Kevin Posey is a songwriter, vocalist, rap artist and producer. He is a versatile artist when it comes to making music and he has had his own personal journey in New Zealand with creating, collaborating, networking and gigging. Having lived in the US throughout the pandemic, he has dawned on new experiences which have recently shaped his new music releases. Gaby from muzic.net.nz has talked closely with Kevin on his recent life, and below are some answers to questions we had to ask him!
Where are you living right now, and what do you miss the most about Aotearoa?
I’m currently living in Oklahoma City, OK. What I miss the most about Aotearoa; the people, and the energy on the stages.
What shaped the themes of your new song this year?
Newfound freedom and the mental battles of removing unnecessary stresses. Life has become challenging for many of us lately. The music, the melodies are a direct reflection of my truth and therapeutic counsel.
What other projects other than music have you invested in recently?
Refocusing on my health journey, investing more time in my friends and family and
researching to acquire more knowledge.
Can you tell us a bit more about living in L.A. during this time? How about Oklahoma? Have you been back, and what feelings did it bring back?
Living in LA was a breath of fresh air. It gave me time to heal, to work solely on music and to meet so many other incredibly talented people. I had the opportunity to do sound design for a movie titled (Social Disturbance) and to produce my latest album Yellow Roses. I met my new artist in Anastasiya in LA and we have created an EP and multiple tracks TBR.
What would you like to see happening in your music career in the next year?
Having the liberty to perform in multiple countries especially Aotearoa! To collaborate with upcoming and well-known artists whilst getting my just due.
Do you have any wishes for yourself as an artist right now?
To be creatively free and to be able to build my team up to be creatively free as well.
What bands or artists have you been listening to, and would like to recommend to any listener back in NZ?
Jerry Stringer, Pharrell Williams, Kimbra, DJ Quik, NERD, Snoop Dogg, anything produced by the Neptunes. NZ bands and artists I’d recommend are Mazbou Q, Scizzorhands, Michelé Ducray, Kedu Carlo, Bella Shanti, Mols, Hannah Fang, Kenny Slade and Phodiso.
Are you blending any new genres in your tunes? If so, is there something unique or different you would like to share that’s been influencing you lately?
I am making use of old wine glasses and sticks in some of my new tunes. Influences of love, pain, frustrations; well everyday life and its beautiful challenges influence the new music. Ultimately the quest for freedom motivates me the most.
Kevin Posey, an Oklahoma native born November 8th, 1987. Growing up, he would listen to music in the backseat of his mum's car and realise he had the ability to separate each piece and mentally re-create the sounds in a new way. This curiosity of sound and composing developed into a deeper passion leading to an associates degree in music production from the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Posey today continues to use his knack for deconstructing music to mix and master records and produce songs not only for himself, but other upcoming artists. Posey’s musical style deeply reflects being influenced by multiple genres. Now making music that traverses planes between hip-hop and melodic pop, he infuses Spanish in his lyrics which he learned as a kid growing up on the southwest side of Oklahoma City.