Exclusive | Aaronic Dorsey Talks the Release of His Latest EP 'What Summer Was Ext.'
Atlanta rapper, Aaronic Dorsey talks creating music from real raw emotions, impacting and inspiring people through his lyrics and his latest EP, 'What Summer Was Ext.' in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“I feel as an artist your real success is defined by your ability to touch and impact the people.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Atlanta rapper, songwriter and producer, Aaron Dorsey! Known professionally as Aaronic Dorsey, he originally hails from Montgomery, Alabama, and moved to Atlanta as a child and has since immersed himself in various avenues to develop his musicality and artistry further. His earliest musical influences range from Kirk Franklin to Stevie Wonder.
Aaronic grew up in the church, and had limited exposure to rap music. It was not until the 5th grade when he was introduced to artists such as T.I. and 50 Cent. However, it was the likes of Kanye West, Outkast, and Pharrell Williams that ultimately laid the groundwork and inspiration for the sound Aaronic now delivers as an artist. During Dorsey’s junior year of high school, he began releasing freestyles that led to the release of his first mixtape. Since then, Aaronic has continued to evolve his creativity through songwriting, production, and curating visual companions to his musical releases.
Even though Aaronic started by rapping for classmates classmates, it was him getting involved in the teen ministry at his church that allowed him to develop and find his stage presence. Aaronic has performed in numerous open mics and showcases in the Atlanta area. Known for his high energy on stage and crafty lyrics, Aaronic captivates audiences by providing them with the pureness of who he is at all costs. He strongly believes in giving people raw art, well done. Aaronic Dorsey recently released an extended cut of his last EP titled What Summer Was Ext and it is available on all streaming platforms.
This artist is a true lyricist as he pours real thoughts and emotions into every song that listeners can relate. Aaronic is just what Hip Hop needs, a true creator.
Aaronic Dorsey - Snooze
We talked with Aaronic Dorsey in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Aaronic Dorsey: I’ve been making music for right around 10 years now. I recognized my love for music as early as 5th grade and would even tell people I was a rapper even though at the time I didn’t even have any raps written but it was in my junior year of high school where it became a real thing. I had a group of friends who all shared the same interest and we all began recording in a friends basement experimenting and finding each of our individual sounds.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Aaronic Dorsey: My biggest influences are Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, OutKast, Kirk Franklin, and Pharrell Williams.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Aaronic Dorsey: PJ Morton and Tobe Nwigwe are two artists I’d love to collaborate with because both are independent and I feel I could learn a lot from them how to better maneuver my independent artistry.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Aaronic Dorsey: My best project to me is my most recent, What Summer Was Ext. and I say that because it truly feels like a coming of age for me. I’m finally at this point where I know who I am and know how to make that translate in a way where the music can be felt. Finishing school was a big reset for me as an artist so a lot of stuff I put out when I first finished were more experimental than anything cause I was still trying to connect the dots with all that I had learned.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Aaronic Dorsey: I plan to put out some singles and videos and hopefully an album towards the end of the year. This summer I’m planning to relaunch this series I do called “Garage Sessions” where I literally set up in my garage and either perform my songs or rap over some of my favorite songs from other artist.
Aaronic Dorsey - Garage Sessions Ep. 29: WSW Mashup
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Aaronic Dorsey: I generate most ideas from my own life experiences and just what’s happening around me. I’m always looking for ways to broaden my horizons and expand my perspectives.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Aaronic Dorsey: I define success as being able to impact and inspire people to be more than what is presented to them. I feel as an artist your real success is defined by your ability to touch and impact the people. It sounds simple but it goes so much deeper than the music itself. It’s the ability to represent and stand for something bigger than you.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Aaronic Dorsey: I always approach creating my music from an approach of giving people raw art, well done. It’s raw cause it’s literally a piece of me but well done because I want to make sure that even though the content is raw I still make sure it’s presented in a way that is digestible for people to connect with.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Aaronic Dorsey: The only real formula is being yourself. I feel you can never go wrong being true to who you are but that doesn’t mean you know it all. Be yourself and always be willing to seek further direction and advice. As creators we have the goal in mind but we don’t always see the bigger picture due to us being so connected to the art so its important to keep good people around you. My other tip is to be willing to learn any and everything that contributes to your art. It’ll help you have a better idea of what quality work is and what it takes to achieve that. Do the work and let the team find you.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Aaronic Dorsey: My dad is definitely my greatest inspiration. He was the one that introduced me to so much music and gave me my initial love for it.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Aaronic Dorsey: It’s a toss up between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Both are artists are global icons and have created their own lanes that many artists have taken after in the current era of hip hop. There are a lot of different rappers but those are two that I feel everyone looks to in one way or another.
Aaronic Dorsey - Garage Sessions Ep. 28: Reciprocate ft. MAG The Artist
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc., and why?
