Indie Artist Spotlight: Kev.O
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
, Posted by krushez at 11/24/2009 10:57:00 AM
With the music world in the middle of an identity crisis, music lovers everywhere are searching for their next favorite artist. Have no fear; Kev.O (pronounced Kev-Dot-O) is here! The Atlanta, GA bred artist, who has been calling Washington, DC home since 2001, has a voice influenced by the musical geniuses of old and lyrics that speak to the youth of today. We, here at EK, got a chance to speak with the man himself, check out the interview below.(This interview was done by Hydah Walker for EardrumKrushez.)
HW: Hello!
Kev.O: Yo! What's Good?
HW: Not much, looking forward to interviewing you. How are you?
Kev.O: I'm cool man. How are you?
HW: That's good to hear. I'm excellent. Glad we finally got to do this.
Kev.O: Fa sho. Same here.
HW: So, to start off, where are you from?
Kev.O: Orginally, Atlanta, GA but I've been in DC since 2001.
HW: Why the move to DC, was it for your career?
Kev.O: Somewhat…I started school at Howard University in the fall of 2001. I was a music student. So, I guess you could say that.
HW: Did you ever graduate from Howard?
Kev.O: (laughing) Yes I did. There's a funny story about that too.
HW: Let's hear it!
Kev.O: Well, I was very clear about what in music I wanted to do when I got to Howard. So, I started on a bass scholarship. Then, I decided I didn't want to be a bass player for the rest of my life, even though I was good at it. Then, I switched to piano, which I had been playing since I was 5, and realized I didn't have the discipline to be among the best. So, I switched to voice and remained on scholarship for the rest of my time there. So, between the hopping around and taking some time off to take advantage of opportunities like singing with Mya and Mario, I ended up being in school until 2007.
Kev.O: I didn't end up going to graduation, because I had no idea I had actually graduated. Thought I had some credits to make up. I found out when I received a call two weeks later from the school asking what I wanted them to do with my degree. LOL! It was cool though. I had watched it on TV from home. Oprah was our commencement orator, and she gave a great speech! She also received an honorary doctorate from Howard University that year. So, I tell people we graduated HU together.
HW: So did you have a lot of support in regards to your music dreams?
Kev.O: I have to say I've been blessed to have so much support. It amazes me every time I think about it.
HW: So, family, friends, and fans have been behind you?
Kev.O: Family's been supporting me from day one. Took friends a minute to realize I was serious when I said I wanted to be a profession recording/performing artist. The fans have been amazing. It's like watching a baby grow. Every time I look around, I'm shocked by how much my fan base has grown.
HW: That's incredible, not everyone has that love when they go into the entertainment business
Kev.O: It's definitely not a task for the faint of heart.
HW: I couldn't agree more. What is your favorite aspect of being a recording artist?
Kev.O: The creative process, whether it's live or in the studio. It's a lot like playing with Lego blocks. It's interesting to see each piece individually then put them together and see what they ultimately become.
HW: It must be wonderful to do what you love everyday and share it with the world
Kev.O: Definitely. I count it as a blessing.
HW: What do you think makes your music special?
Kev.O: It's uncontrived and honest. I believe all art should be as unique as the individual who conceived it. Because I am so many things, so is my music. It's R&B. It's Alternative Rock. It's Soul. It's happy, sad, introspective, retrospective, romantic, sometimes cold...all these things.
HW: so it’s a showcase of exactly who and how you are
Kev.O: Exactly
HW: Have you experienced personal struggles that have affected your music?
Kev.O: Definitely. Particularly the song "Falling" from the new LP. So often, as artists, we want to be successful. So, we try to imitate that which has already been done, completely overlooking the unique gift the God has given us. So, that song is about breaking free from that.
HW: That's very inspiring. Do fame and authenticity go hand in hand for you?
Kev.O: Fame has never really been a goal of mine, but I think respect and authenticity do. With respect comes longevity, and I believe that outweighs fame all day. As long as there is someone who is dedicated to listening, I believe I can still call myself an authentic musician.
HW: I couldn't have put it better myself. What are some of your absolute favorite songs from your new LP?
Kev.O: Hmm... I'm having a hard time with this one. They're like family - I love them all for different reasons.
HW: Name just a few off the top of your head then
Kev.O: "Falling", "Heavy", and "Don't Say" come to mind first. I got some help from YahZarah aka Purple Saint James on "Lights On", and she's just so sexy melted-chocolate-y with everything she does! LOL!
HW: It's great when it works out like that
Kev.O: Oh yeah!
HW: To wrap this up I’m going to ask about some quick facts that new readers may not know about you: favorite place to write/sing music?
Kev.O: In the shower or in a private studio. Sometimes on the metro too. Lots of inspiration there.
HW: Favorite genres of music?
Kev.O: I tend to lean toward Rock, R&B, Gospel, but I tend to enjoy greatness in any form.
HW: Ultimate inspiration to pursue music?
Kev.O: Avoiding the mental institution. LOL! Really.
HW: Do you have time for a personal life?
Kev.O: The two have actually begun to merge. I really do personally enjoy music. So, it keeps me happy and keeps the lights on (most of the time...LOL)
HW: and finally, what is the most difficult thing about having the life you do right now?
Kev.O: The entertainment industry is art, business, politics, and relationships. Sometimes it's hard to balance all four or distinguish one from the other. That's why it's always great to have someone on your team who can help provide an objective view of things.
HW: which I’m sure you do
Kev.O: Definitely. I'm so grateful for great management! Oh wait! I just realized I didn't mention the name of the new LP and where to find it.
HW: that's right. go ahead
Kev.O: It's called Lovolution: The Urban Alternative, and it's available at www.CDBaby.com/cd/KevO2. You can also visit me at http://www.kevotheartist.com/ to get more info on me and other releases and to join the email list. Be sure to follow me on Twitter too! KevOTheArtist.
HW: Thank You Kev.O. This was a great interview
Kev.O: Thank you Hydah!
Just heard his album sampler and I love his voice!
I just read your interview with Hydah Walker for EardrumKrushez..it was absolutely inspiring! Where does one get so much wisdom at such a young age? I look foward to hearing of your greatness to come! -- Atlanta Fan!