Exclusive | Singer Kalenbree Talks Her Upcoming Sophomore Project 'Panda'
Georgia singer, Kalenbree talks the upcoming release of her sophomore project, Panda, and growing up singing in the church in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“My music is something for people to vibe to, to cry to, and shake their ass to if they want to! My music is genre defying and revolutionary.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Georgia singer, Kalenbree! Kalenbree is a versatile artist out of Decatur who has the ability to switch her flow from song to song. This artist can sing, rap, play the guitar, and is a crowd engaging performer. After releasing her first full project “Indigo Child” in 2018, Kalenbree is set to drop her sophomore project “Panda” this year and she recently dropped a new single called “1999”. This is an exciting artist on the rise that you certainly want to keep your eyes on as you can’t help but get caught up in her vibe when you turn the music on.
Kalenbree - 1999
We talked with Kalenbree in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Kalenbree: I was groomed in a musically inclined family, both my mother and my father are singers and instrumentalists which influenced me to create music of my own at a very young age. I was a frequent church goer so naturally this is where I got my first opportunity to showcase my talents. It all happened like this:
My youth pastor caught me singing one day with my friends and she said, “You sing?” And my friends butted in to say, “And she plays guitar!” Then my Youth Pastor goes, “You’re singing next Sunday!” And leaves! I really wanted to be an author originally so, I honestly didn’t want to do it, but I did it anyway. I sang in front of a huge crowd of kids and I was really close to getting up and leaving. But she made me stay and sing, and when i finished I had the straightest look on my face...then everyone started cheering and clapping and I was very surprised! I thought to myself, “Hm... I like this feeling. Maybe I should do this more often.” So, I performed every other Sunday at my church, and I got more and more confident in my music and decided to keep going and I haven’t stopped since. Ironically enough, I never decided that I was going to do music with my life until 2017.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Kalenbree: My biggest influences are my personal experiences in life; I am a very passionate person, but when I was younger I had terrible anger issues and needed an outlet. Music saved my life. The people who influenced me where my mother, my youth pastor, and Erykah Badu, India Arie, Ed Sheeran and Kendrick. Ed Sheeran was my biggest influence ever though and my favorite artist at the time.
My favorite artist is Kendrick Lamar and it will always be Kendrick Lamar. But, I also love SZA, SahBabii, Louis Armstrong, Erykah Badu, Smino, Masego.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Kalenbree: I want to collab with Doja Cat, Tierra Whack, Masego, Smino, Kaash Paige, Xiamara and Jelani Imani. I just really fuck with them as artists and I feel like we would make great music!
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Kalenbree: The best song I have out right now numbers-wise is “Decatur” but “1999” is also a favorite of mine. My song “Decatur” is my baby and it changed my whole sound; I made a song about where I grew up at and it was everyone’s favorite song at the time. I just really love the vibes of it and I freestyled the whole thing so it was really fun for me to make. I’ve only put out one project thus far called Indigo Child which is a collection of songs that holds a special place in my heart because it’s very personal and signifies the start of my musical career as a recording artist.
