Artist Spotlight: Interview with K'Coneil
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Born on the beautiful island of Jamaica, K'Coneil was raised in the village of Granville in Montego Bay. K'Coneil released his debut EP “Love/Lust” on June 24th. The album hit both Billboard and iTunes charts. He recently released a video for the hit single off the album, "Hot Like You," produced by Billboard producer Seanizzle. At the age of 16, he migrated to the United States on a full Soccer scholarship where he attained his Bachelors degree in Finance. Athletic, intelligent and a great artist, K'Coneil is a multitalented powerhouse making serious strides in the Reggae world. His early singles, “Gyal A You” and “Me One,” received heavy rotation on various worldwide airwaves, which allowed him to grace international stages alongside some of the biggest names in music. Pay attention, K'Coneil is on his way to being your next favorite artist! |
When did you start singing?
I started singing in church at the tender age of 4.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to a number of people for different things. As far as on the entertainment side, Jay Z is a true pioneer in the music industry, he has mastered delivering hits consistently for more than a decade and is quite an accomplished business mogul. My parents and grandma are also among my biggest heroes for showing me the blue print of working hard. They've instilled in me the values and dedication required to change ones situation and humble beginnings through hard work.
What made you believe you could be the next big star?
I've gotten some shine from an early age through consistently being a great student and soccer player. Being recognized at an early age for these skills, thankfully, gave me a sense of confidence and belief in my abilities. It placed a lot of pressure on me to succeed by my family, peers and community and made me aspire for something greater in my future. I wasn't quite clear what route I was gonna take to achieve greatness. It wasn’t until I met an artist by the name of Charles Perry in October 2010 who eventually became my mentor and basically changed my outlook on music and the type of music I should be doing. His vision and of me as the next Big Star out of Jamaica, following the likes of Sean Paul and Shaggy, to name a few, really made me focus on the foundations of Reggae music. His exact words were I was a blend of “Wayne Wonder meets Sean Paul.” At that time I was recording R&B music and he told me to do embrace my culture and do Reggae/Dancehall music and I haven’t looked back since.
I started singing in church at the tender age of 4.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to a number of people for different things. As far as on the entertainment side, Jay Z is a true pioneer in the music industry, he has mastered delivering hits consistently for more than a decade and is quite an accomplished business mogul. My parents and grandma are also among my biggest heroes for showing me the blue print of working hard. They've instilled in me the values and dedication required to change ones situation and humble beginnings through hard work.
What made you believe you could be the next big star?
I've gotten some shine from an early age through consistently being a great student and soccer player. Being recognized at an early age for these skills, thankfully, gave me a sense of confidence and belief in my abilities. It placed a lot of pressure on me to succeed by my family, peers and community and made me aspire for something greater in my future. I wasn't quite clear what route I was gonna take to achieve greatness. It wasn’t until I met an artist by the name of Charles Perry in October 2010 who eventually became my mentor and basically changed my outlook on music and the type of music I should be doing. His vision and of me as the next Big Star out of Jamaica, following the likes of Sean Paul and Shaggy, to name a few, really made me focus on the foundations of Reggae music. His exact words were I was a blend of “Wayne Wonder meets Sean Paul.” At that time I was recording R&B music and he told me to do embrace my culture and do Reggae/Dancehall music and I haven’t looked back since.
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What was it like to hear your song on the radio for the first time?
I almost crashed! Lol… I remember it like it was yesterday; I was on my way home driving down the Cross Bronx and it came on I called everyone to tune in and listen. I was so excited!! It was one of the best feelings I ever felt simply amazing.
You have performed at some of the biggest stages in Reggae. What do you like best about performing?
I love performing because it gives me a crazy adrenaline rush! This is the opportunity to connect with the audience and let them feel your music and passion. As a new artist, often times the audience may not know your music that well, so its an opportunity for me to make that introduction and get them hooked. This is the purest form of connecting with music lovers and converting them into fans. It doesn't hurt also that it gives me a reason to play dress up as a part of the whole experience!
I almost crashed! Lol… I remember it like it was yesterday; I was on my way home driving down the Cross Bronx and it came on I called everyone to tune in and listen. I was so excited!! It was one of the best feelings I ever felt simply amazing.
You have performed at some of the biggest stages in Reggae. What do you like best about performing?
I love performing because it gives me a crazy adrenaline rush! This is the opportunity to connect with the audience and let them feel your music and passion. As a new artist, often times the audience may not know your music that well, so its an opportunity for me to make that introduction and get them hooked. This is the purest form of connecting with music lovers and converting them into fans. It doesn't hurt also that it gives me a reason to play dress up as a part of the whole experience!
