What’s Kula like?
Kula is a calm & shy guy till he gets a mic and/or he’s on Stage then its a different story. He’s Hiphop inclined and specializes in making real life, relatable storyline music.
What was your introduction into hip hop music?
Obrafour, Okyeame Kwame, Eminem, Nas and Lloyd Banks’ music got me hooked to Hiphop & rap when I was in JSS and that was it for me.
How long have you been doing what you’re doing and how did you get started in the first place?
Officially Started recording in 2009 even though it all started in SHS with me rapping in the Dormitory to entertain my friends and especially Seniors just to escape being punished. It’s been 8 years of constant growth and progress for me.
Which famous song or sound production, ultimately describes what you’d like Kula music productions to sound like?
Quality of production keeps improving day by day because of the rapid development of technology all over the world but for now, DJ Khalid & 40 (Drake’s producer) are doing some awesome productions. Timmy’s (producer of ‘Don’t Blow It’) works are also decent.
Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?
My songs are enjoyed mostly for the content. My concepts and lyrics draw you into the music to the extent that you listen keenly to the words and not pay too much attention to the beat. To me, that’s greater than vice versa
If you could choose to work with some of today’s established artists or producers, to move your game to the top, with whom would you like to collaborate?
I’d like to be on a Hammer, DJ Khalid or David Guetta record. That’ll be major.
Which ingredient do you think is most essential in making your sound and style the way it is?
Humor and relatable concept makes my sound and style the way it is, and that’s what defines Kula.
Humor and relatable concept makes my sound and style the way it is, and that’s what defines Kula.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Well, I’d say a fusion of joy and passion. I like to entertain my audience so every song is geared towards putting a smile on their faces. Even my passion driven songs like ‘Amen’, ‘Daddy’ & ‘Real Talk’ off my ‘ExperimentX’ mix-tape also put smiles on the faces of listeners.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
The writing and recording process is always fun. I enjoy the song in my mind while writing and the vibe in the studio is always great. The promo stage is stressful tho but it doesn’t necessarily discourage me.
How involved are you in the recording, producing, mastering, marketing, and other processes needed to make and sell your music, and do you outsource any part of these processes?
I have fair knowledge in production so I actively contribute in the recording, mixing and mastering process. Promo & Marketing is all done by myself with help from my team.
Do you think the advent of internet and all the new technology has helped your music and independent musicians in general, or do you think it just creates a mass of mediocre “copycats” who flood the web, making it difficult to distinguish yourself?
The internet & technology has its pros and cons. On one hand, it makes the production and distribution process less stressful. Great talents are being discovered via the internet daily. On the other hand, the internet is flooded with a lot of mediocre acts and that makes it a bit difficult for the “Real Real” to be identified. I’ve got a niche I’ve targeted and working towards expanding tho.
Being an independent artist, which is the one factor, above all else, that you currently desire most (increased music distribution, better quality production, more media exposure, more club and live performances etc…)?
Currently, I desire music distribution above all else followed by more media exposure.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
In my opinion, DJ Khalid has been able to create a successful brand and is very influential in Modern day Hiphop. Locally, Sarkodie is very influential in HipHop.
How important do you think video is to your music, and how do you produce your videos?
The importance of good music videos can’t be overemphasize. Most people are more drawn to visuals than to audio. I like to employ the services of professionals when shooting my official music videos.
Is going popular in Ghana or winning a BET important to you, and If you were forced to make only one choice, which of the two would you choose and why?
I believe making music that impact peoples lives positively while making a chunk of money from your art is great. Being awarded for your work should just be a plus and not any artiste’s ultimate goal.
(Laughs) If I’m forced to choose between popularity in Ghana & winning a BET, I would go for the BET since that’ll open more international doors than being popular locally. Doing music on a global scale is KEY.
What in your opinion is the biggest barrier an artist like yourself, has to face and overcome, to gain any commercial success?
Brand & Media Recognition.
How was it like having your song as the official theme song for Ghana DJ Awards 2017?
It was an awesome stepping stone. The kind of recognition that ‘Go DJ’ has given me as a result of it being used as the official song for Ghana DJ Awards 2017 is great and I’m thankful to God for such an elevation.
In closing, tell us something about any projects and ideas you already working on?
I’m currently working on an Album which will definitely be released within this year. There are a couple of collaborations in there that the general public should look out for.
Looking to drop some dope visuals this year as well. A sequel to GoDJ will be out on 9th of February, 2018 that features 66 notable Ghanaian DJs. I feel this is a perfect way to begin the year. I have a great feeling about 2018 for Kula.
I’m working relentlessly and its gonna pay off sooner than later.
