1. Thank you very much for your time! Before we introduce your new release to our readers – what kind of drink would you recommend to zip on while they listen to your new music?
First of all, I love this question! My music is mostly upbeat, so I recommend something fun like a cocktail. Let’s go with a Dark and Stormy (rum and ginger beer), it’s a little sweet but still has some bite… Kind of like me.
2. Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!
So many exciting things are happening! I just released my first album/LP “Let’s Get It”. It’s 9 songs in my signature style called Hood Pop which is a fusion of hip hop, pop music, and R&B. The album is accompanied by a new music video for “Be Free” which is track number 8. I’ll be performing at Out & Bad on June 25th and the Virtuosity of Blackness on June 27th in Toronto.
3. We live in times of many conspiracy theories. Which, harmless, theory would you wish were true? (For example Dinos living inside Earth or E.T. living in a home in California)
The one about the mole people. Who’s to say that there aren’t secret underground cities and civilizations. Stranger things have been uncovered lately.
4. What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?
Hmmm, These questions are so fun! I’d say Steve Madden meets Forever 21. I like to stay classy and trendy but I’ll always be young at heart.
5. Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!?
I really like to write about my life experiences which I hope are relatable to my listeners. I like to tell stories, of things I’ve been through, provide perspective or just have a good time. I think it’s important to leave room for social commentary but you can’t be too preachy about it, it needs to flow together nicely. Overarching themes of my music include money, sex, drama, and identity from an empowered lens. I have some sexy party songs but also have some that are a bit more serious.
6. Beside music, do you have any special talents?
I’m not sure if this is considered to be a talent but I’m generally pretty good with people. For a long time and even now people will come to me for advice or to just hang out. I attract a lot of new friends and collaborators pretty quickly. I personally really like to help people and I want to see everyone win so I’m always looking at the bigger picture. I think the ability to be emotionally intelligent and to connect others in my network to the things or people they need is something to be proud of.
7. Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?!
- I find inspiration in the strangest places so my phone is filled with notes and random recordings
- I love collaborating with new producers, vocal artists, and musicians
- When I’m stuck on lyrics jumping into the shower usually helps
- I’m a self-taught singer and rapper
- I created my Hood Pop style because I’m influenced by so many different artists and didn’t want to stay in one genre only
8. How did you learn to sing/ to write/ to play??
I learned to rap and sing simply through trial and error. I didn’t really have any musical training outside of what public school could offer so I really had to learn it all on my own. I’m still growing and learning with every song and I plan to keep it that way.
9. A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls
“What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?” I would say try new things and don’t be afraid to have fun with it. It’s important to experiment and try new sounds so that you can form your musical identity. Work with as many different people as you can and try to form reciprocal relationships based on the people themselves and not how many followers, likes, or comments they have online. People will give you a thousand reasons not to do something but you need to go with your gut feeling.
Your Instagram: @officialekelle