To read part 1, click here.
Cendrine Marrouat: You are located in the United States. However, with the Internet, you have been able to reach global audiences. How have Canadians reacted to your music so far?
Kemondie Patterson: Yes, I'm located in Hampton, Virginia. But the Internet allows me to connect with the world. My “uptown/downtown” project received a lot of airplay in Canada. Fritz the cat (A&R for Universal Canada) worked with me trying to see what we could get done together. Kardinal Offishall is a Canadian hip hop artist that was respected because of his lyrical ability, just like Drake. So I was always confident that my wordplay would be embraced up north.
CM: In one of your blogs, you mention that you make "music not just to entertain, but to educate, enlighten, and inform." This seems to go against what we see on TV and hear on the radio...
KP: That's true but what we see on T.V or hear on the radio is actually controlled by corporations that have no love for the art-form of emceeing or deejaying. Their motivation is simply greed. It has intentionally been designed to dumb us down. A lot of artists look at it as if it is "what people see is what they are going to get." Unfortunately, we have such a love for drama and confusion that we support it. So I have designed campaigns to return intellect to hip hop music and I take it directly to the individuals that say they are fed up with the poison being promoted through the airwaves. What I have found is a 'holier-than-thou' mentality from these so-called leaders of reform, and I will address it in my new single "Change the Game.”
CM: What is the daily routine of artist Knowa(Noah)?
KP: I absorb reality and write daily. The goal is to make music that transcends time.
CM: As an independent artist, what are the main challenges that you encounter?
KP: Finances would be the first challenge, because we do not have the money to compete with a major label. So, we have to more creative. Then, I would say that it is reciprocation. We all want and ask for some kind of support. But all of us are not willing to give it in return.
I think that if we, independent artists, utilize one another correctly, we will all accomplish our goals.
CM: According to you, what role do independent artists play in society?
KP: The independent artist is the greater part of society. But I think that, ultimately, we must be the voice for the have-nots and disenfranchised.
CM: What is next for you?
KP: I have a single titled “Change the Game” that will be available to radio at the end of January 2011. So, right now, we are organizing multiple radio station-call campaigns.
CM: Where can people find more information on you and your music?
KP: On my official Website and ReverbNation. I am also available on Myspace, Facebook and Twitter.
CM: Is there anything that you would like to add?
KP: It's time to change the game. Tell a friend to tell a friend to support conscious music.
End of the interview.
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Cendrine Marrouat is a freelance writer/reviewer, blogger, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
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