KVBA is an artist located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The anglophone prodigy implements a soothing and articulate cadence in his rap. Bilingualism is also one of his expertise. Possessing this ability of naturally transitioning from English to Polish to Dutch is phenomenal, which is also one of the traits that distinguishes KVBA from other rappers. KVBAs inspiration stems from his ethnically various roots, which he conveys through his music videos and different clothing styles.
KVBA is very driven and he proved his enthusiasm by releasing weekly tracks, the so-called ‘Weekly Waves’. Furthermore, he releases remarkable music videos on the regular. His tenacious endeavor has paid off. A recent example of this is that a Real Madrid soccer player, Marcelo Vieira Jr., featured KVBA’s track in his video, which is a colossal step in his career. Also his music has been used by numerous YouTubers, where he generated over a 1.000.000 views.
After his prosperity in the Netherlands, KVBAs next step is to become more internationally known.
LINKS:
https://instagram.com/kvbasound
https://soundcloud.com/kvbasound
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5synFTNfDEFpt4fb96uR3N?si=-zam7xTHSmuaC6PAeU7vQw
https://www.facebook.com/KVBA-318930042048461/
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?
Self expression. I definitely feel that I am the type of person who doesn’t open up a lot. Therefore music is great for me as I can pour my heart out. Also all the things that don’t work out in real life do work out in my songs. I can be in the studio and I would rap about something that wouldn’t work in real life, but in music everything works. And that’s the magic.
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 am an artist who likes to express the feelings that everybody feels and things that everybody goes through. Looking at it from that angle I would say Kid Cudi does a great job at doing that. But we don’t sound alike at all.
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?
The fact that in music you can be working a 1,000 hours and get paid nothing, no dime. Whereas my peers taking on regular jobs they know exactly what they’re getting at the end of the month. I guess it’s the beauty of faith.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
I don’t. I don’t prepare and I try not to think. That’s the best way for me to make the most genuine lyrics. I hear a beat I love and I start painting the canvas with whatever comes to my mind when I hear the melody and drums.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? 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?
I set up my own label with my friends and we plan to get it all the way up to the top dogs. You can work as hard as you want in this industry but without an entrepreneurial mind, or someone who does that for you, you will simply not get recognized. It is what it is. Key is to be making smart investments and build a great relationship with the fans.
6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?
Not at this moment. I’m going to a university and I am working on the side. It’s rough but it’s my passion so that is my fuel. That’s my advice at the same time, if it’s not your passion, just stop. If you do: there are a 100 ways to make it, you just need to find one.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? 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?
Indeed social media is marketing so therefore the label becomes quite obsolete, especially with streaming services in the picture. I was not big on social media but I realized I just have to show myself to the fans otherwise I’ll lose them. Only way to drop social media is if you want to create a mysterious vibe around you, but you’ll have to be big already. This won’t work if you’re a small rapper.
8.) 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”?
If I can work with an artist that is totally different from me I see that as an opportunity to introduce me to a new fan base and the other way around. To imitate a song or sonic that is already there is wack, but if you are able to make something original that is received by the general public it’s no less art than that from an underground artist.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself touring the world and having released a great number of projects that shift the culture. 5 years from now it will be much more than music, but also top notch videos, fashion and all that. Also we’ll be getting ready to head to the grammy’s, I got one to pick up in 2026. That’s the goal.