Kalenbree - BUBBLEGUM
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Kalenbree: Everyone can look forward to my next EP Panda dropping some time this year! And a song with me and DavidTheTragic as well.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Kalenbree: I generate new ideas based on my emotions and what’s happened to me in my life. Making music is a coping mechanism and outlet for my feelings. I always feel super relieved after making a song, I guess you can say that creating music is therapeutic for me.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Kalenbree: The people, my family, my friends, and my supporters all motivate me. My ambition stems from my need to win. I define success as joy. When I am undoubtedly happy and the people around me are happy is when I believe I have become successful, believe it or not, I want everyone who helped me to eat, even the ones I fell out with.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
A: My music is something for people to vibe to, to cry to, and shake their ass to if they want to! My music is genre defying and revolutionary. My intentions and reasons for doing music are all genuine since it is out of the love for it. That’s also what makes me different.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Kalenbree: I don’t think that there’s any specific formula to success. Every successful artist has their own journey and their own story to getting to where they are now. Times change all the time, so no one thing is going to work for everyone. I believe once you find your niche, everything else is based on the people around you, you’re mindset, and the law of attraction.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Kalenbree: My mother is my greatest inspiration. She took care of me a supported my music career first before anyone else did. She went above and beyond to throw me my first show ever. She beat cancer, and still continues to be so hardworking despite her health conditions. It’s just inspirational and lets me know that I have no excuses as to why I’m not working hard.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Kalenbree: The most influential and successful in my genre today? I make alternative r&b, so SZA, Frank Ocean definitely, and The Weeknd.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Kalenbree: Passion definitely. I’m passionate about everything I do. Even the things I say I’m passionate about. I guess it’s cause I’m an Aries.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Kalenbree: I had to sacrifice comfortability. Like, I could’ve had a regular job, good pay and focus on school, having enough to move out as soon as I got into college, and live a normal comfortable life. But, I put my all into music. I put all my eggs in one basket and bet it all on music.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Kalenbree: Performing excites me the most! I love being on stage and I love the crowd. I’m my happiest when I’m on stage. What discourages me the most is my own thoughts. I struggle with being positive 24/7, but I’m only human. Sometimes, I wonder if I’m a good enough artist to make it, wonder why I’m not making it ASAP.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Kalenbree: I see myself on tour, winning hella awards and changing millions of lives along the way.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Kalenbree: I would say, “keep going, accept criticism in all shapes and forms and never take anything to personally, set standards, and always have people around you that will tell you the truth, because those are the people who genuinely want to see you win and care for you.”
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Kalenbree: Only that I’m always evolving and I will continuously drop music,visuals, and cater to my fanbase. My music career has only just started, stay tuned for more Kalenbree.
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Exclusive | Rapper ZimMill Talks Focusing on His Own Sound and Identity
Chicago rapper, ZimMill, discusses focusing on establishing his own sound and identity and his upcoming project “Millionaire Mindsets EP” in an exclusive interview!
“To quote Nip, ‘Demonstration speaks louder than conversation’. . So just tap in & find out”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Chicago rapper ZimMill! Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, ZimMill began his music pursuit after moving to Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 19. This artist gives a unique perspective in his music which he pulls from life’s experiences, and he’s fully unfiltered in expressing every single bit of it.
ZimMill brings a dope flow with raw lyrics that and you can hear bits of influences from Nipsey Hussle and G-Herbo in his tracks. After listening to his studio freestyles on youtube, you will have no choice but to root for him. ZimmMil is a young artist that’s definitely on the rise and should be on your radar for the future!
ZimMill - Sing About Me Freestyle (Kendrick Lamar)
We talked with ZimMill in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
About 3 years. My 1st time recording was in 2017. I kinda stumbled into being an artist really. I always had a super heavy passion for music. But it was as a consumer, never from an artist standpoint. I’d be with a bunch of my homies smoking weed and them niggas would always turn on instrumentals and freestyle. I never rapped. I’d just chill and listen and hype them up. But one day, they basically forced me to hop in. I caught a vibe and fell in love with it.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
My favorite artists are Nipsey Hussle, 2Pac, G Herbo, Kendrick, Jay-Z, Meek, J Cole, Curren$y, there’s a few more I’d name too. Erykah Badu is in there for sure. I can go on and on. These are also the ones I’m most influenced by. Outside of just the music, I try to be a student of the game and learn from other people’s journeys. And I connect to all of these people’s storylines.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
I don’t mean for this to come off vain or arrogant or nothing like that at all, but I’m not even concerned with collaboration right now. I’m focused on fully establishing my own sound and identity. But down the line, if life allows it, I’d like to work with Roddy Ricch & SZA. Two unique artists that I think are very versatile and great at creating a feel. My dream feature is a Hov verse though.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Right now I’d say my “Sing About Me” freestyle. It’s over one of Kendrick Lamar’s classic tracks. It holds a special place for me. I ain’t waste a line on that. I was fully vulnerable and pure and every single bar was a statement that I can stand on 100%.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
There’s a podcast called “Millionaire Mindsets” by a young couple Xavier Miller & Deanna Kent. It was named one of the top 50 podcasts for entrepreneurs. I got a project in conjunction with them that will be dropping in June. “Millionaire Mindsets EP”. I call it theme music for the ambitious. If you’re trying to get your bag right and get your mind right, lock in with this project. Other than that, I’ll continue having content release regularly on my YouTube channel.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
I could be walking down the street and some shit will randomly pop up in my head and I jot it down. Or I might brainstorm for a while. Or I might just go in off however I’m feeling/thinking in the moment. It always varies. But honestly, most times, instrumentals guide me. I hear a beat, and that beat will send the right words or emotions to me. And I’ll go from there.
ZimMill - Studio Freestyles 5 (Meek Mill/Roddy Ricch - Letter To Nipsey)
What motivates you and how do you define success?
I’m motivated by potential. The vision of meeting my potential and changing me and my people’s lives is the heaviest motivational factor. We come from a busy city. A lot of people that we know, see death or prison at a young age. It might sound a little weird, but that’s motivational to me. Motivation to live this life to the fullest. Success is relative. I feel like we usually just define success as acquiring money or status, but I define it as meeting an objective. Bottom line. Whatever vision or target you aspire towards, whether financially or physically or spiritually or whatever. If you hit that target, that’s success. Success is fulfillment.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
I call it life music. Human music. Cause I feel like it’s relatable to almost anybody. From the street nigga, to the college student, to the single mother working to make ends meet. I think that anybody can connect to it. And I’m just me and that’s what separates myself. I noticed that you don’t even have to TRY to separate yourself or stand out. Because we’re all genuinely unique already. So if you just tap into yourself, and fully embrace that truth, you’ll naturally stick out and separate yourself.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Most definitely. I believe the formula boils down to being authentic, making high-quality music and building a fanbase that believes in you. And being relentless with your grind. It’ll take time and consistency but shit will eventually start to connect for you if you stick to that script. I believe in that to the fullest.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
In my personal life, it’s my two older brothers. They’ve always been respectable guys that I looked up to in many ways. As far as celebrities, Nip Hussle, Muhammad Ali and Pac. Each for their own unique reason, but I’d say those three for sure.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Most influential: I got Drake, Young Thug, and Future. . With most rappers that you hear nowadays, you can spot some influence by one of those 3 artists in their sound. I might have a Chicago bias but I gotta mention Chief Keef too. People sleep on Sosa’s impact. Keef has a lot to do with the current sound of hip-hop being as it is. And for most successful, I can’t really say bro. Like I said earlier it’s all relative. I gotta know their exact intentions in order to know how successful they are.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Passion. It may be joyful in one moment, then soulful or aggressive in another moment, but its always passionate. I’d throw optimistic in there as well, if that can count as an emotion.
ZimMill - Studio Freestyles 6 (Polo G - Go Stupid, Meek Mill - Oodles & Noodles Baby)
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
I’m doing a lot to make my vision a reality but I don’t really view any of it as a sacrifice for real. From late nights and early mornings, to constant studio investments, to losing certain relationships, to whatever. I just see it as part of the game. It’s what the mission demands. I’m not sacrificing anything because I’m doing exactly what I want to do.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
I wouldn’t say anything really discourages me. I embrace it all. I’m most excited by seeing the outcome though. Easy answer. I just be excited to see what I can turn out. It’s always dope to surprise myself or impress myself in the end, cause I’m my own biggest critic.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
I see myself in a position that I’m proud of. I see myself generating millions through multiple different avenues. I see myself with an established music career, traveling the globe, and pushing a energy that connects and impacts people in a good way.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Be authentic and stay patient. When you’re being authentic, you attract the people & situations that were meant for you. And that’s the top priority. You don’t want to attract shit that isn’t genuine to you, because that shit won’t be sustainable. And at the end of the day, It’s about longevity. Great things don’t happen overnight. Stay dedicated to your mission & let it play out.
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Exclusive | Kindal Tate Talks Her Upcoming EP 'Summer Vibez' & Advocating for Anti-Bullying
California Singer, Kindal Tate, talks the release of her upcoming EP, Summer Vibez, and being an advocate for anti-bullying in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Singer/Songwriter/Producer Kindal Tate! Kindal hails from Northridge, California and uses her jazzy vibes to fuse with a variety of different genres. She attended College of the Canyons in Valencia, California. She is an advocate for anti-bullying and inspires those young and old that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. Kindal is an extremely talented vocalist who produces music that is soulful with good vibes!
Kindal Tate - Finesse
We talked with Kindal Tate in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Kindal Tate: I’ve been making music since 4 years old. I would make up songs and perform them for family in our living room. Music has always been played around me at home and thats what began my passion for singing.
QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Kindal Tate: I would say Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong has been my biggest musical influence and my favorite musicians are Sza, Masego, Count Basie, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Cab Calloway, Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald.
QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Kindal Tate: Sza, Erykah Badu, Masego, Stevie Wonder and D’angelo because they are insane when it comes to creative lyrics, harmonies and over all they are super authentic as artists.
QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Kindal Tate: I would have to say Floating is the best song off the EP because that song started it all I was finally in a real cool creative space in my mind.
QUESTION: What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Kindal Tate: It will be a while till “Diary of a Jazzy Kid” will drop but I will be dropping an EP in June called “Summer Vibez”.
QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Kindal Tate: I usually go to the beach, or sit outside and watch the clouds.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Kindal Tate: Just having the gift to heal people with music how music has healed me is what motivates me. It’s our responsibility as artists to create real art that can help people or change the world. Success is what you make it, for me it’s just constant growth and always evolving musically and as a person and if I just so happen to “make it” then it was the universe and God’s plan.
QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Kindal Tate: My music has a jazz feel with a modern twist on any genre I choose to mix it with. I’m not a box type of artist my audience is anyone and everyone if you vibe with it cool and if you don't that thats cool too, no limitations here.
QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Kindal Tate: There is only one key to success and my mom instilled it in me since I was born and that key is to just “BELIEVE”.
QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?
Kindal Tate: My Family is my greatest inspiration because although we don't have a lot they have given me everything and anything to help support my dream. In knowing that I have that much support there is no way I’m going to give up because only I can stop myself from being the star that I believe I am.
QUESTION: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Kindal Tate: I would have to say Erykah Badu cause she is always creating weather she releases it or not and she still does shows all over the place she is an icon.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Kindal Tate: Love is the over all theme of my music because with love you know joy, pain, and all types of mixed emotions that come along with the ups and downs of a relationship or friendships.
Kindal Tate Promo
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Kindal Tate: The hardest one would be not being around my family as much since I'm always booking shows, rehearsing, going to school and teaching.
QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Kindal Tate: Coming up with the melody and harmonies are my favorite but getting writers block every once in a while is quite irritating cause I always want everything done now but its all about patience.
QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Kindal Tate: I see myself signed to TDE creating my own label and many many awards. I also see myself becoming an icon that inspires people to be themselves and make music the way they want. As for my life I really don't want fancy cars or a huge house just a simple beach house with a recording studio in the basement and I would invest my money in creating music and arts programs in schools for low income kids.
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Kindal Tate: Never bend or break because of money, be authentic, be humble, be kind, never wait to be ready, invest your time wisely, don't be naive not everybody is here to help you, be yourself, love yourself and believe in yourself.
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Exclusive | WAASIKeso is Hip-Hop's Next Great Rap Duo
WAASIKeso is a dynamic hip hop group with lyrical talent that gives you hope for the future of rap! We talked with this Florida rap duo in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
We talked with Florida rap duo, WaasiKeso, in an exclusive interview! Jiggy Keso and WAASI Shade make up this dynamic lyrical duo! Keso is originally From Queens, New York and WAASI Shade hails from Carol City, Florida otherwise known as Miami Gardens. Keso left New York to attend Florida Atlantic University where the group came together." I enjoy making music and going different places. I want to see as much as I can from this world. I never like to be in one spot or doing the same thing for too long" says Keso. WAASI Shade recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s in communication and besides writing and recording music, his hobbies include basketball, football and inner city youth outreach.
In a hip hop culture today where flows and style are ever changing, WASSIKeso brings an authentic approach to their music through their lyrics! Listening to their music, you can feel the passion and truth that this duo poors into their songs and it won't be long before you're hearing about this group on a regular basis!
WAASIKeso - “NAME” (Music Video)
We talked with WAASIKeso in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Question: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
WAASI Shade: I’ve been making music since I was about 12 years old, and I got started by stealing one of those school microphones from one of my classes. I took it home and download this recording program that I can’t remember the name of right now. I used to record in my crib with all of my homies, I believe some of the songs are still on my myspace.
