Portraits: Molly Kate Kestner

The Minnesota-born pop singer-songwriter was in town recently and we caught up for a special portrait session. First coming to fame with viral YouTube hit “His Daughter”, which racked up over 15 million views and had a shout out from George Takei, Kestner has since been on songwriting duties for Wiz Khalifa and Kelly Clarkson, in addition to her own material. Latest track “Compromise” puts Kestner’s soulful voice on full display, with stripped back accoustic verses playing off against full-blown gospel pop choruses to dramatic effect. Kestner recently told The Independent she’d been listening to a “lot of Sigrid [and] London Grammar”, indicating some possible hints at future inspirations and direction. All photos by Anthony Keiler.