Album Spotlight: Kris Piña - 'Who I Have Become'
Ahead of his first headlining show at Brooklyn’s Littlefield, Kris shares his early beginnings, the making of ‘Who I Have Become’, and the stories that shaped each track.
Since his debut ‘Ma3 Ba3d’ in September 2023, rising Lebanese singer-songwriter Kris Piña has set himself apart in the regional alternative scene with a distinctive sound that feels like an interplay of Hozier and Kings Leon’s alt-pop sensibility, with the intimacy and cultural resonance of Mashrou’ Leila.
After years of travelling and a steady stream of single releases that refined his sound, Kris - now based in Puerto Rico - is finally releasing his official debut EP, ‘Who I Have Become’. The five-track project sees him grappling with questions of identity, belonging and self-discovery, as well as disillusionment, all while attempting to embrace the less serious aspects of life.
Written between New York and Beirut, the record is carried by soaring guitar riffs, indie-pop warmth, and Kris’ raw, unmistakable vocals. Across its tracks, he reckons with a lingering sense of survivor’s guilt - having left Lebanon amid the 2006 war - while attempting to reconcile with the country he once called home.
Ahead of his first headlining show at Brooklyn’s Littlefield on October 22nd, we caught up with Kris, who sat down with us to share his early beginnings, the making of ‘Who I Have Become’, and the stories that shaped each track.
Watch the full interview below:
