Saturday 04 July 2009
Popstar paradiso: Seven talks to Kameko as his new album is about to be released
Written by Katie Elles
Wednesday, 23 April 2008 00:00
Your debut album 'Keys to Paradise' is due to be released. What can listeners expect to hear on the new album?
They can expect to hear the sounds of joy, pain, forgiveness, healing, inspiration, sex, love, and everything in between. It’s a sonic journey through the evolution of sound from rock to pop to soul to hip-hop. I guess the best way to describe it is like that sound in your chest - you can expect to hear the heartbeat of life and music.
You have coined a new genre of music called Evalt – meaning evolutionary alternative music. How did you come up with this label?
I came up with it because I was tired of being categorized. In this industry and in life, people are always trying to box you in and limit your growth and creativity. So I rebelled. Evalt is the outcome of that rebellion. It’s me and my music finally becoming free. With that said, the concept of Evalt is not limited to music. You can use Evalt if you’re a struggling single mom, you can use it if you’re an unhappy investment banker, and you can use it if you’re a lost teenager. Take the concept and break out of whatever is holding you back and create your own freedom and identity.
Where does the inspiration for your music come from?
The Creator. I don’t write my songs; I am just a vessel for the Creator’s light. It’s that simple and yet it’s that complex.
I hear your sound has recently sparked interest from Michael Jackson and you worked together on a single called 'Down and Out.' Can you tell us more about that?
The single was actually leaked prematurely. It’s a really hot song and we’re still solidifying the release date. The collaboration was a dream opportunity for me and I aim to have the song on the re-release of my album, ‘Keys to Paradise’.
In addition to your music credits, you appeared as the Scarecrow in the Wiz and acted in NBC's network series Trinity. How do you juggle your acting with your music?
They play off of each other. Sometimes when I am acting I am really creating music through the character’s speech patterns and rhythms. When I do live musical performances you have to channel the emotions that you felt when the song was delivered from the Creator to you and let them free. That’s basically what actors do. They are both one and the same for me as an artist.
How does acting in an off-Broadway play compare to working in television?
Live is always an unforgettable experience for me. There’s an electric energy in the air and everyone senses it, so that’s the biggest difference: the thrill factor. In television, I get to perfect and do over scenes, which helps make everything look polished and it instills a certain kind of discipline. But I’m a live performer at heart.
You have supported acts including Mary J Blige, Vanessa Williams and Tony Braxton. What have you learned from these tours?
Those women are icons for a reason. They are dedicated to their craft, they are disciplined, and they love what they do. Those attributes definitely inspired me and pushed me further. When you are surrounded by greatness you have but no choice to aspire to be great yourself.
Your collaborations include Erykah Badu and Lenny Kravitz. How did you come to work with these artists?
Meeting Erykah was set-up through my mentor, Monte Lipman, the President of Universal Records. For Lenny, that was set up through one of his producers/guitarists. I always believe that positive musical energy draws amazing people your way and vice versa, so I believe that I was meant to cross paths with both Erykah and Lenny.
I understand you founded TarPaul records in 1999 and will be releasing ‘Keys to Paradise’ on the label. How did you start the label and what other artists are you signing?
I started the label with a group of investors who believed and still believe in the vision. I am still working on my roster of artists. n this musical climate it takes a lot to break an artist, so I’m being very conscious of the talent that I do sign. It takes a whole lot of drive and commitment to succeed.
As someone who has set up his own label, what do you see as being the major issues affecting independent labels today?
Some of the major issues include funding and publicity. Indie labels don’t have the same amount of funds that a major does so of course that puts you at somewhat of a disadvantage. Secondly, it’s hard to get people to pay attention to you when you’re some new artist or label that no one’s heard of no matter how talented you are. You have to have a brand of some sort to back you. But I believe that the digital revolution is creating amazing new opportunities and avenues for indies to compete with the majors and find a huge amount of success.
You are set to kick off a promo tour to promote the new album. Where can people see you perform?
My tour dates begin in May and are available on MySpace: www.myspace.com/kamekoworld This tour is a very unique approach that only an indie label would think of [laughs] and I am very excited about it. Basically, we’re traveling throughout the east coast at various Obama and Clinton events. While I am there I will be documenting the people’s calls for an end to the war in a video that will be posted on YouTube. I’ll also be selling limited edition Obama and Clinton anti-war t-shirts and giving away free exclusive copies of my song, ‘No More War’. It’s a great way to spread a positive message in these very serious times, as well as get the word out about my music. Politics and music are connected more so than people think or would like to think, and this tour is a testament to that fact. My traditional tour dates will begin this August with my band at various venues to be announced soon.
Where do you hope to see yourself and your music in the future?
I hope to see my music reflected in the eyes, hearts, minds, and souls of the people. Aside from doing music for my own personal therapy I do it because I want to heal. I want to touch people and inspire them to grow, be free, and spread positive energy. When I see positivity and love spread across the world I will be satisfied.
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