From silky smooth vocals to electrifying performances, Kristen “kMay” May is easily one of the most talented young creators of her time. A girly-girl in a tomboy shell, the Kansas City, Mo. native has been both a student and a vessel of music since she can remember. “I’m going to sound really old, but I remember watching MTV, when it was brand new,” she says with a laugh. “And I will always remember how inspired the music made me feel then, and continues to make me feel now.” A product of the 80’s pop era, kMay is a versatile artist who can do a little bit of everything. “Michael, Janet, Madonna… Rock bands like White Snake, Poison… Pop acts like George Michael, Genesis, Tears for Fears, Chicago… Those were the artists whose songs moved me the most when I was a kid.” And it comes as no surprise that this rising star’s creativity is heavily influenced by those artists, as well as writers and artists of today. Chief among them are Timbaland and Missy, whom she credits for what she describes as her “wake-up call.” “When Missy came out with Supa Dupa Fly, and she and Timbaland wrote and produced "One in a Million" for Aaliyah, I remember finally accepting that I was different,” she says. “To me, they always seemed to be cutting edge and unafraid to be themselves, which really inspired me to become more comfortable with myself as a creator.” Since 2001, kMay has worked behind the scenes with numerous artists and producers as a creative consultant, songwriter and musical producer. Now, she is ready to emerge from the shadows to take center stage on her own project. “For a long time, I felt like I couldn’t do what I wanted to do, the way I wanted to do it because I didn’t think people would accept it, and I didn’t know if I could accept it,” she says. “But I prayed about it and I’m ecstatic about pulling it all together,” she adds with a smile. Set to release on May 31, 2011, kMay describes her debut album simply as, “me.” “It is really an honest reflection of who I am, some of the things I’ve experienced,” she says. “A lot of people initially get the impression that I’m a very serious, intense person, but I’ve really got this fun, silly side that those in my inner circle of friends and family know. I had to make sure I put some of my sense of humor in there, too, because I want people to experience the flavor of me as a whole person.” . Titled unklassified vol. 1, the mixtape will be a combination of unique concepts, quirky lyrics and diverse musical components paired with a one-of-a-kind delivery. “We have a tendency to want to lump people in a category because that’s how we as humans feel most comfortable processing things,” she says with confidence. “And I want people to know that I refuse to be limited or put in a box. I am influenced by many different genres. My album will definitely reflect that.” Known for her broad vocal range and versatility, kMay also looks to showcase a few other skills on her debut CD. “I’m not a rapper, by any means, but I can do a lil’ sumthin so there will definitely be some of that. I also produce, so I wanted to make sure I did a song to a track that I created as well, which is called 'you Kan stay with me.'” With the exception of that one track, the remainder of the album will be executive produced by newcomer JmAY, who infuses his passion for classical music with hip-hop and pop, to give kMay a unique sound. Yet, aside from finally completing her long-anticipated album, the real joy for kMay is being able to parlay the release with what she did most when she was little, glued to the television watching MTV. “Performing!” she says. “Besides being in the studio or with my family, that’s my absolute, most favorite thing in the world! I love to perform, and to be able to perform my own music live has always been my dream.” Whether it's in the studio or live on stage, with her distinctive style, impenetrable confidence and unforgettable melodies, kMay is sure to turn heads the only way she knows how. By being herself. unKlassified.