What is it like working with great producers such as Seanizzle and ZJ Sparks?
It’s a great honor and pleasure to work with Seanizzle. I have been a fan of his music for years and to get the opportunity to work with him is a blessing. The working process between us also made me realize that we have so much in common, those commonalities mix when we come together and create. Great music is the amazing result of our synergy.
ZJ Sparks, I just love working with her; she is a positive down to earth and SUPER fun person that just wants to see me win. There is never a dull moment with her. She has definitely given me some great advice and she continues to support my music consistently. Its all love with Sparks, and makes me want to work with her again and again, she is full of vibes!
What is it like working with great producers such as Seanizzle and ZJ Sparks?
It’s a great honor and pleasure to work with Seanizzle. I have been a fan of his music for years and to get the opportunity to work with him is a blessing. The working process between us also made me realize that we have so much in common, those commonalities mix when we come together and create. Great music is the amazing result of our synergy.
ZJ Sparks, I just love working with her; she is a positive down to earth and SUPER fun person that just wants to see me win. There is never a dull moment with her. She has definitely given me some great advice and she continues to support my music consistently. Its all love with Sparks, and makes me want to work with her again and again, she is full of vibes!
Who would you like to work with in the future?
There are many artists that I really enjoy and would love to work with; but the ones that come to mind without much thinking are; Jay Z, Usher, Beenie Man, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Drake and Taylor Swift. There are others but it would be a dream to work with these artists as they are all amazing!
Your new EP is entitled Love/Lust, how did you come with that title?
Well, the title came to fruition after weeks of brainstorming. When the idea of doing an EP came about, I knew I wanted to write about these two very complex emotions that so often gets intertwined and confused - Love and Lust. I wanted to put my spin on what I feel people go through as they experience the different stages in the process of interacting with others. From the initial meeting where you feel the butterflies, to the point where you get intimate and often leads to the physical intercourse/gratification resulting in the big reveal after its all said and done. Is the contact a triumph because you fall hard and want so much more or do you feel like its a tragedy, from the guilt where you realize that it’s...all lust…
What is next for you? And what can we expect from you in the future?
Next up is shooting the video for my next single off the EP “Feel So Right” and aiming to get solid radio representation for this song and the rest of the EP. There is some touring on the horizon as I attempt to build my brand as an entertainer, with the recognition for giving 100% at every show and delivering consistently dope music that my fans can enjoy. To set no limits for myself and be open to embrace all other avenues of entertainment whether it be in fashion, acting and/or taking the culture of Jamaican music to new levels and higher heights.
How can people follow you?
Please follow me on all social outlets and also check out my website:
www.Twitter.com/thekconeil
www.Instagram.com/thekconeil
www.Youtube.com/thekconeil
www.reverbnation.com/kconeil
www.kconeilmusic.com
There are many artists that I really enjoy and would love to work with; but the ones that come to mind without much thinking are; Jay Z, Usher, Beenie Man, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Drake and Taylor Swift. There are others but it would be a dream to work with these artists as they are all amazing!
Your new EP is entitled Love/Lust, how did you come with that title?
Well, the title came to fruition after weeks of brainstorming. When the idea of doing an EP came about, I knew I wanted to write about these two very complex emotions that so often gets intertwined and confused - Love and Lust. I wanted to put my spin on what I feel people go through as they experience the different stages in the process of interacting with others. From the initial meeting where you feel the butterflies, to the point where you get intimate and often leads to the physical intercourse/gratification resulting in the big reveal after its all said and done. Is the contact a triumph because you fall hard and want so much more or do you feel like its a tragedy, from the guilt where you realize that it’s...all lust…
What is next for you? And what can we expect from you in the future?
Next up is shooting the video for my next single off the EP “Feel So Right” and aiming to get solid radio representation for this song and the rest of the EP. There is some touring on the horizon as I attempt to build my brand as an entertainer, with the recognition for giving 100% at every show and delivering consistently dope music that my fans can enjoy. To set no limits for myself and be open to embrace all other avenues of entertainment whether it be in fashion, acting and/or taking the culture of Jamaican music to new levels and higher heights.
How can people follow you?
Please follow me on all social outlets and also check out my website:
www.Twitter.com/thekconeil
www.Instagram.com/thekconeil
www.Youtube.com/thekconeil
www.reverbnation.com/kconeil
www.kconeilmusic.com