Jiggy Keso: I’ve been writing music as long as I can remember. Since a young kid I would remix songs from commercials and eventually started writing to other famous artist’s beats. I learned to make beats in eleventh grade and started recording around 2015 after my uncle died. After his death I vowed to live out the best life I could.
Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?
WAASI Shade: My biggest influences musically are Lauryn Hill, Tupac and old Lil Wayne. Reason being is they all played a huge role and my upbringing and represent different personalities that I have in myself. My favorite musicians at the moment are Terrance Martin, Daniel Caesar, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, SZA & The Sounds of Blackness.
Jiggy Keso: My biggest influence in terms of producing and overall musical intelligence is Kanye West. Lyrically I take a lot from Lil Wayne and Eminem. I like wordplay and I love using punchlines and interchanging phonetics within my verses. Within a verse I try to see how many flows I can fit in.
Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?
WAASI Shade: The artist that I would love to collaborate with is J. Cole, I feel like I would be able to feed off of the vibe that he would bring into the studio and the discussions we would have before we even record.
Jiggy Keso: I feel like I could make some dope music with Jhene Aiko. I like soft vibes and her tone when she makes her music is cool. She doesn’t hold her talent back and she always has different vibes between songs.
Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?
WAASI Shade: The best song that I feel that I released as a solo artist is this song called “pages” off of my first project ever. Reason being is because of the honesty that I displayed and the way it flowed. Production wise it was trash but I didn’t care about all of that at that time. Ever since we made WAASIKeso our best song that we have released in my opinion is “Shawty’s Interlude”. I love the vibe of that song and the topic that we covered, which is “situationships”.
Jiggy Keso: My best song to me is Kick Back. It isn’t the best produced song that I have ever made but I love the vibe. It is an early song when I was really rough around the edges in terms of what I rapped about and how I sounded on the mic. But it definitely embodies the type of vibes that I love to listen to.
Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?
WAASI Shade: What motivates me is the vison that I have created for myself, which includes inspiring inner city youth through creative outlets such as music. Also I find motivation from my Lil Brother who I want to have a better life than I did growing up because we live in a drug and crime polluted area. I define success as doing something that you love and inspires you to get up every day without the thought that you are wasting your time, plus it gives you the opportunity to continue growing in your respective field of success.
Jiggy Keso: My motivation is my family. And I also love to be someone who always has something going on. I don’t ever want to be in the same place doing the same thing forever. So I work to stay ahead of that. I define success by how happy I am doing what I do and how it can support me and those around me.
Question: How do you generate new ideas?
WAASI Shade: It’s all about conversations and experience when it comes to generating new ideas for me. I believe that ideas are transferred through the day to experiences of life and allowing other people express their perspectives and thoughts to help your creative process.
Jiggy Keso: I generate new ideas by chilling around creatives like myself. Deven and I spend a lot of time around people who have different ways of thinking and it pushes us to expand how we see things.
Question: How do you describe your music to people?
WAASI Shade: I would describe our music as real and relatable because we are vulnerable with things such as relationships, depression, our personality and what we think. One song might feel like a nighttime ride by yourself, the next might feel like a summer day drive to the get some food with the homies. We try to capture different with every song.
Jiggy Keso: I describe my music as really chill. I like low tones and hard bass so I try to have those vibes in my music as well. Even if im on a feature I try to make my part a little different whether its messing with the pitch or adding a deep voice behind my verse.
Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
WAASI Shade: Nope! We’ve seen a variety of ways towards success with artist, music knows no bounds. It’s an energy with no structure so you never know what type of sound might take off next.
Jiggy Keso: Not really. I think you have to find a fan base and stick to them. Just show love to who shows love to you and people will support you for the most part.
Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?
WAASI Shade: My Grandma, the strength that she has showed raising our whole family and the sacrifice she has made for us is something that can’t be matched.
Jiggy Keso: My mom and dad. Nothing phases them it seems and they always let me know that they got me. I try to emulate them when Im out in public.
WAASIKeso - “Soul Food”
Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
WAASI Shade: The most influential artist in today’s genre is Kanye West, regardless of whatever comes out of his mouth, it goes without question that he sound carries weight in the industry. The most successful artist to me is J. Cole because he has gotten to a position where his artistry is respected, yet he controls and creates every project that he puts out. He has full on creative freedom to do what he pleases.
