Kiko Strokes is trailblazing all over his home state of Florida and if you haven't seen him perform at REVOLT TV's annual Revolt Music Conference or at the Miami Art Basel, you're missing out! This diamond in the rough is sure to be one of Hip-Hop's next music mogul's and connoisseur's in due time, be on the lookout for his new projects and upcoming performances!
What are some of the hardships you've been through being an independent artist?
Having to put my your own money behind projects is something that can be tough at times, of course when you're signed to a label you're well funded and everything is all covered but some of the benefits of being an independent artist is that you get to keep 100% of your royalties, your masters, recordings and etc. People don't know that when you go to the studio to record and then you leave, you still don't own your masters, the engineer who records you owns your masters. It's really important to invest in yourself such as buying your own recording equipment, learn how to master your own work, produce what you can and just try to do as much as possible on your own or with your team.
How has growing up without your father impacted your music?
It has impacted my music greatly, I talk about my mom a lot in my music but I even open up in a couple songs talking about what it would be like if I did have my father in my life and if I would still be doing music and the possibilities of how things could be different for me in life.
How did you come up with the concepts for your music videos?
I listen to the beat first before even writing and after writing and recording the song, I listen to the song over and over until I come up with a scenario in my head that would make for a great music video. I would never base the video only off of what I'm saying in the song because I want to be able to make it different and not so predictable.
How was your experience performing at the Miami Art Basel and what is your favorite thing about performing live?
The crowd was awesome, the energy was on a hundred and it always feels good performing when you're connecting with your fans and you can tell that they're genuinely feeling the music. Building that relationship with the audience is very important as well, I love when my fans feel like they know me after me performing for 10-20 minutes on stage and that just shows that they understand my message and my music and I love that.
The rush I get from performing is something that I love as well, it's something that you can't compare to anything else. I love recording, I love writing, but it's the performing part that has to be the best feeling in the world. Being in front of people and having that adrenaline go through you, the lights, the crowd, it's all just an amazing experience altogether.
Have you been on tour yet? If not, do you plan to?
I haven't actually, I really want to go on tour this summer though, starting with my home state of Florida like, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, Tallahassee and etc. I would love to do a show or two in New York as well if I got the chance.
What's some advice that you can give to your fans and other upcoming artists?
I encourage them to always be themselves, there will never be another you so use your uniqueness wisely!
SoundCloud: Kiko Strokes Music
Instagram: @KikoStrokes
Twitter: @KikoStrokes
