Kenshi Killzzz: Weaving Culture and Rhythm into Seattle’s Soundscape
Photos provided by Kenshi Killzzz
By Emma Schwichtenberg
At the crossroads of lo-fi and R&B, Kailyn Baccetti, also known as Kenshi Killzzz, crafts a sound that’s as fresh as it is evocative. Her music videos are visual poetry, blending traditional Indian attire with edgy streetwear, while her vlogs and photography account offer a behind-the-scenes look at her creative world.
Baccetti’s tunes are a breath of fresh air, bringing a hot new vibe to the Seattle scene. So, dust off those headphones and switch up your familiar lo-fi playlist. Baccetti’s music is perfect for both studying and losing yourself in the moment, offering a soundtrack that's smooth, soulful, and effortlessly cool.
Converge Music recently spoke with Baccetti to discuss her journey into the music industry, sources of inspiration, and her perspective on the Seattle music scene.
How did you get started in music?
I’d probably say it all started from a young age. I always sang, but then I got involved in plays and talent shows. My very first performance on stage was in kindergarten. I played Mother Pig in a Three Little Pigs play and even had a solo. Before everything began, I was just standing there, the curtains opened, and I looked out at the audience with all the lights and people. I had this moment where I thought, “I want to keep doing this as much as I can.” It left a big impact on me. I loved the feeling of being up there and performing, so I continued with plays and singing.
However, once high school came around, I didn't sing as much. Instead, I started focusing on photography and videography within the music community. I was also busy with extracurriculars like sports and leadership roles at school, which took up a lot of my time. I tried to stay creative with photos and videos.
When COVID hit, it was a turning point for me. I was a senior in high school, Class of 2020, and we were told we’d be back in two weeks, but we never returned. So, I spent that time making music every day. I created my first EP during that period, and since then, I haven’t stopped. I'm glad I did.
You mentioned the photography aspect. You still do photography, right? Is it under the name chetti.films?
Yeah, that’s my old account. I haven’t been active on it for a while, but I really want to get back to it.
It started when I was about 15. I went to a local show at the Vera Project, which has come full circle for me in many ways. I took photos of some local rappers, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere and being around music. For a while, I wanted to be a tour photographer; I imagined myself on tour taking photos. However, my focus has shifted to being on stage instead.
I got my first gigs through that, and from there, I began reaching out to local artists and people who wanted photos. I enjoy setting up photo shoots with backdrops, aesthetics, and style. As I got more creative, I started taking photos of models and developing a vision for how I wanted the photos to look.
I’ve watched a couple of your music videos, and you can tell a lot of thought and artistry has gone into them. I’m always curious about your creative team and how you collaborate to bring these visuals to life.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with about three directors so far. My first music video, for “Kama Sutra,” was directed by Abby and Oliver, who are based in New York. They also shot my most recent music video, “Nosy.” I visited them in New York, and we ran around the city shooting, which was an amazing experience. I really miss them and hope to return soon.
Before that, I worked with Josh and Aurora from Six Productions on a video called “With the News.” They had a contest, and I won, which allowed me to make a music video with them and be part of their creative process.
For my upcoming video, I worked with a new director named Ezra, who has an incredible eye for visuals. I enjoy working with a smaller group of creatives because it helps maintain a cohesive aesthetic. I don’t plan on changing my team too often because I really appreciate the aesthetic we've developed with these recent videos.
The collaboration aspect is crucial. I wanted to be a filmmaker and director myself, so being involved in the creative process—thinking about shots, setting them up, and deciding on the story we want to tell—is very important to me. As long as we align on the aesthetic and ideas, the final product usually turns out the way we envision it.
You said you graduated high school in 2020, right? Did you go to university afterward, or did you start pursuing music full-time?
Yes, I graduated in 2020. For the next two years, I attended Bellevue College and earned my AA. During that time, I was also focusing on photography and getting back into my chetti.films account. In my junior and senior years of high school, I had to put photography on hold due to college prep and other commitments like sports.
Once I was in college, I had more time to dedicate to photography, which eventually led me back to music. I started taking photos for a group that had shows, and I offered to play one of my songs during their sets. To my surprise, they let me perform, and I realized I really enjoyed being on stage. That experience sparked my passion for performing, and I haven’t looked back since.
How would you describe your genre of music?
Yeah, I’ve been thinking about this because people often ask, and I sometimes find it hard to pinpoint. I’d say the base is Lo-Fi, but it branches out into various genres from there. I really love jazz and blues, as well as old-school East Coast rap. I also incorporate elements of Neo Soul. Overall, it’s a fusion of many different styles of music I grew up listening to.