Jiggy Keso: I would have to say it’s a tie between Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J Cole. They seem to shut the industry down when they drop any new music and people are always aligned with one of those three.
Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
WAASI Shade: Passion by far, I move off of passion and when you can hear the passion in somebody within their songs, it touches you in a different way. You ever listen to Fantasia and be like “damn, I feel that” that’s the feeling that dominates the music I listen to.
Jiggy Keso: Ambition and reflection. Ive been through a lot mentally as has Waasi and we try to let people know that its going to be ok. You got to keep pushing forward when life hits you.
Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
WAASI Shade: Well me and Keso made a sacrifice by coming together and leaving our solo ambitions to the side in order to make better music together. We could have let our pride get the best of us and continue our Solo Careers but we understand that our chemistry together in something that can take us far.
Jiggy Keso: My sanity. Temporarily. I was in a really dark place for a while and I had to obsess over a certain dream night in and night out. I had to indulge myself into fantasies that I created to keep me at a stable state for a while.
WAASIKeso - “Lights”
Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
WAASI Shade: When I finally release a project or a song and receive positive reactions from the people that listen. They would text me, call me, or find me person to tell me how much they love our music. It lets me know that we are going in the right direction and that people are excited to hear our music.
Jiggy Keso: Im always excited to record a track. I love rapping over a beat and hearing it back and editing. The possibilities are endless and you get to exercise your creativity.
Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
WAASI Shade: I see us touring across the world not only performing music but helping urban communities with every stop that we make. Our music will touch millions of people in a positive way.
Jiggy Keso: Owning and successfully operating a record label.
Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
WAASI Shade: Patience is Key! But having patience doesn’t mean sit on your ass and wait for an opportunity, you have to go out and work until you create multiple opportunities for yourself.
Jiggy Keso: Love the competition. Don’t beef with any other artists around your city. Work with them. Work together and put your city on. There’s enough money for everybody.
Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
WAASI Shade: Our Music will get to your ears somehow, someway. Plus we are working on more music so stay tuned! WAASIKeso is here to stay, Believe That!!
Jiggy Keso: That it will always improve. The End.
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Exclusive | Laolu Talks Overcoming Depression and Her Return to Music
London singer, Laolu, talks overcoming depression and her return to music! Check out the exclusive interview here!
We talked with U.K. singer, Laolu, in an exclusive interview! This hot new singer was born and raised in South East London, and developed a kinship with music that has spanned much of her life. Laolu graduated in Commercial Music Performance, and it wasn’t long until Laolu was writing her own material and performing across a wide variety of venues including the Indigo O2, Somerset House as part of the ‘What Next’ Campaign supported by Bigga Fish, Cargo, Proud Camden, Street Fest London and the Queen of Hoxton.
Her involvement in the ‘What Next’ Campaign saw her work with the likes of Little Simz and Katy B, supporting acts including Chipmunk, Ghetts, The Wombats and Miss Dynamite. Laolu worked with DJ and producer Blinkie at the very beginning of her career, who also introduced her to the artists J Warner and Benjamin AD.
Laolu - “All In Me” (Music Video)
Laos is an honest soul who openly shares a struggle with depression, which through her music she hopes she can inspire others going through similar issues.
With her return to music, Laolu discovered a new understanding of the direction she wanted to take her sound and her music. The struggle with depression served as a source of inspiration for her upcoming release ‘All in Me’ which talks the listener through the journey she has experienced.
We talked with Laolu in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Question: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Laolu: I first starting singing in primary school around age 10, and started songwriting shortly after. The first time I ever sand was in the school choir and we sand ‘oh happy days’ from Sister act, I just remember everyone coming up to me after saying “oh my gosh you can sing, you can sing!”
Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?
Laolu: I am a huge fan of Brandy, Andre 3000, Kelis and Faith Evans, new school I like SZA, H.E.R and Toro Y Moi and I’m a huge Janelle Monae fan.
Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?
Laolu: I really would love to collaborate with James Fauntleroy or Syd (The Internetz) both are extremely talented and I feel we’d just vibe and create something special.
Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?
Laolu: If I’d have to choose I’d say my latest single ‘How To Feel’ I feel I really tapped back into the original R&B that only a few artists are still doing and I just love how the song develops from start to finish.
Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Laolu: I just love creating and being around others who have genuine love for the art of music, nothing beats being around musicians and just seeing the enjoyment on their faces. The love of music motivates me and overcoming depression and making music again.
Question: How do you generate new ideas?
Laolu: I go off what I experience in life, what my friends experience, sometimes it’s the energy I get when I’m in a session and the producers start creating.
Question: How do you describe your music to people?
Laolu: Honest R&B with a hint of alternative and raw lyricism, I don’t sugar coat what I write or sing about.
Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Laolu: No, I think some are lucky but longevity is granted to those who never stop loving what they do and always strive to grow and learn as a musician or artists. I feel right now we are in a time where people just want good music they’re not fussed about popularity they just want real music.
Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?
Laolu: That would be my family, we haven’t had it all the way easy but we never allowed things to deter us from what we all wished to achieve. My sisters a lawyer, my brothers a photographer, my other brothers in music and real estate and my mums been successful in all she’s done as single parent, I only hope to make them all proud.
Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Laolu: Probably Daniel Caesar, I believe his talent is so raw, his vocals are amazing and so effortless I believe him and H.E.R the singer are really doing solid R&B for the younger generation.
Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Laolu: Right now it’s a bit of everything, my E.P ‘All In Me’ that’s coming out later this year, is based off things I experienced whilst battling depression, I speak on every and about where I am now.
Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Laolu: I don’t really have a social life, I’ve always been a home body but I have to invest in my music and my dream so not seeing friends and going out is a sacrifice I’m willing to make. All my money goes towards music so I don’t really see it as a sacrifice more of an investment.
Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Laolu: Most exciting process is getting the music out and performing live, seeing people vibe and just letting you know they appreciate and like what you’re doing. Discouraging aspect would be working towards a timeline and things getting pushed back, you know when you’re excited about a release and when it doesn’t go as planned it frustrating but I believe everything happens for a reason and just to trust the universe.
Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Laolu: Doing tours and being successful, I believe that the best is yet to come and I will continue to make music that’s honest and music that connects with people.
Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Laolu: Always look towards the end goal, remember why you started and keep going no matter what, it will not be easy some days you’ll question ‘why am I doing this’ you won’t always see results straight away but every seed planted will yield results at the right time. Remember to love what you’re doing and not to lose yourself in the hype.
Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Laolu: Please support my music, it’s literally been what helped me out of depression and I hope my music helps anyone else battling through it. Thank you for taking the time to listen and share xX
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Exclusive | Nayome Discusses Her Debut EP and Pursuing Her Music Career
Texas Singer Nayome, discusses her upcoming debut EP, R E C O V E R Y+ and pursuing her music career! Check out the exclusive interview here!
Nayome is an up and coming singer out of Texas! The 21 year old sing artist was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, but spent her teenage years growing up in the Dallas Metroplex city of Irving, Tx in the Valley Ranch area where she graduated from Ranchview High School. Nayome currently attends Texas State University and is pursuing a degree in Marketing. She loves to sing and dance and owns her own dancing organization called Queen Empire Dance at Texas State where she teaches heel dancing!
Check out Nomi's first music video to her single See You ft Vonte!
Nayome - “Fair Warning” (Music Video)
We talked with Nayome in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Question: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Nayome: Music has always been a part of my life and it’s in my DNA as I come from a family of aspiring musicians. Growing up I always participated in school choirs from elementary to high school. It was in college where I discovered my love for writing song lyrics. Back in November 2017 I made a decision to step out of the shadows and write my first single “Missing You”. It was my first time going public with a song I wrote and I’m glad I made the move. I just wrote down how I felt in that moment in my notes on my phone and I didn’t actually record or finish up until 3 months later. Ever since I recorded that song, I’ve been so eager and motivated to write more and to share with the world!
Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?
Nayome: Honestly, there are too many to even list out as I have so many musical influences! For creative inspiration I listen to Erykah Badu or Bryson Tiller. Beyoncé has been one of my favorite artists since Destiny’s Child. Her drive to keep outdoing what’s expected of her is truly amazing. At the moment, some of my favorite artists in my daily playlist consist of H.E.R, Alina Baraz, Xavier Omar, DVSN, Jhene Aiko, Ella Mai, SZA, Kehlani and so many more.
Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?
