We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Khadim Niang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Khadim below.
Alright, Khadim thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
“Federal Sound” came to me one night while I was totally lost in music, trying to figure out my path in the industry. I was jamming for hours, deep in thought about how to pursue the music thing full time. Suddenly, “Federal” popped into my head, and the rest is history!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Absolutely, here’s a more personal touch:
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Hey there, I’m Khadim Niang, but most people in the industry know me as Kaine or KaineThisFed. Music isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am. I’ve poured my heart and soul into the industry, wearing many hats as a producer, producer & engineer manager, and music publisher.
One of my proudest moments was when Federal Sound, a company I founded, earned Grammy consideration. It was a testament to the passion and dedication we bring to every project. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible lineup of artists that includes A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Lil Durk, NBA YoungBoy, Future, Lil Baby, DJ Khaled, Destroy Lonely, Lil Uzi Vert, and many more.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to excellence and my deep understanding of the music business. I’ve learned firsthand how to navigate its complexities and help artists and producers thrive. Whether it’s crafting top-tier beats, managing production teams, or providing strategic music publishing support, I’m here to bring your vision to life and make a lasting impact in the music world.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
My journey started with producing beats as a passion project that turned into a profitable side hustle. I had the opportunity to collaborate with big names like Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Durk, Tory Lanez, Playboi Carti, and many more. However, despite these collaborations, my work wasn’t getting the exposure I craved. That’s when I shifted gears and began assisting fellow producers and artists with the nitty-gritty of music production – clearing songs and understanding the business side of placements. This transition gave birth to Federal Sound, which has since earned multiple Billboard #1s, RIAA certifications, and partnerships with major artists and labels worldwide. Additionally, I ventured into music publishing, transforming from a producer to a label executive and publisher, expanding my impact in the music industry.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One valuable lesson I had to relearn was embracing failure as a stepping stone to success and understanding that perfection is not a prerequisite for progress. I used to believe that success meant getting everything right without encountering real challenges, attributing it mostly to luck. However, a mentor in the industry enlightened me about the concept of productive failure and the importance of taking imperfect action. I used to procrastinate and overanalyze, often fearing that my efforts might not yield the desired results. Once I embraced the idea of learning through trial and error and took decisive action, I witnessed a positive shift in my approach and outcomes. Embracing productive failure has been a game-changer, allowing me to grow and achieve more than I thought possible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kainethifed, @federalsound.co @tnpublishing