Genuine and unique, recording artist Konscious from Bothell, Washington is a man with a bright future ahead of him. Konscious is a Hip Hop Artist, Producer, Songwriter, & DJ. He has been making his own music since he was 11. Kevin Miller a.k.a. Konscious started playing drums during elementary school and making his own music after discovering it was his passion. Kevin took drum lessons for three years and also learned piano by listening to his siblings play. In 2004 Kevin began writing his own songs and was striving to become a rapper. Gradually he started experimenting with different styles of music outside of rap music. While Kevin was finding his sound his cousin Jordan was working on a track with rapper Joe Budden. Jordan at the time saw a special talent in Kevin and often let him tag along to the studio and produce for him. On July 31, 2010 his older cousin, Jordan was killed in a drunk driving accident. After Jordan died, Kevin began taking his own craft more seriously and made a promise to finish what his cousin started. Kevin always sought solace through his music. Music was his best friend. Kevin struggled with depression and suicidal behavior during high school. Music saved Kevin’s life in every way. As a result Kevin founded the “Konscious Movement” advocating for anti-bullying & suicide prevention. To live Konscious is to live aware of your actions. The Konscious music philosophy is simple; educate and uplift our youth through hip hop. Kevin also currently owns his own mobile entertainment business Konscious Entertainment. Kevin attended the University of Washington Bothell as a DJ this past year while working an on-campus job to save enough money to record his debut EP Music With A Konscious released on November 1, 2013. During the fall of 2013 he transferred to Western Washington University to pursue a degree in economics. Music will continue to be his therapy as he pursues his goals. His latest single off his upcoming Mixtape Permission Granted “Me and the Homies” was released on iTunes April 12th, 2014. Konscious is currently working on his debut mixtape, Permission Granted featuring local artist such as J-Key, J.LAndis, and Momo Grace, while attending college. After launching his first local tour and website on November 1, 2013 Konscious is taking his music and movement to the next level. Kicking off 2014 with features in magazines, newspapers, and over 20 Hip Hop music blogs, Konscious is now sponsored by Rude Boy Clothing and currently reviewing publishing deals. Konscious is more excited than ever to share his positive message with fans across the world. Visit www.KonsciousMusic.com for the latest updates on new music, tour dates, the Konscious Movement, and exclusive content.
1. What’s good Konscious, how’s things your way?
Doing well my friend, just been working and learning. Ended up signing a co-publishing music contract, started a new business and have been blessed to continue my journey as a musician since we last talked.
2. We are assuming you came up with your artist name due to the type of music you make. Are we right? If so, did you ever have any other names before that?
At the time yes. I came up with the name Konscious because of the positivity in my music and the K because of my first name Kevin. Since we last spoke I decided to just go by Kevin Miller & not limit myself as just a “conscious” artist but more-so a music producer/songwriter. I definitely feel like I have found my lane and am blessed to continue growing as a brand and as a musician. At this point in my career, I create all kinds of music now for multiple genres and mediums like TV/Film. Sometimes I record my vocals but my focus is definitely on my production now.
3. We are sorry to hear about what happened to your cousin and his unfortunate death. Since that untimely passing have you been able to dedicate any music towards or about the serious consequence of drinking and drive?
You know it’s a hard thing for me to express publicly in my music. I wish he was standing right next to me and sometimes I just write letters to him or songs for my own peace of mind. I more-so live through my actions not music when it comes to drinking and driving.
4. We checked out your video for “Me And The Homies” and it had that innocent but yet authentic hiphop feel to it. It’s been a while since we heard those real type of records. What made you choose making an ode to the homies as your first single off the project?
I wanted people to get a glimpse of who I really am. I’m not a rapper or somebody that is putting on for the camera. My friends and family were in the video because I do what I do for them and myself and they have supported me since day one. Personally, I enjoy making music for people to relate to and at the time I was networking and exploring my sound as a songwriter. In terms of the project “Permission Granted”, we will see how it pans out but for now Me & the Homies is on iTunes and Spotify for you to vybe too!
5. No one, except Macklemore, has been able to put Washington on the map in this hip hop game. What is the music scene out there like and does it make it more complicated for you to reach a higher level being from there?