Nayome: I’d love to collaborate with Alina Baraz one day!!!!! I’ve been listening to her since 2015 and I love the way she writes her songs and the structure of her songs are simply amazing. She has that R&B/Electric Vibe that you can really feel while listening to her lyrically. Her most recent project “The Color of You” has been on a repeat since the day it came out. She’s truly a distinctive artist with a distinctive sound and I would love to see how our two styles mix together.
Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?
Nayome: My best song so far in my opinion is my single “Fading.” This song is the second thing I’ve released and I pour a lot of emotion to the track. “Fading” is a relevant sequence of events that went on in my life that also played a part in my growth and it means a lot to me. I could say that it is the best yet most underrated song that I have released. I hold a lot of confidence in all my projects but when growth happens in my life it become a creative force to me and I think that’s a big motivator for me to keep going.
Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Nayome: Knowing that I can do everything through Christ gives me a faith that constantly motivates me to keep pushing towards my passion. My mom is also someone who told me from the beginning to pursue my passion for singing. I also want her to have everything she wants so if it takes me there that would be such a blessing to have the opportunity to bless her and others. Also, I still find it very surprising that people look up to me. I’ve had people tell me that I’m very inspiring by the way I go so aggressively towards my passions. If what I do with music motivates someone else to pursue their dreams then I think that’s all the success I need. Success is doing something that makes a person genuinely happy in life and everything that comes from that is just a benefit.
Question: How do you generate new ideas?
Nayome: When it comes to my music I get inspired at the most random moments. One way of generating creativity is reflecting on my growth from life lessons and from there I will shut myself up in my room and focus on writing about my experiences. Another way is I’ll be in my bed thinking about my day and I’ll turn on YouTube, my TV and type in “R&B Type Beats” and just write down my feelings. I’ll generate new songs/ideas in the most random moments. It’s almost like my instincts tells me to stop what I’m doing and write about a feeling I have.
Question: How do you describe your music to people?
Nayome: I think my music is defined as “Vibey.” I would even go as far to say it will put you in the mood and make one feel like they have experienced the emotion I’m portraying in the song.
Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Nayome: I don’t think there is a formula to success other than you HAVE to believe in yourself, stay consistent, and most of all to have FUN.
Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?
Nayome: I would most definitely have to say Beyonce. She’s a hard worker and she goes above and beyond in everything she does, and not to mention how incredibly talented she is!!! She literally masters singing and dancing like its nothing major to do!
Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Nayome: Once again, I think Beyonce is the most influential artist in the game right now because of how she simply changes the game every time she does something musically. Her live performances are unmatched!!! I’ve had the pleasure of attending her Formation tour and the experience was unreal and being there actually pushed me a step closer to pursuing my passion because one day I would love to sell out arenas and bring happiness to every single person that comes out.
Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Nayome: Currently, I am writing music that reflects happiness, but it always changes. It depends on what I’m feeling when I’m writing but every time I’m writing the goal is for my listeners to feel like they are in my shoes experiencing the emotion that is reflected in my songs.
Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Nayome: Sleepless nights taking a toll on my academic studies as well as taking a hit on my social life as I’ve lost some friends as I began to focus more on pursuing my music.
Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Nayome: I think the most exciting thing of making music is overcoming challenges. There are so many obstacles I face when writing my music/ recording my music. It’s the greatest feeling to overcome the obstacles that I face. I have become very quick to take on challenges as well such as making a song on a beat I’m not used to or just stepping out of my comfort zone in general, it’s a very fun process. Feeling discouraged is a type of mindset that I try to avoid having. I have to remind myself constantly that I can do anything I put my mind to.
Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Nayome: In ten years, I see myself inspiring my generation and the generation behind me through my music. It’s a huge goal but with consistent growth in this industry I have no doubt that it can be achieved.
Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Nayome: Don’t quit, stay consistent, and to stay true to themselves. The music industry is tough and it’s so easy to get discouraged and to remember to have fun with the process. Grow from the obstacles and keep pushing through.
Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Nayome: I would like people to know that it’s very important to go for their passions. We only live once and it’s a better life when you are in control of your own life. I will try my absolute hardest to make sure my passion in singing/ writing is a part of my day to day life. I am working on my first EP. R E C O V E R Y+ that releases this Summer! I’m so excited to show the world what I’ve been working on and I hope that they catch the vibe!