Kimiko Glenn, the acclaimed actress known for her roles on stage and screen, is expanding her artistic horizons. Glenn is set to release her debut EP, “Modern Dance,” under the musical moniker KIMIKO on May 29th. The announcement comes alongside the release of her latest single and self-directed music video, “Emotional Whiplash,” offering fans a glimpse into the artist’s evolving sound and creative vision. This marks a significant step for Glenn, who has long been celebrated for her acting prowess, now venturing into the world of original music.
Glenn, who originated the role of Dawn in the Broadway production of “Waitress,” describes the EP as a reflection on the complexities of modern relationships. She shared that finding humor in navigating frustrating situations was key to the creative process, allowing her to approach the subject matter with a lighter, more relatable touch. The project draws inspiration from contemporary pop artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Lily Allen, whose music resonates with the experiences of modern romance. Glenn hopes her own music will offer a similar sense of validation and connection to listeners. “Emotional Whiplash,” in particular, is rooted in a personal experience – a frustrating encounter with someone who quickly shifted their level of interest, leaving Glenn questioning their intentions. She wryly recounts the story of a date who spoke of commitment only to express discomfort with her desire to schedule a second meeting, admitting she couldn’t even recall his name.
From Stage and Screen to the Recording Studio
Kimiko Glenn’s career has been remarkably diverse, spanning Broadway, television, film, and voice acting. She first gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Brook Soso in the Netflix hit series “Orange Is the New Black,” a role that earned her and the ensemble cast three Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance in a Comedy Series between 2014 and 2016. According to her Wikipedia profile, Glenn was born on June 27, 1989, in Phoenix, Arizona, to a Japanese mother, Sumiko, and a father, Mark, of Scottish, Irish, and German descent.
Beyond “Orange Is the New Black,” Glenn has continued to build an impressive resume. She starred in the YouTube Original series “Liza On Demand” and appeared on TBS’s “The Guest Book.” Her guest roles include appearances on “Sacred Lies” (Facebook), “High Maintenance” (HBO), “Broad City” (Comedy Central), “The Goldbergs” (ABC), and “Mel Brooks’ History of The World, Part II.” Her film credits include “Can You Keep a Secret” (Netflix), alongside Alexandra Daddario, and “Ghosting” (Freeform). Glenn also showcased her versatility as a voice actress, lending her talents to animated projects such as “Over the Moon” (2020) and several television series, including “DuckTales” (2017-2021), “Voltron: Legendary Defender” (2017-2018), “Summer Camp Island” (2018-2023), “Kiff” (2023-present), and “Hazbin Hotel” (2024-present). Notably, she also voiced Peni Parker in the critically acclaimed animated “Spider-Verse” trilogy, beginning with “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in 2018.
Early Beginnings and Artistic Development
Glenn’s passion for performing arts began at a young age. She started acting at the Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix while in the fifth grade, participating in several local theatrical productions. As detailed on her Wikipedia page, she attended Desert Vista High School in Phoenix and later the Interlochen Arts Academy, a boarding school in Interlochen, Michigan. She was a 2007 YoungArts alumnus. She initially pursued a musical theatre major at the Boston Conservatory but left after one year when she was cast in the touring company of “Spring Awakening” in 2008, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
The transition from acting to music feels natural for Glenn, who has always been drawn to storytelling through various mediums. Her experience on Broadway, particularly her role in “Waitress,” undoubtedly honed her performance skills and stage presence, qualities she now brings to her musical endeavors. The self-direction of the “Emotional Whiplash” music video further demonstrates her commitment to artistic control and her desire to express her unique perspective. The video, available for viewing online, provides a visual accompaniment to the song’s themes of confusion and frustration in relationships.
“Modern Dance” and the Future for KIMIKO
The upcoming EP, “Modern Dance,” represents a new chapter in Kimiko Glenn’s career. She describes the project as a deeply personal exploration of modern romance, infused with humor and vulnerability. The inspiration drawn from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Lily Allen suggests a pop sensibility with a focus on relatable lyrics and honest storytelling. Glenn’s ability to connect with audiences through her acting roles positions her well to translate that connection to her music. She expressed excitement about sharing her creative process and inner world with fans through this new medium.
The release of “Emotional Whiplash” serves as a compelling introduction to KIMIKO’s musical style. The song’s lyrics, inspired by a frustrating dating experience, are both witty and insightful, capturing the complexities of modern relationships. Glenn’s vocal delivery is confident and expressive, showcasing her range as a performer. The music video complements the song’s themes with its playful visuals and relatable narrative. Fans can expect “Modern Dance” to be a collection of songs that explore similar themes, offering a glimpse into Glenn’s perspective on love, life, and everything in between.
As Glenn prepares for the May 29th release of “Modern Dance,” anticipation is building among fans and industry observers alike. Her transition from a celebrated actress to a burgeoning musician is a testament to her versatility and artistic ambition. The EP promises to be a compelling and relatable exploration of modern relationships, delivered with Glenn’s signature wit and vulnerability. The next step for KIMIKO will be the full release of the EP and, potentially, live performances to bring her music to audiences around the world.
Fans can follow KIMIKO’s journey and stay updated on the release of “Modern Dance” through her social media channels and official website. The EP is available for pre-save on major streaming platforms. The release of “Modern Dance” marks an exciting new chapter for Kimiko Glenn, and it will be fascinating to see how she continues to evolve as an artist.
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