Today we had an exclusive chance to interview Kirb:
How did you come up with a stage name?
Kirb is short for Kirby, which is what they called me growing up. I didn’t want any issues with the character Kirby as far as a trademark so I changed it to Kirb, which is what some people called me for short as well. Supply & Demand WorldWide Publishing got its name from Supply & Demand Productions. I owned Supply & Demand with my friend from high school who made beats known as The Chemist. Anyone in business knows how valuable Supply & Demand is. I named Luxury Living Music, based on my first studio. It was located in the pool house, in the back of a beautiful luxurious gated house. This is why I am known as LuxuryLivingKirb. We’re not settling for anything less than Luxury Living from the music we create.
What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
The first thing I would say is have my business in order. I planned everything when it came to releasing the music except how to get compensated for all my work. The only part I did not plan is the only part that did not go smoothly as it should have. I would have had all my music properly registered and copyrighted before even getting close to releasing it to avoid problems. The other thing would have been taking full advantage of having viral songs. By doing press, interviews and communicating with as many people as possible that loved or supported the song. Stitches Brick In Yo Face which I produced was loved by many legends from all realms. Chris Andersen Aka Birdman (basketball player), Dan Bilzerian (Poker player), Ed Sheeran (singer/songwriter) , Wiz Khalifa (rapper) & many more including Companies like Vice / Noisey, Comedy Centrals SouthPark, The Bellator MMA. You have to take full advantage and make the most of it while you have the spotlight because you don’t know how long it will last or when you will have it again.
How do you currently feel about the state of Hip-hop in general?
I love the current state of hip hop. There is so much more freedom and room for creativity. Before you needed a huge budget just to record music or to shoot a video, nowadays you can make beats, videos, and record all off an iphone anywhere, anytime. Even learning became way easier now with Youtube there are no limits you can learn more than you could imagine. A label is no longer necessary, yes it could help but it’s no longer needed in today’s times. As long as you have distribution you can have your music anywhere in the world. Afterwards it’s up to you to get people to listen to it. As far as creativity I love hearing all the new different creators and seeing their different styles. I can understand why the older generations complain about the appearances of new artists. There are some things I am not fond of either but I love seeing the influence we had on the music industry. Before Stitches very few artists had face tats like Lil wayne, Gucci Mane, The Game, Yung LA … etc. Nowadays it’s rare to see an artist without them. After Brick In Yo Face we started seeing artists like Lil Xan, Lil Skies, Lil Pump, Post Malone, 6ix9ine. With the marketing plan I developed for Stitches, we changed the image of the entire music industry. He is a pioneer there was no other rapper who looked even close to his image at the time which is why I knew it would go viral.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
If I could change anything about the music industry it would have to be the business side. Many say ” it’s just business” but I firmly agree with LaRussell that bad people do bad business. For most to ever get a great deal they had to take bad ones.To learn the business usually you will have been treated unfairly and that’s how you start to learn what’s a great deal what’s a bad one. The majority of creators don’t even know when they are being treated unfairly or how many royalties they are missing out on due to lack of education and over trusting the people responsible. I would like to change the standard of how much music creators get paid from the ridiculously low royalty rates, to pushing for fairness for all songwriters/composers on splits with distributors. In the music business it’s way too easy to be left uncompensated and not enough consequences of doing so. Millions of lives would be completely different if creators got what they deserved. Theirs creators who have to work a job they don’t like, creators who have lost their lives trying to make a living, creators who lost their lives to the prison system due to having to resort to breaking the law for income, creators who quit trying because they continuously invested and had no return due to industry thieves, creators who were once stars, upcoming creators, young creators, old creators… etc. If every creator got what they deserved things would be completely different for the better.
Have you heard the theory that some musicians write their best music while they’re depressed or going through a bad time?
I believe great music is music you can feel with your emotions. I’m big on energy & the law of attraction along with things of that nature. Music is energy, depression and/or going through a bad time is strong energy.
It doesn’t matter if the energy feels negative or positive, the force of energy is strong. I believe that’s why when you’re in a great mood you bring such a positive vibe, and vice versa for being sad. The energy travels with you anywhere you go even into the audio of a song. When I first started writing music in middle school it was only to let out bottled emotions and pain. As a young man you’re told to be strong, not complain or talk about your feelings. I beleive that can be the recipe for an amazing songwriter because it’s their way to cope and let it out. All that pain gives you all of that passion.
What’s the best part about being an artist?