Aaronic Dorsey: Passion is definitely a dominate emotion because it gives me the ability to embrace so many other emotions at once depending on the topic point of the song. I make my goal to not write about anything that I myself isn’t passionate about or haven’t experienced.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Aaronic Dorsey: One of my biggest sacrifices was taking a year off from music in 2014 to go back to school and learn the basics of how to record and produce. That one decision made me better not only in my artistry but allowed me to build skills that helped me find jobs that have further developed my skill set.
Aaronic Dorsey
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Aaronic Dorsey: Recording, Writing, and Beatmaking are by far my favorite parts of the process. I can somewhat enjoy mixing but the pressure of it along with the constant revisions are definitely something that can tend to drive me crazy especially when it’s crunch time.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Aaronic Dorsey: In 10 years I want to be in a place where my passion works for me. I want to be able to still do music but also be able to have other endeavors working for me also rather if it’s teaching, acting, or almost anything that will keep my creative juices flowing.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Aaronic Dorsey: Learn how to do as much as you can so that nothing can stop you from getting your music out there. The time you could spend waiting on help to come out the sky you could be learning the skill. This doesn’t mean you will do everything forever and nobody should want to but in the beginning all you really have is you so the least you can do is put yourself to use.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Aaronic Dorsey: I recently dropped a project called What Summer Was Ext. and it is available on all streaming platforms. I also have series on YouTube called Garage Sessions where Im performing some songs off that project along with me rapping over some of my favorite songs so definitely go check both of those out!
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Exclusive | Singer Zakiya Harmony Talks Creating Her Own Sound Through Neo-Soul
Atlanta singer, Zakiya Harmony talks making an impact on the world through her music, becoming a successful indie artist, and creating her own sound through neo-soul in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“I just want to impact the world through positive music and music that has helped me get through so many obstacles in life. Everyone has a purpose in life and I believe my purpose is to inspire others through music.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Atlanta singer, songwriter, and musician, Zakiya Harmony! She began her music journey playing the saxophone in her elementary school band at the age of 9. Zakiya was a rapper for several years as an adolescent into adulthood, and it wasn’t until the birth of her son and losing her job as an educator in 2012 that she realized she needed to reevaluate her life.
She taught herself how to play guitar and wrote songs as as a way to express herself. Zakiya has performed at Sweet Auburn Festival, Yellow Daisy Festival, Callanwolde Arts Festival, Chastain Park Arts Festival, and The Piedmont Arts Festival, as well as many other venues around the Atlanta area. Zakiya’s unique style of music and her life story is what sets her apart from so many other artists as she brings a soulful and sultry style to her music.
Zakiya Harmony - Apology
We talked with Zakiya Harmony in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Zakiya Harmony: I’ve been making music for about 5 years now.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Zakiya Harmony: Tori Kelly, Brandy, Monica, TLC, H.E.R, and Ari Lennox.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Zakiya Harmony: I would love to collaborate with Babyface and Stevie Wonder. I feel like they are musical geniuses.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Zakiya Harmony: The best song I’ve ever released was the first song I wrote and composed called “Apology”. I feel like I was going through different emotions at the time and it’s so raw to me because I had just began to sing and play guitar 6 months prior.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Zakiya Harmony: The Diary part.2 (My third EP)
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Zakiya Harmony: I typically go off of things that I’ve gone through and life experiences that I can express through songs.
Zakiyah Harmony | Six | Session 9
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Zakiya Harmony: Seeing other artists who were indie artists become successful motivates me the most. I define success by making a living doing what you love.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Zakiya Harmony: I would say I’m a mix between neo-soul and R&B. What makes me different is my unique voice and sound.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Zakiya Harmony: Hard work + talent + faith
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Zakiya Harmony: My greatest inspiration is my son.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Zakiya Harmony: I would have to say H.E.R she’s super talented and I have a lot of respect for her because she is a musician that plays multiple instruments.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Zakiya Harmony: I’d have to say passion because when I write most of my songs 9/10 I’m going through that exact situation in that moment.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Zakiya Harmony: I’ve had to give up sleep. I’m a teacher and I have to sometimes go from a late night gig straight to work the next morning.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Zakiya Harmony: The aspect that excites me the most is being able to create my own sound from the beat/chords to the words in the song. What discourages me is what’s popular now in music. You really don’t have to have talent these days to become a successful artist.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Zakiya Harmony: I see myself writing for major artists and performing my music all over the world.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Zakiya Harmony: Don’t stop. Don’t stop. Don’t stop. I was boo’d off the stage during my first performance. I had only been singing for about 6 months and wanted to go perform just to get my feet wet. I kept working on my craft and booked several gigs at that same location 2 years later as a headliner.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Zakiya Harmony: I started singing when I was 28. I started playing guitar 6 months after that. I write all my music and I play 2 other instruments.
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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.