What would you say is your main source of inspiration when creating music, and how does it impact your songwriting process?
I’d say my main source of inspiration is everything around me—social media, real-life experiences, and the stories of my family and friends. I find value in all types of stories and believe that artists act as vessels for channeling these experiences and emotions. Even if some artists don't write about their own experiences, they can still capture feelings and stories from others and create something meaningful for their audience. For me, it all comes down to what I feel passionate about and what I want to communicate to others.
Do you have any unusual places where you’ve found inspiration for a song?
Honestly, it’s hard to pinpoint one specific place because I draw inspiration from everything around me. Even seemingly random instances, like someone walking down the street with a particular look, can influence my music. For example, I might be out walking or driving, and see someone with a unique outfit or way of carrying themselves. I often make assumptions or imagine stories based on those observations, and that can spark inspiration. I really enjoy people-watching and finding creative ideas in everyday interactions.
Why do you choose to wear a bindi in your music videos?
I come from an Indian background; I’m half Indian. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the culture, including the jewelry and traditional attire. I’ve always thought it was beautiful. Additionally, I noticed a lack of representation of Indian culture in American media, whether in acting, singing, or sports. So, I try to incorporate elements of my culture into how I express myself. Clothing is a significant way I express myself, and I love fashion. By blending elements of my culture with modern streetwear and Americanized styles, I’ve found a way to feel confident and authentically showcase myself.
I noticed you’ve filmed a couple of behind-the-scenes videos for your music shoots on your YouTube channel. They’re really fun to watch and don’t seem overproduced; they feel very casual. I was curious about why you decided to make them.
That’s exactly why I started them. I grew up watching vlogs, especially when Emma Chamberlain was gaining popularity—I loved her vlogs. Even though David Dobrik has faced some controversies, I still enjoyed his vlogs. I also watched G-Eazy’s vlogs from his tours and other activities. I enjoyed seeing what he was doing before going on stage and the behind-the-scenes moments.
For me, showing more personal stuff and personality is important. When I look at artists, I enjoy seeing more of their everyday lives and the things you don’t see at shows or in the studio. For example, I did a vlog from New York when I went to see my directors. I like sharing small, personal moments, like getting a Chipotle burrito at 5 a.m. in an airport. It’s all about letting people see a bit more of who I am and what I’m up to.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines that help you get into the zone before a performance?
Yes, I like to meditate and get some exercise before shows, usually in the morning. I use that time to relax and also get a bit of adrenaline going, like doing a quick 10-minute run to open up my lungs. I eat light because I get really nervous, so I try to stick to fresher, cleaner foods. I also take ginger turmeric shots to help clear out any lingering discomfort. Before going on stage, I usually have a shot of whiskey or a hot toddy, which helps me relax and enjoy the moment.
What’s one thing that you think your fans would be surprised to learn about you?
I think people might be surprised to know that I have insecurities and feel a lot of anxiety before shows. Even though I try to put on a confident front, I often feel really nervous and my anxiety is at its peak before I go on stage. I’ve had times when friends reassured me, but I still find myself spiraling in my mind. It’s a mix of exciting and nerve-wracking energy, and I try to manage it as best as I can.
Do you have a guilty pleasure song that you love to jam out to?
A guilty pleasure song for me would be “More Than a Woman” by the Bee Gees. I listen to it all the time.
How do you view the current state and future of the music community, both in Seattle and more broadly, including the direction it's heading and the value that each individual brings to it?
Recently, I was part of a program called The Residency, and it really showed me the true sense of community within the music industry. Often, the industry can feel very individualistic, but the "we" mindset is what’s truly important. Through that program, I met many genuine people who were focused on supporting each other rather than being driven by ego. I believe implementing these collaborative ideologies into larger scenes, like Seattle or LA, would benefit the community greatly. It would help people feel heard, seen, and understood, and reduce the chances of being taken advantage of. If we all worked together more and moved away from the idol mentality, it would improve the industry as a whole.
Baccetti has a new single titled "On the Run" set to release soon, accompanied by a recently completed music video. As the project enters its rollout phase, fans can expect the single to drop in the next few months. The music video, directed by Ezra, plays a significant role in this new release. She is enthusiastic about the upcoming project and looks forward to sharing it with his audience.
Find Baccetti on Instagram @kenshikilla.