SomethingOne of the best parts I would say is the ability to do your job pretty much anywhere in the entire world. Composing, engineering, producing, rapping, singing & writing. An artist can be performing anywhere in the world they have a show. The rest of the production team can work from anywhere as well. All that’s required is your creativity, a microphone,interface and a midi keyboard helps but not needed.. Not only can you create new music anywhere but you can also receive your royalties statement anywhere. To me that’s probably the most beautiful part, you can make a living from what you love(music), and be exploring places you love. (traveling) For example I landed us in Comedy Central’s South Park placement while we were in LA,
How do you solve problems?
This is something I am still working on. I know the answer is balance. Between being a family man, a husband & father who has never even missed a single doctor’s appointment of his daughter or my wifes while she was pregnant. A man who supports every family member or friend in need while still having to maintain my career is difficult. Those who know me know, I don’t turn down favors from those in need, nor do I miss any event I am invited to. Many days of the year I don’t get enough sleep, I tend to neglect my body and health at times for the sake of my career and family. There’s times I wish there were two of me because time is such a commodity to me. There’s many times where I have to pick between a move for my career, or family. I always choose family and believe in doing so God & the universe see this and reward me. My father, having come from Cuba, was set out to give us the best life possible. Most of the time growing up he was not home due to working. I told myself rather than anything money could have bought, I would rather have been less fortunate and just have him home with us. I incorporate this into my career today and try to make as much time for my family as they would like because I know rather than any lifestyle someone could provide those who love you would prefer your time. I am learning to balance more dealing with my trauma. It makes me tend to push my career to the side when I have to choose between work and family time. As far as being overwhelmed I think I work best under pressure with a big to do list. I’m a hard worker with a lot of drive, work is what keeps my engine running smoothly. Being organized, making and accomplishing new goals constantly, writing down everything that needs to be done along with their deadlines, and keeping it close/visible are essentials.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
There’s a few things I was told that really stuck with me I am very grateful for. The first one was Nephew Texas Boy aka Nephy3x. He declined a major artist feature because their morals and principles did not reflect ours. He explained to me that the world is filled with many other music creators to build with. For this reason there is no need or reason to work with someone who didn’t do right by their team. Why do business with someone who he can’t trust to do right when he is not looking. Mr Lee the producer told me similar words if the business is not correct he encouraged me to disregard someone’s level of fame and not to let them use that to avoid paying me my worth.
Due to my loyalty there were challenging times in my career, rapper Str8 Kash saw what I was facing and told me not to ever change. He told me to continue being the loyal person I was. He said eventually I would find people who value what I bring to the table and I would get everything I always deserved. Currently I handle publishing administration for several artists which wouldn’t be possible without being known for trustworthiness and loyalty.
As far back as I could remember my dad would always tell us anything we want to do or anything we want to have in this world is possible because my siblings and I are American citizens. He taught me to firmly believe/know anything is possible. Anything in this world I set my mind to along with putting in the hard work, I know I can achieve. Due to this I live life knowing there are no limits to what I am capable of.
Rapper Motavet, told me not stop acknowledging the negative. There was a point where I felt like I had to respond to all the negative people. I failed to realize I was lowering my vibration to theirs. Now I like to spread love and positivity as much as possible and only acknowledge positive vibes.
What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as a person who helped every person they came across. Regardless of what you do for a living, almost every person I come across I put them in contact with someone who they can build with. I have always loved teaching, which is why I have taught so many music creators about the business to change their lives. I want to be remembered as someone who helped as many people as possible make a living from something they love. I want to be remembered as someone who was passionate about living life for your purpose, your calling, your dream. I want to be remembered as a person who did great business by anyone I came across, regardless of fame or knowledge. I want to be remembered as someone who saved many people out of bad business situations they were in. I want to be remembered for my morals and principles. I want to be remembered for someone who put family, love, friendship, and things of that nature over money.
Where and how do you work best?
Anywhere with a good vibe that I can get comfortable.I have a friend that would say if you feel good, look good, & smell good, then you attract good. Those three I mentioned with a good vibe and a comfortable location is the perfect situation. I love to work places with a beautiful view, luxury is a plus. I also like to work with others. collaborating brings the best out of me due to the inspiration from a friend doing great. It pushes me to match their energy. Vacations and activities also bring the best out of me because of the happiness and great energy.
Contact info:
Kevin J Araujo
Luxury Living Music
+1 305-987-9085
Website: https://www.luxurylivingmusic.com/
Email: http://www.einpresswire.com/contact_author/608945456
Visit us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088510672630
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LuxLivingMusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-araujo-392520174
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxurylivingkirb/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@luxurylivingkirb