In today’s business of music, they say it is who you know not your talent that makes you a star, fortunately Komika’s talent rises above the myth. Komika made a step in the industry door when she met Dan the Man, the engineer for Lil’ Kim, Sean Price and host of other artists. In Dan the Man, she found an industry veteran who saw her talent and took her under his wing. Since the two formed a business relationship, Komika has released a mixtape, received spins on New York’s Hot97 and performed at numerous venues in Texas and New York City. As an independent artist with a big dream, Komika does all the little things to maintain a close relationship with her fans, like hitting the streets herself to pass out flyers, mixtapes, and listening to supporter’s feedback.
Singersroom: When did you start pursuing a career in music?
Komika: I started singing when I was young but I would not say I got good until I got older; around thirteen or fourteen. When I was younger we moved around a lot. From Baltimore we went all over the place and finally we settled out in Texas. I’ve been here [Texas] for about thirteen years. Then straight out of high school I moved to New York (City) and found Dan the Man.
Singersroom: How did you know you were “good?”
Komika: The music spoke for itself. People wanted to know what it is and they wanted to hear more. They kept coming back; they want my CD.
Singersroom: Being that you moved around a lot, did the culture from each city influence your music?
Komika: I was young so growing up I really didn’t know. I always new I could sing and dance but I didn’t realize I wanted to sing until I had gotten a little older. I was young when I moved [to Texas].
Singersroom: What is the difference between Texas and New York?
Komika: That’s just the south and the north, they both have their pluses but Texas is my home.
Singersroom: It’s the food they have down there?
Komika: I love me some barbeque.
Singersroom: Up here we have those beef patties?
Komika: (laughter) It is not the same thing, it’s not like the ribs on the grill. I like the bananas and the rice though; I’ll do that in a minute.
Singersroom: Okâ¦So on your mixtape you have a couple of instrumentals from Lil’ Kim and Notorious B.I.G., why did you select to use them?
Komika: Well with any song I do, especially if you’re making or remixing a song, it is important not only to flip it but make it your own. When Dan gave me the beats, I was like what am I going to do to these, so I took them home. I didn’t want to stray too far from the originals because they were classics but I still had to make it Komika.
Singersroom: During the recording of your mixtape, you traveled to New York City from Baltimore to record on the weekends. Did you think your road to success would be this literal?
Komika: I’m not going to lie to you it’s been hard but I did not have any idea it was going to be as hard as it was. We had to finish the mixtape in a certain time so I was writing and recording songs back to back. It didn’t stop until it was over. You don’t realize how hard it is until your not sleeping and you still got to get up and record all day long. It was definitely harder than I thought it would be.
Singersroom: You moved from Texas to New York City but with down south being the popular region in urban music, why did you move to New York?
Komika: Most of the labels are in New York (City) and as they say “if you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere.”
Singersroom: How did you hook up with Dan the Man?
Komika: I went to the studio to record a song; I had recorded with another engineer and when I came back Dan had put his touches on it. I heard what he did to the song and from there he was stuck with me.
Singersroom: Did you ever consider trying out for American Idol to get a record deal?
Komika: I’m not gonna lie to you, one season I did try. I did the whole thing. I slept outside. I was in the line, it was freezing. After being there and seeing what it really was about, I was like this isn’t right. They don’t tell you everything you got to go through before you get on TV; before people get Paula, Simon and Randy you have to go through five rounds. The group I was in had three good singers and they picked a girl with a cheerleader outfit to stay. I was like are you serious. Everything happens for a reason; you live and learn. It was fun though; it was the first time I slept on the ground. It was an experience.
Singersroom: No more game shows for you?
Komika: (laughter) No, I can’t do that anymore. More power to the people that do it and get through it; that was the road they were suppose to go but it’s not for me.
Singersroom: I saw a piece of your EPK and it shows you interacting with fans passing out flyers and mixtapes. How do feel when someone appreciates your work?
Komika: To me it’s crazy because I’m more excited knowing that somebody is listening and actually enjoying it, because to me that is the ultimate feeling. I would love for somebody to say “I like number 5, 6, or 10,” so when I actually see it happen I’m more appreciative than they are. It kills me when I see people that are artist that don’t have time or have somebody else doing it. I know you get to a level where you can’t do it but when your little you have to appreciate itâ¦because those are the same people who are gonna stand in line when you do get up there and make your album platinum. I always get out, I’m gonna keep passing out flyers & mixtapes, answering emails and so on. I have as much love for you as you have for me, because that’s a beautiful thing for you to appreciate the music.
Singersroom: On the mixtape you have Maino and Uncle Murder, how did you pick your collaborators?
Komika: Well with them I was in the studio everyday recording and writing and they were there. They came thru and Dan was like you should get them on there. They were thereâ¦it would be weird for them not to be on it.
Singersroom: What steps are you taking this year for your future?
Komika: Just to grow as large as a can and continue to grow as an artist, business person and as a person. I learn something new everyday and I try to be a humble person. If somebody knows something I don’t know I’m always eager to learn because to me you can only learn sometimes by sitting back and shutting up and learning your craft and business. They say this business of music is 90% business 10% talent. —— By: Interview By Adeniyi Omisore
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