Kevin Lee Edwards

News Article	Artist News Home

HEADLINE: Interview with Kevin Lee Edwards

Published on 2/8/2007

By AUTHOR: Artistopia

ARTICLE TEXT: Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? A. I realized I wanted to be a musician when I was 8 years old. Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business? A. My Jr. High School and High School music teachers are solely responsible for directly influencing and motivating me to pursue music. My mother supported my dream, but told me to have a real job as a safety net. I am glad I listened to her. Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? A. I know this might sound like a cliché but I am influenced mainly by Prince, Zapp, Art of Noise, Herbie Hancock, and Stevie Wonder. Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? A. I am proud of my uniqueness. I try to do more in my music than just vocals. I love instrumentations. I am primarily an instrumentalist. I am able to create music that sounds nothing like the mainstream. I guess I am an abstract artist. I am happy and proud if only 1 person digs my music. I try to think outside the box. Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door? A. I don’t know. It depends on the circumstances of the deal or the length of the deal. I’d rather be an artist that writes commercial jingles than a fraudulent artist or a poser. I create music out of love not profit. Of course I would like to make a living with music; but I do not have to be rich. Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals? A. For starters, I am using this website to promote my music because it’s a lot more effective and affordable that pressing up CDs and selling them out of the trunk of my car. I am also a graphic artist so I can create my own ads or posters for my projects. I created my album cover in power point. I like to do everything myself. Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache? A. I think the lack of business knowledge can really hurt an artist. So try to read as many books and article as possible concerning the music industry. I know that with the right connection a lot of money can be made without going gold or platinum. Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? A. don’t be afraid to fail! I am my own biggest fan. Perseverance can take you a long way. There is always more than one way to do things. Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why? A. Yes! I am a big fan of the “Save the Music” campaign. I would give that organization as much money as I could afford to give. Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.



Article Credits and References

Special thanks: to Family and friends that motivated me to continue over the years. I would also like to thank Les Anderson from Cove Studio in Copperas Cove Texas where I recorded all of my music over the past 8 years. I would also like to thank Umeka Warren for giving me the push I needed to put my music out here. Last but not least, thanks to everyone that provided a review and downloaded my music. Thanks KLE

Music Artists

News Article

HEADLINE: Interview with Kevin Lee Edwards