Ariel Zedric: Could you talk a little about the inspiration behind your single, “Shit Show”?
KING: I had an urge to create something different and unexpected. I had ventured down a somewhat more poppy lane on my previous track, so I wanted to make something more left-field. And this song just appeared out of nowhere in the studio. I felt really inspired and it turned into something very playful and positive.
Overall, how would you describe your genre of music to someone who has never heard it before?
I don’t like to box my music into any genre, I just do cool music that reflects my personality. I can do all kinds of stuff. I guess it’s hard to pigeonhole exactly, but I mess with pop, indie, and alternative stuff. As long as it awakes an emotion for me. Urban electro pop perhaps?
You have a very distinct style, where does it come from? Would you say your childhood/upbringing has influenced the music you produce today?
Thank you, I think so too! At least that’s what you have to think about yourself, right? Well, the Spanish side of my music comes from my childhood, as I’m half Cuban and half Chilean. But also being born in Europe makes me want to explore different styles and feel comfortable and not forced into generic pop music. I feel like Europeans are more open to experimenting with music than Americans are.
When did you start creating music? How, if at all, has your musical style changed since when you first began? How is “Shit Show” different from “Promise”, your debut single?
I started creating music 5 years ago. I don’t really think about how things are different, I just do what comes naturally. “Shit Show” is different from my first track “Promise” because I’m different now as a person, and my music reflects that I would like to believe. I feel very liberated doing what I do and sometimes that shines through in my music. “Shit Show” is a reflection of that and in this case, it’s a positive shit show.
Has there ever been a time when you doubted pursuing a career in music? If so, what inspired you to keep going?
Just two days ago I had a bad day when I was asking myself what am I doing, is this going to work out; where is my faith etc. so this happens every once in a while but I will never give up on something I love because it makes me feel too good. The good outweighs the bad. You have to be your own cheerleader — a champion for yourself, believing and motivating yourself even when it seems delusional. You just have to do it. I visualize things in order to make them happen. I’ve done that for years. It doesn’t always work, but I’ve learned to trust the process.
Courtesy of KING
What’s it like being a female in the music industry?
Often producers make me feel like they are the star, when in fact we are working together just as collaborators. Some male producers like to talk down to you, to make you feel like they are more important. They treat you like it’s all about them and not about you as an artist. Another thing about being a female in the music industry is that some people will try to hit on you and it’s difficult to keep things professional and feel as if you have to constantly stand up for yourself. I would love to work with a female producer soon. I’m collaborating with lots of other girls on writing, my videos, my live shows etc, but I have yet to work with a female producer in the studio. That would be great though.
What moment in your career so far has left you the most satisfied or proud?
Right now I’m really proud of what is coming out this spring. I feel like I’ve discovered a sound I really like and it feels like my personal sound that I’ve worked on for a while to create. So, the best is yet to come from me.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
It changes all the time, but right now it’s Majid Jordan. I love their hazy soundscapes and how they effortlessly surf between the light and the dark side. Very intoxicating grooves, and they always send me on a beautiful journey.
What would you say is your overall message in your music?
If I had a message, I would say being authentic!
If you could give young aspiring artists one piece of advice, what would it be?
Think big, and stop drinking. The culture right now is to party a lot and “network” but that’s not going to get you anywhere. Use your time wisely to focus on music and you’ll get much further than anyone else. That’s what I believe in.
You can find KING on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Courtesy of KING
Feature Image Courtesy of KING
