One on One in 10: Kim E

One on One in 10

January, 2016

Artist: Kim E

California

It is a new year; so also welcome to 2016! I hope that you all have built upon your foundations in 2015 and are ready to take plight to the next stages of planting your success seeds. I don’t know about ya’ll, but I am ready to start decorating my foundation and inviting those good vibes in to aid in my new years feng shui!

And what better way to kick it off then with a beautiful and down to earth songstress from Cali….Kim E!!

Mazzi: Thank you so much for taking the time out to sit and speak with me.

KimE: Thank you for having me!

Mazzi: So for our first question, what made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

KimE: I was about eight years old. We used to have this show called the Music Box; they would play all different music and videos and I would listen to Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and a lot of old school. That’s when I first realized that I wanted to write. I began writing all my own music. Then in fifth grade my teacher caught me singing in the bathroom and asked me to sing for my graduation and I have been singing ever since.

Mazzi: How would you describe your music for the public audience if they have never seen or heard you before?

KimE: It’s more real R&B. I think nowadays everybody has strayed away from what R&B music used to be. I’m taking it back to what music really means; how it sends a message; it makes you feel, it helps you relate, it helps you cope. It’s mostly like a soft feel to it. A lot of singers sing loud and are really strong and powerful; I am more of a mellow singer. I’d rather you relax and hear what I’m saying rather than screaming all across your eardrums.

Mazzi: If you had to categorize your music, what genre would it best fit?

KimE: Definitely R&B. Some of my music is pop. But R&B is my first pick.

Mazzi: How does your style differ from other artists in the same genre?

KimE: I try to keep it classy. I don’t really listen to a lot of up to date music. I am truly old school at heart. You can definitely read between the lines in some of my music, but I am not just flat out saying let’s do this or lets do that. I keep it cool. There’s no cursing. I leave a lot to the imagination so that you can take it and you can use it however you relate to it.

Mazzi: Are you familiar with the term “starving artist”?

KimE: Yes.

Mazzi: How do you cope with major obstacles as they relate to the term?

KimE: That’s a pretty tough one for me because I still work. I still earn regular income like everyone else. A lot of my fans ask me, “Why do you still work you’re so good;” I tell them that I am the type to not count all my chickens before they hatch. I like to make sure I’m taken care of. Being a starving artist is literally like that. There is really no security. If you are not doing it for the love of your music you can get distracted and you can get discouraged. Its not like the money comes falling in just because you have talent. You most definitely have to have a plan b. People pick and choose whom they want to support. It’s literally like playing Russian roulette with your music. It’s a hit or miss thing; some things they will like and some things they won’t. So you have to keep yourself secure no matter what takes off and what doesn’t.

Mazzi: What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?

KimE: When I first decided I wanted to do it professionally and make a career out of it, I signed a two-year contract with a management company under Snoop Dogg. With that opportunity I was able to meet a lot of different people. The only downfall was that I didn’t rub elbows with the people I felt I needed to. I was also able to learn a lot about the industry as well. Many of my experiences at this time opened my eyes to the negative side of the industry and pushed me more in the realm of being independent. That push has allowed me to be myself wholly without distractions or limitations.

Mazzi: What image do you think your music conveys and why did you choose this type of image for your music?

KimE: I am going towards a more conservative look. Definitely going to show that I am an adult and I can be grown and sexy but keep it classy. I chose that because I have daughters and I don’t want to taint my image in their eyes. I want to be a more positive role model for younger women. I don’t want them to think that they have to dress or look a certain way just to make it. A lot of people really believe that sex sells; I want to prove that it doesn’t have to be that way. You can be sexy and appealing without showing off your body. I want to be role model instead of parents telling their children I don’t want you to be like her. So my image both musically and visually portrays a conservative, down to earth vibe.

Mazzi: Art and music has an impact on both the young and the old; sometimes the older generation loses respect for the music we listen to today because they cannot comprehend the value of it. What advice can you give to the youth of today looking to enter the industry in regards to being able to stay relevant for every generation and for any audience?

KimE: It’s about targeting your audience first. My music is for the old and the young. If you want to have a diverse audience you have to think diverse as well. Keep in mind there are a lot of young artists and you can tell what audience they are targeting. If they are 13 clearly they are targeting the teen generation. Someone of my caliber and age, I want to target the whole world. I want everyone, from babies to the older generation, to be able to rock to my music. Have you ever heard someone say they can’t listen to something with the babies in the car? I don’t want that for my music. I want all ages to be able to listen to my music and be able to take it in how it works for them.

Mazzi: What are your immediate music career goals (1 to 3 years)?

KimE: For 2016 I have already planned to be booked. I’m focused on rebuilding my fan base, adding more shows to my roster, and collabing. Each year I set a goal. By 2017 I need for the world to know my name and know my music. So I am working on getting to that point by networking and doing interviews and getting my name out there. I am not compromising myself in the process though. I am not going to change who I am to get in the spot light.

Mazzi: Do you have other interests or talents that you would like to share with us? How do you like to enjoy your relaxation time away from the music?

KimE: I am back dancing. I had an accident. I was hit my a drunk driver and wasn’t able to move too much. I am getting into acting; I was in an independent film in August 2015. I am slowly rolling out my manifestations for my success in 2016!

Kim E is on the move! Make sure you tune in to all of her social media and if you are on the West Coast make sure you catch her somewhere doing her thing!

And to you, the readers thank you for tuning in. Make sure you stay tuned for more NMNJ One on One in 10!

Mai Mazzi
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