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  • Writer's pictureVINCI
    • Jul 7, 2020
    • 3 min read

ARTIST ON THE WATCH: KENNY VILLIAMI

This is Kenny Villiami.

Villiami, tell us some more about how you first got into music.

Well before music, I was writing poetry at the age of fourteen.


I started converting my writing into songs and lyrics at the end of high school and began recording when I was 19 years old.

My friend, Alex (Savi Waves) and I, started recording with me on the mic and him on the production.


A guitar hero mic with a sock for a filter plugged into the Audacity program.


However, even before I was recording music seriously, I was just freestyling with homies and going to parties all over Orange County and starting cyphers as well as battling.

How would you describe your style/sound & how is it different?

Well for one, I don't have just one particular defining sound, I believe I have a very versatile approach to music.


For two, there is no subject matter too touchy for me.


I'm extremely honest in my delivery and I do not follow whatever seems to be the "sound" of the age.


If the beat is dope, I'll do something to it.


For example , from my first project, "South Paw" to my most recent EP, "The Heights" you can hear the different styles and influences my flow and delivery derive from.

Also, an example of subject matter would be the comparison between my songs, "Vendetta" off the the heights EP and most recent single, "Questions."


In "Vendetta," I'm venting my frustrations towards a lot of things and giving the listeners pure untapped and raw energy.


Whereas in "Questions," I'm taking a calm (or some might say conscious) approach on promoting awareness towards the many injustices involving law enforcement.


I believe I have a good balance with music and that's what makes me different from everybody.

I have always believed that being yourself is your super power.


Nobody can be Villiami better than me, so I just run with it all gas no breaks.

Lastly, I believe my hustle separates me from a lot of other artists.


I consider myself a strategic thinker among  a lot of opportunists.


I don't make music people wanna hear, I make music that I want to hear.

Your music has received high praise! What would you say to aspiring artists who look up to you?

I would say that if you are going to be in this music game seriously, then you better be prepared for A LOT of losses and disappointments.


You got to be mentally prepared for those things as much as your triumphs and victories.


As far as music goes, let that shit speak for itself and never listen to critics because they are the last to know everything (Howard Stern).

I'm not knocking anyone that wants to shoot for a major deal off top.


However, if you choose the independent route as I have, you need to build a team with people that inspire and motivate you.


If you hang around five broke dudes, you gonna be the sixth one.


You will be as successful as the people you talk to and surround yourself with.


No matter how big you get or what comes your way, know that just as quick as you can rise, you can also lose it all.

And no matter how many Ls you take, if you count lessons instead of scars, its damn near impossible to fail.


Also, cop that new EP, "The Heights".


It's the perfect reference for any artist starting out their journey once they are able to focus on that instead of the final destination.

Finally, be humble and a man/woman of your word.


You can be the most talented artist in your city, but if you ain't a good person behind that?


You wont get further than your block and circle of bum ass homies still complaining and not doing anything.

Do you have anything new or upcoming we can expect to see from you?

Yes!


I have a lot in the works.


I just dropped my EP, "The Heights".


I'm currently working on part two of a three part series while at the same time wrapping up some other projects on the side.

I'm also collaborating with my big homie, Mavi from Ghosthosue FX, and getting into my filming and directing bag.


I'm also in the process of launching my official clothing brand SBM/Stay Blessed Movement (SUCCESS, BALANCE, MUSIC/SPIRIT, BODY,MIND) while, mentoring some younger artists and taking them under my wing.

I'm working towards being a music mogul running the official SBM music label later on and putting OC artists on a big platform and becoming the first major music distribution company in OC.

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