about finding a balance. I want my music to entertain and connect, but I also want it to say something—to spark conversations and make people reflect on the world around them. Whether it’s through personal narrative or addressing bigger societal issues, I see music as a tool for expression in all its forms. It’s about being authentic and creating something that resonates both with the artist and the listener.
6. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
K-BUST: social media can be a double-edged sword—on one hand, it’s an amazing platform to connect with fans, but on the other, it opens the door for criticism, both constructive and not-so-constructive. Over the years, I’ve learned to differentiate between feedback that helps me grow and negativity that’s just meant to bring me down. Constructive criticism is something I genuinely try to learn from—it helps me improve and evolve as an artist. But when it’s just hate or unwarranted negativity, I’ve learned to let it roll off my back.
It’s definitely been a journey. I’ve developed a thicker skin, especially when it comes to the “haters.” To me, their words usually say more about them than about me as an artist. I’ve come to realize that no matter what I do, not everyone will be a fan, and that’s okay. My music isn’t meant to please everyone, and if it resonates with even just a few people, that’s what matters most.
Ultimately, I focus on what feels authentic to me and the connections I’ve built with my true fans. I think staying true to myself and not letting negativity take over has been key artist, knowing that my music doesn’t please everybody as well.
7. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?
K-BUST: My creative process is a bit like a journey—I start with an initial spark, usually a melody that just pops into my head. That’s where it all begins. I’m not one to overthink it at first; I just let the melody speak for itself. Most of my songs start this way—if I’m lucky, I’ll capture that first idea on my voice notes right away, because it’s easy to lose those fleeting moments of inspiration! From there, I bring it into the studio and start shaping it into something real.
The beat is always a key part of the mood-setting for me. It’s where the energy of the song starts to take form. I dive into my synths, looking for sounds that excite me, that bring the song to life. Once I’ve got that foundation, I focus on building the rest, with the lead melody and lyrics coming in later, often simultaneously. I like to let the words flow naturally, without forcing them, so they connect with the vibe of the song and feel authentic.
When it comes to external influences, I love staying current. I’m always discovering new artists and diving into fresh music—there’s so much out there that can spark new ideas.
But I also look to the past; oldies are incredible for shaping new ideas. There’s something timeless about them, and I often draw inspiration from their melodies or production techniques. It’s about blending the old and the new to create something that feels both familiar and innovative.
8. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
K-BUST: While both the studio and live performances are vital parts of the creative process, there’s something about the connection with a live audience that excites me the most. It’s where the magic truly happens. In the studio, I can craft and perfect every sound, but it’s the energy exchange with the crowd that makes everything come alive. When I step on stage, it’s like all the hard work and hours spent in the studio finally find their full expression. That’s where my music transforms from something personal into a shared experience.
The connection with the audience is electric—whether it’s seeing their faces light up during a new song or feeling their energy when we’re all vibing to the beat. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe but impossible to ignore. There’s no other moment in the creative process that compares to that live energy, when the music and the people come together to create something bigger than just the notes and lyrics. That’s what fuels me to keep going, to keep creating.
Every show reminds me of why I make music in the first place: to connect, to share, and to feel that unspoken bond with the people who resonate with my art. For me, that’s irreplaceable. I wouldn’t change it for anything.
9. What moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.
K-BUST: There are a couple of moments in my career that stand out as milestones and fill me with pride. One of the most unforgettable experiences was touring the USA to promote my second album, Fearless. It felt like a dream come true, being able to connect with new fans and perform live in cities I’d only dreamed of playing. Sadly, the tour was cut short by COVID, but it remains a defining chapter in my journey.
Another proud moment came when I wrote, produced, and mixed my third studio album, Rebirth. This was a huge personal achievement for me. I had never felt confident enough to take on so many roles in the studio until last year. To be both the artist and the demanding producer, driving every aspect of the record, was a transformative experience. I never compromised on the vision I had for Rebirth, and the fact that I executed it exactly as I imagined it feels incredible. It’s a testament to my growth as an artist and producer.
Looking ahead, I’m filled with excitement for the future of Rebirth. The album is set to release in March 2025, and I’m already making plans to tour again, reconnecting with fans across the globe. Of course, I can’t wait to perform in my hometown as well and bring this new chapter of music to my local scene. The future is full of opportunities, and I’m ready to make the most of it.
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Photo Credit: by Arturo Diaz