Exclusive KEV Interview with Muzique Magazine

How did you come by your stage name?

I used to feel lost when it came to finding my artist name. For years this was a struggle for myself. I had some embarrassing artist names back in the day when I had the fantasy of being a rapper some of those names were DJ2K and Orbitz. As I grew more as a person people started to call me Kev (more in a nickname sense instead of Kevin).

When I released my first-ever projects in 2020 and 2021 I decided to go with Kev. At that time those songs were recorded with my broken guitar and a phone using an outdated version of GarageBand. I feel Kev and Kevin are two different people.

Kevin is the singer and person who was Shy and not outgoing and wanted to follow instead of lead and be his own individual. Kev came out to be a confident outgoing person everyone enjoys being around who took a risk in being his own self whether it’s musically or socially.

When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?

I started playing Classical guitar when I was 3 years old. When the pandemic came I started to experiment with my guitar as I started to make my own songs because I was tired of playing what composers wrote. It felt dull and repetitive to me. Sooner or later I started singing and unfortunately I had little to no support.

My own parents didn’t even support me at the time as I still remember my own mom screaming and yelling at me to shut up and stop singing. However, I didn’t stop I wanted to get better and improve as there was a point in my life where I was all alone singing in an old dusty basement with nothing but a broken guitar, myself, and an unstable chair despite this I was told to shut up and stop a little bit less more after each week.

After almost a year I had enough money to book a studio where I would meet an engineer/producer who I still work with often to this day (Max Litvinoff). I was nervous in the booth thinking he might laugh at me or something but he was very helpful and encouraging. After the first session, we didn’t make anything that was eye-catching but I saw potential in us, something I’ve never envisioned in my music career so far.

The next session we made a song called Breathaway and it was my first ever piece of work that I would deem as special. So much forth that I even showed my parents despite the lack of support. However, they were blown away and saw huge potential and wanted to invest in me. They saw a future in this, and as I started to work with my producer Max and make better songs after each session, I started to see it too.

To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?

My favorite artist who I discovered during the pandemic is EDEN. He is a big inspiration to me and it is a dream of mine to make a song with him. He’s an indie pop artist who does a variety of music just like me I encourage everyone to give listen to his music.

Another inspiration is Suriel Hess he’s an amazing singer who blows people away in a matter of seconds. His range and control over his voice are something I admire and want to achieve. The reactions he gets are one thing that inspired me because I want to Wow people and makes their day better

On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?

My latest Single Goodnights is about the transition from high school senior year to college as later in the song I talk about my aspirations and dreams.

I wrote this during the first month of classes as being in a college dorm was a new experience that was very different for me. From going out at night and meeting people to being bombarded by assignments it was something different but positive in a unique way.

What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?

The greatest challenge was the lack of support I had. It truly felt like it was Kev vs The World for a period of time. Even before I met my manager and the people who represent me, my parents didn’t support me for a long time and I often got laughed at by people and was told to quit and stop trying. I didn’t let this get to me as I kept working and overcame those remarks.

My greatest strength I would say is my determination. I never stopped trying because I saw what there could be on the other side. If you would have told me 2-3 years ago that I would be singing and making music that gets featured on articles and radio I would think you were crazy and laughed.

However, my determination is what got me here today and it’s what’s going to get me further
My manager Jermey Zemach has always said this that keeps me determined “You are one phone call away.” (Meaning I am one phone call away or in other words closer than I think from having something huge or life-changing happening with my music)

Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?

I know I am far from being the best. I am not even where I want to be right now with my voice as I strongly feel I have so much room to improve and many things to discover/unlock.

I want to be the best and I want to be more than just that. I want to change people’s lives with my music. I want people to think about my lyrics. I want to have the ability to leave college and make music as a living. I want to leave my school with my peers knowing that their dream is possible and that whatever they want to do I support them.

I’ve been lucky to meet some great people at my college campus and words can’t explain how thankful I am for them. I want to be other’s inspiration just like how EDEN is mine. I’m far from being the best and I want a lot more than just being the best at what I do.

What are your plans for the near future?

I have been fortunate enough to gain the support I have now from my friends and family so more music will be coming soon and at the same time I’ll be working with my vocal coach as well.

To my two producers, I work with
Max Litvinoff
Frankie Ruggs
I can’t wait to be back in the studio with you!

Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shoutouts?

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KEV Interview with Muzique Magazine

I want to thank the three girls who are my closest friends and who believed in me at the start.\

Nicole
You believed in me when I didn’t. I remember seeing you sing years ago for the first time and I was amazed. Your voice is truly amazing and you’re truly talented. I know I named EDEN and Suriel Hess as my inspirations but you are my true inspiration. You always kept me going and believed in me. You deserve the best and thank you for all the support you’ve given me words can’t explain how thankful I am.

Roxy
You were always so supportive and excited whenever I sent you something I was working on. You were always there to cheer me up and although we live far you feel like a sister to me. It’s crazy how fast time flies bc that was 4 years ago. Thank you so much for being the best.

Maddi
I can’t remember a time I needed you and you weren’t there. You reminded me how I was improving and told me my dreams were possible. Because of you I believe that and think of those times when I pick up my guitar. Thank you for being awesome

The College Friends (The South Boys, My Roommate, and everyone)
You guys made me feel that I was welcomed and college isn’t the nightmare some describe it to be. The south boys were people who were so outgoing and fun to be around. I can’t name them all but you know who you are. Happy and thankful to have such a chill roommate that likes my music and Is someone I can talk to. Thanks for the good times.

The high school guys (Jess, Phil, Pierce, Liam, Keirnan, Javian, Charlie)
Thanks for helping Kevin become Kev. The amount I’ve learned from you all has really impacted me greatly. The fun times and the serious times I’m grateful for all of them. Our future is bright and doesn’t forget it.

The producers (Max and Frankie)
Thanks for the work you do. Without you guys there are no Goodnights there is no Breathaway there is no Kev. I see us working together for a long time no matter what happens. Your work never goes unappreciated.

lastly, I want to thank my parents and my team for seeing that music has a future and it’s a bright one. I can’t let the people who believe in me down and I won’t.

How can fans find you?

You can find me on Instagram
@officalkevvvv
You can check out my Spotify and Apple Music and search up Goodnights Kev
Breathaway Kev.

My email is KM@Kairouz@gmail.com

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?

I have three things
1. Never give up and stay determined
2. Work hard and keep trying
3 Have fun

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