Kira Rizavi is a New York City-based singer/songwriter who has been compared to a “flower-child Rihanna” and “ the Gen-Z Diana Ross.” Currently a student at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, she has already performed in Madison Square Garden, The Metropolitan Opera and The Bitter End.
Sitting down for an interview with New York Times Best Selling Author Koren Zailckas, the young artist went into details about her hit new holiday single, “Tiny Dancers (Can’t Wait for Christmas)” and offered fans insight as to some of her favorite holiday traditions:
KZ: Tell me about this song’s title, “Tiny Dancers.”
KR: When I was little, my dad nicknamed me Tiny Dancer because I was constantly dancing around the house, practicing my moves and rehearsing ballet, jazz and tap dance recitals. So “Tiny Dancers” comes from my refusal to sit still! My danciness always hit its peak at Christmastime. Anytime I heard Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” or Celine Dion’s version of “Merry Xmas (War is Over),” I would shout, “I can’t wait for Christmas!” This song represents that holiday excitement and energy that poured out of me as a kid.
KZ: What was your inspiration?
KR: I wanted to create a soft, uplifting ballad for Christmas that emphasized the love I feel for my family and friends. During this pandemic, I have become increasingly aware of how much I value the people I surround myself with–people I trust and love deeply. It was also important for me to infuse the song with childlike innocence. Whenever I think of Christmas, I think of my childhood holiday activities like drinking hot chocolate, going sledding, sitting by the fire, making snow angels. Recording with my producer and co-writer, I would dance around the studio, trying out silly riffs to capture the lyrics’ joy and carefree feeling.
KZ: Who produced this track? Where did you record it?
KR: I worked with Heather Holley, a fantastic songwriter in her own right. A lot of people know her as the person who single-handedly launched Christina Aguilera’s career. The recording experience for this song was entirely different from any of my other tracks. Because of the pandemic, it had to be done virtually. I would go to Threshold Studio with my laptop, and Heather would collaborate with me over Zoom. Throughout the process, we were able to try a bunch of different vocal lines, and I was able to experiment freely without judgment. I am so lucky that I found a female producer who makes our sessions feel like a bonding experience between friends instead of a purely professional transaction.
KZ: This song really evokes all that only-at-Christmas stuff: twinkly lights, gingerbread spice. Do you have any favorite Christmas memories from childhood?
KR: I have visceral memories of my Mom bundling me up with five layers of jackets, scarves, hats and gloves, preparing me for the bitter winter weather. She was always worried I would catch a cold. My siblings and I would stay out in the snow for hours, and she’d have to coax us inside with hot chocolate. Sometimes she would make multiple types of hot chocolate, and we would taste test them all, which I really loved. We would rank them and determine which one was best.
KZ: Will you get a Christmas tree this year? Do you have a favorite ornament?
KR: Absolutely! My favorite Christmas ornament is this tiny ballerina dancer with a white dress that flares at the bottom.
KZ: How fitting!
KZ: Make me a short playlist of your favorite Christmas songs.
KR: Let it Snow by Brian McKnight, Jingle Bell Rock by the Glee Cast, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love, Michael Buble’s Christmas album Baby, It’s Cold Outside with Idina Menzel and Michael Buble, and Mistletoe by Justin Bieber
KZ: If you could give a gift to any public figure, who would it be?
KR: I would give a gift to Diana Ross. She was an amazing performer who not only made incredible music but also had a way with fans. For example, when her 1983 Central Park concert (to fund a new playground there) got rained out, she quickly brainstormed and came up with a solution to calm down the crowd, offering to perform the concert the next day instead. Because of her efforts, she was able to build a beautiful playground for future generations of New York children.
KZ: What would you give her?
KR: A snowglobe of Central Park, as a token of the courageous, quick-witted performer she continually inspires me to be.
KZ: Will you be spending this holiday any differently due to the pandemic and travel restrictions?
KR: I will be staying in New York, and have had no trouble celebrating Christmas with smaller groups of people. I’ve already started celebrating with my NYU roommate, Olivia, watching Home Alone and Elf. You only need one person you trust to have a good time and enjoy the Christmas spirit.
KZ: Thanks for taking the time to chat about what’s sure to be a modern holiday classic. Last Question: What do YOU want for Christmas this year?
KR: For people to spread love!
Check out the official audio now!
Connect with Kira Rizavi
Facebook: @Kira-Rizavi-112213250345170
Instagram: @kirarizavi
Tik-Tok: @kirarizavi
Official Website: www.kirafriedland.com
