With the success of Kina Grannis’ debut album, Stairwells, and high-traffic YouTube channel, it is hard to believe that the singer-songwriter was once a bit of a recluse when it came to sharing her music with others. Almost eight years ago, while attending the University of Southern California, she quietly perfected her skills on any secluded stairwell she could find so no one could hear her. The silence was considered to be her safe place to create music – her private studio. A record deal and three self-released EPs later, the Mission Viejo, CA native can be seen and heard worldwide with her candy-coated second single, “The One You Say Goodnight To,” that recently premiered on mtvU. You can catch Grannis live at the Largo in Los Angeles on July 28th before she begins her European tour in October. Kina’s album, Stairwells, is available now through One Haven Music. – Nicole Dawley