1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

The first time I pressed a keyboard, I played a synth sound… it sounded magical and I was 6 years old. I became so indulged and fascinated with making beats. It felt like freedom, I could create whatever I wanted. Then once I used my poetry skills to add vocals on my beat, I couldn’t believe how good it sounded. I said, “I’m the greatest, why not do this?” I looked up to Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Kraftwerk, and many other musicians just name a few.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

I don’t make comparisons, but I’ve been told that I sound like Jaden Smith. I’ve also been told by an interviewer that I reminded her of Lupe Fiasco. It’s always flattering to hear that because Jaden’s music and mindset is similar to mine, and Lupe Fiasco is dope! He’s one of the first rappers my dad introduced me to, I’ve been bumping him since The Cool album. The difference between me and the majority of other artists is that I get so much satisfaction out of producing myself. I’m an idea, I’m a process, I’m production. I’m not here to just be a ‘rapper.’ It gets boring to always about music and I’m going to broaden the conversations for humanity.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

You can hear adversity in my songs, you can hear that i’ve experienced shit. If there is anything that influences the songs that I write it’s what I’ve learned from my gurus and mentors. Alan Watts said; “Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.” My career, celebrity, what others think about me, and even what I think about me isn’t the truth about who I really am. My potential is infinite and that’s what keeps me going through.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

When it comes to writing a song I listen to a beat first, feel for it, and then write as I go. It’ll turn out how it turns out. I’ll usually go to the studio when I have a few songs done.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

What I ‘plan’ to do and all I can do is continue to put out there what represents me. My fans rock with me and don’t hesitate to tell me they support, that’s the fuel in my tank at this point. People don’t fail, they just give up. I’m KJTheRevolution, I’m choosing and not waiting to be chosen, so by default I’m already chosen. LETS GOOOO.

6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

Signing to a major label is not out of the question for me. I’m always hearing people out, to see what they have to offer and if they want to do business with me. The traditional model isn’t “dead,” it’s just that there are more platforms and outlets to share your music on. But as long as people like music, know where to find music, buy music, and attend shows, then the industry is not dead.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?

I think social media makes it easier for artists to market themselves. They can find their audience quicker.

8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

Whoever is social media savvy has a leg up compared to someone else, but that’s only half the battle. How are you going to translate your social media fans into ticket sales and get enough respect from them that they’ll actually want to see you live?

9.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

Initially a song is made, and if it ends up becoming something that the public likes that’s amazing! Nothing is “selling out” until you become obsessed with pleasing everybody for some money. And even if you do change things up a little, you’ll attract an audience that likes it and will make sure it blows up for you.

10.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Touring the world, and getting to meet everyone I’ve inspired.