I first spoke with the  at a moment when most artists would be talking about what’s next. They weren’t. The conversation oftenreverted back to previous times of practice orfailed shows, as well as to some of the oldestfeelings they still hold onto from long ago on how far this journey has taken them.

Kaylen, Kelsey, and Kristen Kassab have worked together as a band for over 15 years and prior to and before many people knew whothey were, they were performing live and developing as a band while also being siblings. When the pandemic started, and their contentreached a massive audience across the globe, it didn’t feel like a reinvention but more so anopportunity to be where they should have beenalready.

The group’s 15th album, entitled 24K Gold, was recorded live with no digital modifications. That choice comes up quickly in conversation, but not in a defensive way. It’s simply how they work. They trust the moment, they accept the risk, and then they move on. 

What stands out most is how deliberately they talk about community. About drawing lines around what they can and can’t be for their audience. About staying present without pretending to have answers they don’t. They’re thoughtful, direct, and noticeably uninterested in mythmaking.

As they prepare to close out the year with a four-hour New Year’s Eve livestream reaching fans across dozens of countries, the tone remains the same. Calm, grounded, and focused on the work. 

The following conversation covers longevity, improvisation, technology, and what it means to keep music human in a time that often rewards the opposite. Mostly, it sounds like three people who’ve spent a long time listening to each other.

 

AM: You’ve been called one of the earliest true TikTok breakout acts. When you look back at those early pandemic videos, especially the Harry Potter cosplay clips, did you have any sense this would turn into a global movement?

KAYLEN: First of all, thanks for reaching out to the three of us! It’s true that over the years, we have enjoyed an explosive and viral social media reach due to what happened soon after we began uploading content on TikTok, as well as throughout the worldwide fandom. As we look forward to continuing to produce content on TikTok and for Harry Potter fans there are four things that come to mind. The transition from Musical.ly to TikTok, the lip-synching phase, our original content phase, and the pandemic phase. It was Kristen who first became fascinated with TikTok just as it transitioned from Musical.ly. Traveling in our van “Stan”, she suddenly recommended we start an account, and right there and then we did. We lip-synched to a viral pop song and began going crazy as we got views one by one. We’ll never forget that seminal moment in our careers.

KELSEY: So, we began doing research on the top TikTok accounts and analyzing their style and approach. Frankly, we were kind of shocked at the whole concept of lip-synching songs, as we were actively performing live on all kinds of stages for city festivals and nonprofits, and thought this was weird. So, we agreed to try singing our own songs and doing short live comedy skits like we were doing on Vine in the past.

KRISTEN: That’s right. At first, we didn’t think TikTok or our social media would become as big as it did because just before the pandemic hit, we were delivering a dozen live concerts at  and were booked into many top festivals, fairs, and Earth Day events. Within a few days of the pandemic hitting, every single gig was cancelled, and we went into survival mode. Because we were homeschooled from the get-go, we had all the rehearsal space and equipment in place to “perform” on social media. And, with all populations stuck at home and unable to enjoy live settings, our live singing and skits were a huge hit. Our viral Harry Potter posts that happened early on sealed the deal. We went “all in” on producing internet content, both pre-recorded and live. And the rest is history. We show no signs of slowing down, but sadly, for emerging artists today, it’s just about impossible to ramp up the way we did.

 

AM: You’ve built an enormous fan base without a label, touring, or traditional promotion. What do you think most artists misunderstand about building a real community online?

KAYLEN: I think that artists intent on building a real community online tend to underestimate the time required to “curate” an audience. It takes years, not months. 

KELSEY: Exactly! The average artist does not invest enough time in organizing their content and approach to their posts in areas such as specific ongoing themes and experiences, which allows a cadre of followers to contextualize their content.

KRISTEN: The sad reality is that there is a lot of hate directed towards artists online, and if you are not ready to defend your ego from the attacks, it can stunt your progress. 

 

AM: 24K Gold is your 15thalbum, and it’s recorded fully live, no autotune, no loops, no AI. Why was it important for this project to be created that way, especially right now?

KAYLEN: We are known as queens of improvisation when it comes to performing our original content both in live and online settings. We often cite Jerry Garcia, who said something like, “Recording an album in a studio is like making a ship in a bottle, whereas performing live is like rowing a boat on the open ocean.” We value performing on the “open ocean” as it’s far more exciting.

KELSEY: In past albums, we did record in studios as well as on our own. But with copyright issues and the process of competing with highly produced record label projects we dare to do things live because it differentiates us from the “ship in a bottle perfectionists.” Many people respect musicianship and the thrill of knowing there are no safety nets. It’s kind of like why the circus used to be so much fun. The thrill of watching the high wire act or motorcycle cage was that they just might fall or wreck out. We take that risk full on, and our fans love being there to witness it. So, yeah, we picked some of the great live songs that we delivered.

