Keith Kemper is a musical mastermind! I have seen the man work and his skills and experience are second to none. I became aware of Mr. Kemper through his work producing and perfecting tracks for Indie artist Zaylan. I knew as soon as I met him that I needed to ask him some questions and pass the answers on to my readers. Here is my interview with Keith Kemper..
NNY: How did you discover your passion for music? KEITH: When I was 7 years Old My Grandmother bought me my first toy keyboard called the 'Bees Gees rhythm machine'... I was playing Star Wars with 2 fingers afterwards LOL
NNY: Who were some of your musical influences coming up? KEITH: When I was growing up my mother introduced me to disco music along with pop music from the radio. Barry Manilow, Donna Summer, even the Bee Gees. Also one of my influence was David Foster as a record producer.
NNY: How and when did you get started in the music business? KEITH: In 1990 I went to an engineering school then I hooked up with a record label in 92 and have been producing ever since.
NNY: What’s your process like for making music? Do you have a set routine or does it vary song by song? KEITH: I always create the melody playing the keyboard first then I start to structure the drums and then the other instruments like bass and piano or what ever the song calls for. Then the arrangement comes, then mixdown. NNY: What has been the best moment in your music career so far? KEITH: Working with The Village People and then Rupaul along with alot of Djs like Lenny Fontana, George Callie and many artist including Zaylan, Gene Roberts, D1 Music, Nivek Tek, Kimberly Davis, Shara Strand.etc.
NNY: How many songs have you been a part of and where can people find them? KEITH: Too many to count and always working on new stuff all the time.
NNY: What advice would you give new artists who are trying to find their footing in the music industry? KEITH: My Advice is to learn about the Business side. Hire a lawyer that you can trust and to not let anyone take advantage of you and always get paid for your time and work. Do not sell your soul it's not worth it. Trust in Jesus he will take care of your needs.
NNY: Talk to me about the making of your latest project. What was the inspiration behind it? KEITH: Working on a new song with Zaylan an awesome Disco House Classic style for his latest song called I'm Getting up. Zaylan was the inspiration with his chorus hook and I am working with the amazing Amoretto on her new song "And I Love You" its so good!
NNY: So what’s next for you? KEITH: Working on many projects including a new remix for Zaylan and working with George Callie as a colabration team also working with Val Records with a new RnB Pop Artist Chocolate Steele.
In September 2019 I got to hear some of the new track called "I'm getting up" by Indie recording artist Zaylan and I really liked it and the extended mix reminded me of the House music I would hear in the late 80's early 90's.. it really has that Classic House feel. Zaylan is set to release the new track and music video THIS month October 2019. We asked the Indie artist some questions about the new project, his passions and his process and THESE were his answers.
NNY: Zaylan is a GREAT name. Is that your real name or a stage name?
Z: Thank you! Zaylan is my self-given spiritual name and my artist name.
NNY: How did you discover your passion for music?
Z: Great question! It might actually have been when I was a little boy at around age 3 or 4 when I recall hearing my mom singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way." I felt a special thrill in my heart when i first heard songs like Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly ,Tavares' "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel", Oh and the Christmas song "Little Drummer Boy". I wanted a set of drums the Christmas I first heard that song , ...I didn't get them and i definitely wanted to be the drummer boy 😃!
NNY: Who were some of your musical influences coming up?
Z: Gloria Gaynor most definitely! I started to write songs immediately after hearing her 1978 album "Love Tracks" which contained the mega-hit " I Will Survive". Other influences are Prince, Eurthymics, Madonna, George Michael, Barry White, Roy Ayers and Crystal Waters
NNY: How and when did you get started in the music business?
Z: Although I started recording Demos in 1987 I actually got started in the music business in 2005 when I formally created my own record label "Fuzemix Records" and independently released my first maxi-single/ep called "Nothing Left For You Here".
NNY: What’s your process like for making music? Do you have a set routine or does it vary track by track?
Z: LOL, ok my process feels like giving birth! it's joyful but often frustrating and uncomfortable...yet exciting! No set routine but what I notice is that I grab any piece of paper wherever I am at anytime and jot down whatever is in my head, whatever comes to my spirit. I've learned to carry notebooks and I use my cell phones' voice recorder to record melodic ideas and lyrics. I even simulate drum patterns bass lines etc. with my voice when these ideas come to my spirit. Then when I am formally recording a vocal or I'm working on production for a song I will start, stop, lay down on the couch or go back to sleep briefly, toss and turn, then get up and start the cycle all over again - and again.
NNY: What has been the best moment in your music career so far?
Z: Well I haven't received My Award for best artist of the century yet, so I can't claim that one LOL just kidding.. but for some reason what comes to mind when you ask about my best moment, could actually be perceived as an awkward moment in 2002 when the music stopped during a live performance and I didn't react I just kept on singing until the song came back on - right on point.
NNY: What was it like filming your first video?
Z: It was a dream come true! My 1st video crew "Artlook" was loving, talented and amazing! I went into that project with a vengeance and when I saw the finished product I also saw sides of myself that ultimately helped to increase my confidence as a Performing Artist and as a human being. NNY: How many music videos do you have and where can people find them?
Z: I have 10 official music videos released as i write this.. with 2 more that are in final editing set for release in early October 2019. So it will be 12 official music videos any day now. People can find my music videos on ZaylanMusic YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/kEuI5oNte3w And on my official Zaylan website: zaylan.com
NNY: What advice would you give new artists who are trying to find their footing in the music industry?