I wouldn’t say no one but Macklemore, I would say that no one has reached his level of success yet from Seattle. The music scene is a tight circle in Washington State. Everyone knows everyone or has friends who do. Several of the people on my team are also affiliated with other collectives in the Pacific NW. I feel like anyone with an exceptional work ethic and the right approach can attain whatever they aspire to achieve in the entertainment industry regardless of where they are from.
6. With more than half the year over so far, what else do you want to accomplish this year?
Well this past 12 months I landed my first TV placement as a producer and my first major feature film as a songwriter. These 2 accomplishments really inspired others and my team to keep aspiring to push the boundaries. My goal by the end of this year is to either have my first billboard charting record as a producer or as a songwriter.
7. We heard you are working on a project with Atlanta’s Kap G. Can you give us some details on what’s to come?
Yeah! My good friend Dj Equis is a friend of Kap. He has done graphics as well as Dj for kap in the past so that’s how the song came about. This year I was working on a song with my vocals for a major feature film with my production colleague Stealth Tha Producer and unfortunately we didn’t hear back but instead of scrapping the song I showed it to Dj Equis and he loved it. He made a few calls and put Kap on a verse! The record is called “Get Lit” and is definitely one of my favorite hooks I have written thus far. My producer colleague Stealth Tha producer from LA made the beat and Dj Equis & I wrote the lyrics and did the song arrangement. We are putting the finishing touches on the record right now. We are super excited for you guys to hear the final product this year. You can stay updated on the release via AllApproach.com
8. How did you guys first link up?
We haven’t met in person yet but I hope to meet him soon. It was an honor writing a record with him and Dj Equis. I know your gonna love it! #getlit
9. How would you describe this project overall?
Lit haha It’s definitely a banger.
10. One thing we were pretty amazed at was your piano freestyle. See a lot of beat makers, or rappers, are just that, not musicians. How does being able to play piano help with your artistry?
I love piano. The crazy thing is that I actually only know how to play the drums fluently, I’m still learning piano and just love improvisation and songwriting. Sometimes I can play the piano really well and sometimes not so well haha
11. One of your beats that caught our ear was the hypnotizing one you were cooking up on youtube. What are your weapons of choice when making a beat and how can artists holla at you to get some production?
Appreciate it! Yeah man I’m all about the nexus plugin, distortion, and drum sequencing variation. I love to manipulate drums during the creative process as much as possible. Feel free to listen to my production catalog and purchase some beats on my website via AllApproach.com/Beatstore
12. Any new videos on the way?
Can’t give too much away! Haha We shall see haha Got a few new visuals on my new website since we last talked. AllApproach.com/Videos
13. What’s the long term goal for Kon..build your own empire or be a flagship artist on another established label?
My long term goal is to start my own school and record label so that the kids like me who never really fit in have a safe place to be creative and pursue their passion. I believe in the power of the mind and believe that mentorship & education can change lives. Before I leave this earth, I want to inspire a million people to pursue their passion. I want people to not give up and keep striving for greatness.
14. How do you feel about the current state of Hip Hop?
Man….. To be honest, not too impressed with the new commercial artists that have been charting lately but have faith that the real songwriters will be heard and the fake will die out. Loving the moves Good
Music has been making lately. Love big Sean and Ye.
15. Who were your personal influences to get into music?
Kanye West, Ryan Leslie, My cousin Jordan, Dr DRE, Scott Storch, Timbaland, Nelly Adam Levine, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys and P Diddy.
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16. Are you still working with Rudeboy clothing?
No longer working with them at this time. I’m keeping my options open right now.
17. Name 1 song you’ve done that will have the MTK viewers hooked!?
Check out this new song I produced with my in-house production team called Geeked!
Dj Equis ft Jesse James & Beautiful
Here is the link: soundcloud.com/djequis/geeked
Good chopping it up with you homie. The floor is yours. Anything you want to get off your chest, go for it.
Thanks for reaching out! Good to hear from you guys!
I recently started my own entertainment company called All Approach. We specialize in music production, graphic design, and brand development. We would love to help out as many people as we can with their music or branding. Check out our website AllApproach.com! I am extremely excited about our future and feel free to follow my new social media pages on Twitter, IG and soundcloud @itskevinmmiller
Stay Up!