Kian
King born and raised in Tottenham, is an upcoming singer-songwriter. Finally
getting noticed by one of the biggest producers in America, ‘Mike Will Made It’
moving to a new continent has made him as successful as he is today.
· This
question is a bit mainstream, but many people struggle to make it where you are
today. How do you do it, and do you have advice for struggling artists?
Now this
might sound cliché, but honestly the main thing is to believe in yourself. You
would be surprised how many people give up on their dreams because people tell
them it’s ‘unrealistic’. I’d also say to have a clear mindset; plan what you’re
going to do, so that you can create a pathway for yourself. Also be aware of
the people around you ‘cos as much as people want to deny it, their opinions
contribute a lot to the decisions you make. Honestly, its all about motivation,
guidance, and making sure you don’t lose your way.
·
What
was it like growing up in Tottenham, and was moving to LA a significant change?
I love Tottenham. It’s my hometown, where I developed
into who I am today. However, as much as I hate to say, it isn’t really ‘The
Land of Opportunity’. In order to make it in the business, you need to step out
of your comfort zone, and although I occasionally feel homesick, really feel
like this was the right move to make.
·
How
did your childhood affect you as an adult?
Well I’m an only child, but mainly grew up with my
cousins - 5 of them! - So I was never lonely. Growing up with them taught me
understanding, I guess... but more importantly actually inspired me to become a
musician. Musical talent runs in the family; my Grandad played guitar, and that
went through generations, reason being why music is a big part of my life. So
for me to take my ability and, like, actually go somewhere, it’s a really big
deal. We literally went from nothing to everything.
·
You
know a lot of people look up to you, especially young people. What’s it like to
have young fans aspire to be you?
(Laughing) It honestly feels surreal ‘cos in all honesty,
I really don’t see myself as different from them. In fact I’m just like them; A
boy with a dream.
·
You’ve
worked with many artists over the past year. Which collab are you most proud
of?
I don’t really wanna pick and choose as all my
experiences the different artists have all been amazing, as there is a variety
within my music. However, I must say ASAP Rocky has to be one of the best
collabs. Never ever did I think I’d be sitting in a room talking about how me
and ASAP Rocky are boys! (Laughing) But seriously, I think he really relates to
my music, and we don’t really work with that mainstream Hip Hop, we kinda make
it our own. He’s an original guy. I look up to him.
·
What’s your hidden talent?
(Laughing) I’d have to say dancing, man. To me it’s
another way, apart from music to express myself. It’s fun. You can do it with
anyone and everyone. It’s a way to block the outside hen you need cheering up,
blocks the negativity.