Z: Allow yourself to be yourself and don't try to be anyone else. Please note that being influenced by someone else and being motivated by someone else is truly different from trying to become a carbon copy of someone else. So I would encourage new artists to enjoy the process of discovering themselves as artists. Follow your instincts. We feel insecure and uncertain sometimes and other times we feel confident. Whatever you feel - honor it - but keep striving and Never Give Up. For me, this is a journey where I am still discovering myself as an artist and learning self-acceptance as a human being. So yes Never Give Up and copyright your material! Be aware of the sharks and manipulators and carrot danglers. At times it's okay to say no.When one door closes another one can open up. Ask the god of your own understanding to guide you. There are lessons to learn and opportunities for growth in every experience. If you feel like you didn't do so well today dust yourself off get on up and try again tomorrow.
NNY: Talk to me about the making of your latest song. What was the inspiration behind it?
Z: My new song which is called " I'm Getting Up" is actually about the "positive motivated determined" side of me facing off against the "lackadaisical, fetal position, procrastinator" side of me. In this song I make a choice to get up, out of bed, out of the rut and away from the stagnation of self - and do the damn thing. The song is about severing the relationship with a part of my own self that has held me back. However, the INSPIRATION behind this song comes from a wonderful new friend I have made who I've come to find has experienced a lifetime with a similar struggles, this friend his shared about how music, House Music in particular, lifts his spirit and heals his soul...So yes my identification with this powerful authentic and inspiring person is what compelled me to write the lyrics to "I'm Getting Up". The song is actually also about transitioning away from relationships I have had with actual energy draining people and a desire to develop and embrace relationships that are more nurturing and supportive - by starting with self.
NNY: Where can people buy your music online?
Z: My music can be purchased through several online stores. Cdbaby, iTunes, Amazon, Tidal, Deezer, Spotify, iHeart, GooglePlay Music and more.
NNY: You are the recording artist/songwriter and executive producer of most, if not all of your songs : Can you give us a bit of insight into what it was like creating your latest single " I'm Getting Up"?
Z: Tense, but Awesome! First of all Yes I do perform multiple roles, as you mentioned, on most of my songs.. but with this song in particular I "surrendered the wheel " to my co-producer, the wonderful Keith Kemper, who was at the forefront of structuring and arranging the song I wrote. Keith directed the vocals for the 3 female vocalists, YaYa Williams, Tuwanna Calpurnia & Mz La'D Lace. This is where the tension came in, because after doing my lead vocals I really wanted to consider the track as done, but Keith had a vision he felt strongly about, so I chose to practice some patience and allow the process and I'm happy I did. Keith and I have worked on music since 1998 and we work well together! In this case I came up with a song, melody and percussive groove and he took that shyt and ran with it!
NNY: So what’s next for you?
Z: What's next? Well, more music of course! I would like to put out an EP with remixes to some of my current songs produced by some Remixers who have expressed an interest. I would like to collaborate with some artists that I have in mind for a collection of new songs that are already in the planning stages. I have been asked to act in a play which should be quite interesting; and of course more live performances. I am open to and available for gigs as always.
NNY: I know it will be hard to think of everyone and the list may be long but is there anyone you want to thank when it comes to the new track and your experiences this year?
Z: Wow, OK.. Keith Kemper, Brian E Nance, John Macie, E-man Clarke, YaYa Williams, Tuwanna Calpurnia, Mz La'D Lace, DJ DirtyFINGERS, DJ Frankie Paradise, Brenda O.R. Love, Rican Vargas,Coney Island Dancers, Ernee Peppers, Aries OG, Robin Evans-Branden, SH Washington, Velvet Toi, Brian Tech, Nubia Kristos, Shawn Riddick, Pojanee Fleury, Renee Reed, Nicky Sunshine, Adrian Tracey, Juanita Allen Graham, Sharisse Chaplin, DJ Black Icon 1, Sophia Heinecke, Summahluv, Gerri Nailz, Stacey Jackson, DJ Ty Torres, Kiki Stewart, Shaylah Day, MC Ras Anthony, Ray Large & Sweetness & Mikey (Talk Up), Tyrone Lowe, Jerome and Darlene Oates, Derrick Jackson, Sunshine Spurgeon, Adrianna Pattillo, Adaira Murray, Edwina Abraham, DJ Redboy, Davina Perez, Louis B Rodriguez, DJ Andre Collins, DJ Chaz X, Cathy Mitchell, Benya Cotto, DJ Charlie Caz, Darlene Hubbard, Watesha White, Tokeato Carter, Carmencita "Kat", Pat Tucker, DJ Warren, DJ Selectress Kae, Promotions 1, Tina Dixon, Yng Polo, Delta9 Media, J Frost Films, Cmani Delights, Carrie Watts, Pearl Ewell, Kia Danielle, DJ Tommy Limo, Roxanne Harewood, Kim Matrix, DJ Doc Martin, Dorothea Maria Seabron, DJ Stunna, Lorenzo Lonzo, Sapphire and Keanyna, DJ Rich Williams, Lisa Mathis, Denise Staton, Louann Thomas Cowan, Alba Lombay, DJ Razor Ray, Cynthia Mejia, Neah Ivanna, Cynthia Diane, Cynthia Poe, Roderick Wildgoose and my loving sister Maritza Wildgoose,Rion Lee Scott ,
Jeffrey Smith , Jaeda Wildgoose ,Ayana Wildgoose, Shaun Mintz, Carl
Duhaney, Kischa Link, Crystal Levell, Matthew Espinet, Mecca Stinette,
Abe James, Neive James, Jenna Smith, Mercury, Candice Hall, Pam Smith,
Komal Rambharose,
Dawn Benjamin-O'Bryan,
Aron Prince, Cynthia Poe, Barry Mason, Jay Black and Jeffrey Smith
NNY: What advice would you give new artists who are trying to find their footing in the music industry?
