Soul-singer Kyonte, based in the Washington, D.C. area, is primed for fame. Already touring regularly as a support vocalist for singer Raheem Devaughn, Kyonte has been amassing a following for his brand of contemporary soul that stays true to its R&B roots. But Kyonte is a multi-layered artist who has not only garnered attention as the show’s main attraction, but as a budding producer as well. Last year, he earned a GRAMMY nomination for his production of Devaughn’s popular anthem “Woman” and he continues to win awards locally in his hometown for his work in front of and behind the microphone.
In a recent interview with SoulTrain.com, Kyonte shared what he’s been up to in the last few months and how he plans to keep the momentum going as an indie artist. You’ll find out what Ledisi and J. Holiday have in common when it comes to Kyonte and you’ll be interested to know if crooning to the ladies has helped him out in the love department.
SoulTrain.com: Thank you for taking the time to talk with Soul Train. You’ve been one busy man. Tell us about some of the things you’ve been doing just in the last six months. I know in the past year, you’ve won a ton of awards and attention and you’ve also done some traveling with Raheem Devaughn. Give us an update about what’s been going on in your world.
Kyonte: First off, thanks for having me! Lately, I’ve been in the studio working on music for my next two projects as well as traveling working with various artists.
SoulTrain.com: People may not realize it, but, in addition to touring with him, you co-produced Raheem Devaughn’s hit “Woman”, which was nominated for a Grammy. Tell us a little about your role as a producer and some other artists you’ve worked with.
Kyonte: As a producer, I mainly feel that its my job to push everyone around me to the limit and beyond. Whether it’s musically or personally, I enjoy working with people that give me that energy in return.
SoulTrain.com: You are a D.C.-based artist, garnering a lot of attention locally as a singer and producer, but you’ve done a lot nationally and internationally as well. You seem to have passed the point of being an emerging artist and have really created a presence for yourself. What are some next steps you think you want to take as your career blossoms?
Kyonte: As things develop, I’m hungry to deliver great music and be the total package. For the last six months, I’ve been working on developing my character and being more disciplined. I’ve learned over the years that your talent and ability can take you many places but it’s your character that will sustain you and allow you to grow and evolve into the next stages of your life and career.
SoulTrain.com: Your debut CD What’s That Sound has been generating buzz, with some calling you the next big thing to come out of D.C. following the very-popular Raheem Devaughn. Tell us about some of the response you’ve been getting to your CD, and a little bit about the theme of your CD.
Kyonte: First off, the theme is 831—8 letters, 3 words, 1 meaning. It means I LOVE YOU and the EP itself deals with not just relationship-type love but more so a love of living and the things that come along with it. I’ve received an amazing response from the CD…especially in the UK and Japan. They love me and I love them right back. Here in the states, people listen and they often ask “why aren’t you signed?” I love the people so much. They give me perspective.
SoulTrain.com: You’ve released videos and during your stage shows as well, you demonstrate very openly your love for the ladies, usually serenading women who are very beautiful. How has your music helped you with the ladies?
 Download Kyonte on iTunes |
Kyonte: Honestly, it really hasn’t made a huge difference. You are who you are…If the ladies love you they love you. And I love them right back!
SoulTrain.com: I’m sure you hear a lot about how music today can’t stack up when compared to music of the past, but comments like that can be taken kind of insultingly to artists out here now trying to get their music heard. What do you say to folks who may try to compare you to artists who came before you?
Kyonte: People compare and contrast…it’s in our nature to do so and I don’t have a problem with that. You have to know where you come from to know where you’re going.
SoulTrain.com: What are you passionate about maintaining in your music? Do you think one element in particular is more important than something else? For example, do you think having meaningful lyrics is way more important than a dope beat or do you think love songs are way more special to create than songs about having sex? What do you passionately want to maintain with your music?
Kyonte: I mainly want my music to be refreshing. I need for people to know that there are still real musicians in existence.
SoulTrain.com: How has your family supported your journey as an artist?
Kyonte: My family, as a whole, has been typical. There are those that strongly urge you to get a “real job” or a “day job” and there are those that will support you and want you to be the best at what you do. I love my family and friends.
SoulTrain.com: What artists out there would you most like to work with?
Kyonte: For the most part, I would LOVE to meet and work with all the great songwriters that are currently in the industry. If not for the songwriters, most of our mainstream artists and household names wouldn’t exist. If I have to name names, it differs from day to day. At this very moment, I’d like to work with Imogen Heap, Nadia Ali, Young The Giant, Wale, Tabi Bonney, Lloyd, Ledisi, and J. Holiday. That list changes everyday.
SoulTrain.com: What is something your fans don’t know about you that you wouldn’t mind sharing now?
Kyonte: Today I think I would want my fans and supporters to know that I am working daily, along with this attention deficit disorder, to give you all the best. I wish that you could all learn from my life and my experiences
SoulTrain.com: What do you have planned for 2012 with your music?
Kyonte: In 2012, I plan to release a full length album by September. I also plan to flood the airwaves with plenty of good music!
SoulTrain.com: Your enthusiasm is contagious. As the year wind downs, we are still celebrating the 40th anniversary of the legendary series we know and love–Soul Train. You were probably a child when the show was in its heyday, but what sticks out as a favorite memory?
Kyonte: My fav Soul Train moments, since I’m being forced to choose, would have to be the Jackson 5 performing “Dancing Machine”, Al Green performing “Let’s Stay Together”, and number one memory is Barry White bringing in the Love Unlimited Orchestra.
SoulTrain.com: Where can we find you on the internet?
Kyonte: If you’re looking for me, you can find me at kyonte.com, facebook.com/kyonte or on Twitter @kyonte831.
-Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman
Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman is a writer based in Washington DC. Visit her at http://www.KhadijahOnline.com.
Great article, thanks for the information. Will definitely be adding this CD to my R&B collection. It’s so nice to hear good R&B music! And he’s fine too!!!