We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Collin Kozola a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Collin, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I just became obsessed with wanting to learn from those who inspire me to be great. If you want to be the best, learn from the best.
Knowing what I know now, I would tell my past self to be a sponge. Learn as much as I could. Absorb what is useful and discard what is not.
I don’t think there’s necessarily a skill that was “essential” but it just comes down to if I want to be a great performer, I got to learn how to perform great. If I want to have great music, I got to learn what I can do to perfect my next record. The biggest skill set you can have is being obsessed with becoming better.
The obstacle that stood in the way of learning more was waiting for someone else to teach me. Whether that was singing, songwriting, dancing, performing ect. You can’t wait for the perfect time, moment, or person to get started. Just begin.
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.
My name is Collin Christopher Kozola. I am a pop/r&b singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and entertainer. I’m originally from Naperville, Illinois. I started my career at 13 years old, posting cover videos on youtube and performing around my hometown in local bars and pubs. In 2014 my videos landed me a spot on a nationwide tour performing for fans across the country while spreading awareness of bullying. In 2015, I was voted “most fascinated faces” of Glancer Magazine, invited on radio shows such as WGN Radio, KISS 98.5, and 103.7 WDBR. I released my first ever EP project “Find Myself” in the summer of 2017. Currently in the works of releasing my next EP “Version”.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I think just the ability to make whatever I want to make and perform whatever way I want to perform. Not being restricted by just 1 specific way of doing things. You’re always starting with a blank canvas.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I just think good music is good music. Just because they may not have a huge following or they’re not A-list performers that doesn’t make their music any less good. Talent is talent regardless of what the “follower count” says. The number of followers or views someone may have does not and should not play any factor is someone’s talent and ability. If you’re a fan then be a fan. It shouldn’t have to take someone to make noise in order for one to give praise.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www. instagram.com/collinkozola
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realcollinkozola
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/collinkozola
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/collinkozola
- SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/collinkozola
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/realcollinkozola
Image Credits
Collin Kozola Management