Kris Kovu - 'Kris KOVU vs. The WORLD' Interview
Why did you make this album?
I made this album to help Adolescents on their personal journeys & spiritual evolution's; Much like "Kid Cudi" Did for Me in High-school. I wanted to show the youth there is someone like them in the industry who represents them & their stories.
What inspired the title 'Kris KOVU vs. The WORLD'?
A lot of people may think a person, person(s) or a personal competition; however it was LIFE here on earth.
Conceptually i got the idea from the Film "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World". The main protagonist "Scott" Was an unlikely Hero. Just an Average, awkward, nonchalant, Comical guy, who was just getting by. Thrust by circumstance and the universe, Scott reached his Full Potential to become a Hero, A Leader, & Much Stronger than he ever thought Possible. This feat did not come without hardship; Much Like Scott i realized in order to attain what i wanted in life there were going to be obstacles to overcome. I decided to take these situations and scenarios head on and that's why the Album is "vs. The WORLD". It's my experience here on earth. I realized we're all In the "GAME" of life and overcoming obstacles to level up. I decided to share my player experience with the world in hopes they'll get through a little easier than i did. I never had any help, just trial & error; so call these tracks cheat codes if you will.
If you could do remix to one song on the album and anyone as your guest feature, what song what it would be and who would you have on it?
Wiz Khalifa! Easy! Taylor Gang with Dirty Van Gang? That's a No-Brainer! I Remember Looking up to Wiz in High-school. A tall Skinny dude like myself, who was cool, & the life of the party! Furthermore, he wore Chuck Taylors that were easy to purchase and made me feel like i could be him! As i grew into my own i discovered vans were my sneaker of choice. I skated, BMX'ed , partied and played basketball in them. The out-sole was so durable i'd easily have each pair 2 - 3 years a piece! Which was a big deal for me because as a high-school student i hadn't much money. So Instead of buying one 200$ pair of shoes id buy a couple pairs of vans.
Who helped make this album what it is? Writers, Producers, Muses, Support System, Etc
I’d like to thank Myself ! [& Youtube! lol] I wrote produced, recorded and engineered "vs. The WORLD". Anything i got stuck on i just YouTube tutorial-ed it. Lucky for me i had already been creating amateur recordings for some time prior, so i already had somewhat of a technical background & Understanding. I invested my money wisely into programs and equipment and made the best of what i had. My determination got me through. Prior to this i'd never been this hands on, but i knew it was the only way to execute my vision & ultimately set me apart from the crowd.
PHOTO CREDS: Max Wolf Visuals
What is your favorite track? Why?
Foreign! Hands Down, by far! It was the most fun to record! I was falling out of my chair, laughing at myself in between takes doing the Adlibs. The hook was so infectious, it naturally came to me. I was singing it YEARS before i ever recorded it. It was Always supposed to sound like this! Lastly the Beat is so Razor-Sharp & abrasive it really fits the digital theme of the project and borders punk rock. It's a New Genre I consider Punk-RAP. It really makes you want to jump up and dance around! It's A real RIDE! lol
What is your goal as an artist?
First and Foremost i want to make a career of doing what i love; which is making music. But Outside of myself, I want to change the perception/ stigma of hip-hop Music. I want to create a new option for upcoming artists. You don't have to promote Murder, Drugs, or Material possessions to be in the "Game".
When did you know you wanted to make music?
Ever since I could remember! But definitely as early as five years old. I've always been performing other people's songs for friends and family since a small child; my mom has photos and tapes of me doing so. There's Definitely one of me singing will smith's "Wild wild west" & a bunch of stuff off Usher's "8701" Album. I quickly reached a point where i wanted to sing my own narrative, and have my own image. I've always loved music and pictured myself as a performer on stage in lights. I've always thought i was a star, my life was film worthy; and with headphones in, i was in a music video.
What is your dream now that you just accomplished this dream? Have you ever been Stereotype'd? Tell us more
Touring! I want to travel the world doing what i love and experience New people places and things! I want to see more of the WORLD! I've seen very little and i know there's so much more to learn! Im ready for some NEW Adventures. Experience has been my greatest teacher.
Additionally, i get Stereotype'd ALL THE TIME! People Say stuff like like "Oh, so you're a RAPPER?" The Answer is NO! I am a Musician! I make Multi-Genre Music, I Sing, Write, Produce, Record & Engineer. I also do Graphic Design.(All My Art Album Artwork) I Design My own Clothes, Photography Shooting & Editing, Videography shooting & edits, & I now OWN my own Multi-Media Brand (Website Design). So I am am Owner, a CEO, & Chief Creative Officer at the LionTribe.Co . NOT a "Rapper".
Have you ever broke a Stereotype someone had of you? Tell us about it
Yes! My family thought i was unrealistic, a slackard, & unambitious for the longest time because i was not interested in traditional learning or work. Its obvious that could not be further from the truth.
What advice would you give to something that is looking to pursuit their dreams?
If you know what YOUR vision is and what YOU want to do, NEVER let anyone steer you away from YOUR Dream. Just EXECUTE.
LINK TO MUSIC: https://www.liontribe.co/kris-kovu-1 [SCROLL DOWN TO THE "MUSIC" TAB]
PHOTO CREDS: Max Wolf Visuals