KRISTEN: While some artists use more of the “helps” like autotuned mics, loops, and even lip-synching their songs so they can dance around at concerts, we are serving a fan base whose aesthetic appreciates the stripped-down approach of a songwriter, their instrument, and their voice simply being amplified.

 

AM: With a 24-track double album, what does the title 24K Gold represent to you creatively and personally?

KAYLEN: To me, these 24 songs represent a stake in the prairie that I can look back at and see my and the band’s progress.

KELSEY: I suppose the thing I appreciate about these 2 dozen original songs is how diverse our genres and styles remain. It’s also a creative way for us to remember and chat about who played what instrument on each song. We switch off a lot.

KRISTEN: The purest form of gold is 24K, and to me, this collection of our work is a very pure version of our unique musical brand.

 

AM: You’ve been making music together for over 15 years. How has your songwriting relationship evolved as sisters over time?

KAYLEN: As the oldest sister, I began writing songs and coming up with cool guitar riffs first. But has that changed! Now anyone of us can come up with an awesome instrumental phrase, lyrics, melodies, or arrangement. We collaborate on all our songs in one way or another now.

KELSEY: Our “hive mentality” extends to our songwriting and personal relationships. Sometimes a song emerges rapidly with heavy input from one of us. Other times, a song can take years to develop and has heavier group input to succeed. 

KRISTEN: And sometimes, we have to give up on a song and give the creative idea a proper “funeral” and move on. 

 

AM: Your AI Manifesto sparked a huge conversation online. What do you think  is really afraid of, and hopeful about, when it comes to AI and creativity?

KAYLEN: I don’t think Gen Z is afraid of AI. I think they are fascinated by it and delving into it with gusto. But record labels are embracing AI in the music world as a boon to their bottom-line revenues and marketing efforts. They are forcing artists to give away their rights in many cases.

KELSEY: We have seen our fans defending accusations of new viewers to our concerts, accusing us of being AI-generated or “not really playing.” These defenses could be a signal that some Gen Z age listeners are increasingly aware of differentiating between the “real thing” and a “fake thing.”

KRISTEN: We don’t judge other artists for using AI tools, apps, and help in developing their brand and visage. But, at the same time, we want to be known as a choice for those who at times want to hear and see a purely human delivery. Some people might want to watch a robot do perfect ice skating or boxing, but some want to see the human art form as well. It’s just a matter of choice. And what might be a developing “fear” is that it’s getting to the point where you can’t tell the difference. That is a concern for us.

 

AM: You’ve said, “We support new technology, but we won’t let AI replace creativity.” What does protecting human creativity actually look like in practice?

KAYLEN: Human creativity is at times unpolished, but authentic.

KELSEY: Human creativity, when honed and practiced for years, is soothing to the souls of individuals and cultures.

KRISTEN: The world can share more love and respect for diverse views and unique cultural manifestations created over hundreds or thousands of years. Technology could tend to dilute such anthropological mysteries that are cherished by so many.

 

AM: Your multilingual “name songs” have gone viral in over 15 languages and across continents. Why do you think something so simple and personal resonates globally?

KAYLEN: Haha! It’s not that simple to study a foreign language or to write a short song that a specific culture can relate to. 

KELSEY: We have studied many languages and cultures for years, and by immersing ourselves “into their shoes” we seek to respect and learn from them. When we mispronounce a word or phrase, we find that there is a lot of support for us in trying to connect with it.

KRISTEN: In many countries, there is a fascination with Hollywood and female celebrities from the USA. Because of our viral content online the three of us are viewed in a light that fuels interest in the simplest of looks, outfits, or singing styles. For instance, we sing in sibling three-part harmony, which intrigues many international listeners.

 

AM: You’ve reached audiences in places like India, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and the Philippines, often without ever having been there. How does that change the way you think about music as a universal language?

KAYLEN: Well, this goes back to what you just asked. There is nothing quite as reassuring as hearing someone speak or sing in your native tongue no matter how many languages you speak or study.

KELSEY: The large language translation models are bringing our world closer together, but hearing and seeing an actual human voice is preferred over a computer-generated voice, at least for now.

KRISTEN: We do not get involved in religion or politics. We are simply sharing our original music to encourage others and reflect both the joys and sorrows that all of us experience in our lives no matter where we live.

 

AM: The #K3Motto has become an anti-bullying creed adopted by fans worldwide. Was creating a safe, judgment-free space always intentional or did it grow organically.

KAYLEN: We are always careful when using the word creed, as it often implies a religious belief system, which we avoid. To us, our should be viewed as a simply stated, yet profound non-religious and non-political guide to actions that lead to respect, acceptance, understanding, and love.

KELSEY: We have experienced in-person and online bullying for years. In our formative performance years, we were hurting from being bullied by stage managers, promoters and mean online comments. We found that one mean comment can neutralize a hundred kind ones. So, in 2014, we sat down and formed our #K3Motto for ourselves, and it spread to the world.

KRISTEN: Like our overall reach into the minds and hearts of millions of fans, we had no idea that our #K3Motto would circle the globe and be translated into so many languages. Our #K3Motto magnets are hanging on countless thousands of school lockers and refrigerators, and fans and their parents constantly refer to how it has helped them cope with bullying and promote positivity in an increasingly dystopian and negative worldview.

 

AM: Your audience includes a lot of teens and tweens. How do you stay mindful of the responsibility that comes with that influence?

KAYLEN: We have a song titled “Just a Singer” which openly confesses that if we could help people in major issues they are facing, we would try; however, we are “just singers in a rock ‘n roll band.” You have to know your limits.

KELSEY: That’s right. We are not responsible for the mental health or personal security of anyone but ourselves. Sure, we try to encourage and lift up others in our song lyrics and kindness, but that’s as far as it goes.

KRISTEN: I guess our responsibility is to remain honest and transparent in how we treat each other and our K3SB FAM and their families. When we meet them in person, it is clear that we are all in the game of life together. Our songs “The Game” and “Life is a Funny Thing” point this out.

 

AM: The holidays are all about connection, and you’re closing out the year with a 4-hour Global NYE Livestream Marathon. What inspired you to celebrate New Year’s Eve this way instead of a traditional show?

KAYLEN: We can reach so many more fans and families by livestreaming long enough to reach every time zone on earth, whether it’s their night or morning. We will only be able to share a few dozen of our original songs in 4 hours, but as always, you never know what our lineup will be!

KELSEY: With the advent of smart TVs and the cell phone connectivity to big screen TVs on YouTube, we are being watched at large and small gatherings. Last year, we were battling sickness and unable to live-stream, but this year, we are healthy.

KRISTEN: In the past, we did two separate 24-hour livestreams as a challenge, and one of them was on NYE. Both almost killed us and the few fans that stayed up with us for 24 hours. So, a 4-hour show is much less output for us, although very few artists are capable of doing this. 

 

AM: You’re aiming to reach fans in 100+ countries during the NYE livestream. What does it mean to ring in the New Year together with people across so many cultures and time zones?

KAYLEN: We know that the world is on their cell phones more than ever. And we know that most people channel surf and jump around from program to program. Because our show is free and continuous for 4 hours with no commercials, we know many fans and new friends will see our stream on their phones and discover us.

KELSEY: We love the idea of connecting with others who live in different cultures, which we are interested in. But we all come together, if only for a few minutes, to make the world a better place as the new year affects us all.

KRISTEN: It’s also like the joy and fulfillment you get by running a long race or climbing a mountain. You power through the pain and endure the effort only to feel a sense of accomplishment afterward.

 

AM: Will fans hear multilingual Name Songs and moments that are exclusive to the  NYE show?

KAYLEN: Yes. We are singing in 15 languages during one show.

KELSEY: We respond to new names we have never heard of and hope to pronounce their name properly.

KRISTEN: We do reference certain country-specific things, such as their country’s food or mascots. For instance, in Turkey, they love to post pictures of a wolf, and we acknowledge that fact.

 

AM: If someone is discovering K3 for the first time during the NYE livestream, what do you hope they feel by the time the clock strikes midnight?

KAYLEN: We hope they feel a sense of community.

KELSEY: By hanging out with us, they get to have fun watching us get crazy and laugh about things while playing music. It’s a vicarious experience for many.

KRISTEN: It takes more than one visit with us online to make a fan, but the door is open on NYE, and we hope it stays open during the coming year.

 

AM: As you head into the new year, what excites you most about where your music and your community are headed?

KAYLEN: Our productions are getting more and more professional, and this is motivating us to learn more about how to film and edit short movies, which could lead to a feature-length work of some type.

KELSEY: Several producers and filmmakers have been in talks with us about future projects that will inspire and entertain our fandom as well as the general public.

KRISTEN: I am excited about the fact that we are entering the fashion world. Some leading designers are interested in having us wear their outfits, and I am hoping this facet of our brand accelerates. I love high fashion.

 

AM: If 2025 proved anything for K3 Sisters, what lesson are you carrying with you into the next chapter?

KAYLEN: More than ever, we recognize that you cannot underestimate the power of the longevity of a band.

KELSEY: Never be afraid to discover new ways to do things. Also, spend time listening to others.

KRISTEN: Never let the naysayers and people who ridicule you stop you from continuing to do what you believe in and what you are called to do in life. You only live once, and every year is a precious time to enrich yourself and others if you stay focused and disciplined.