We were lucky to catch up with Kahlil Daniel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kahlil, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My third EP, and latest project, “KD III,” has felt like my most meaningful project. I released it this year and it celebrates the ten years that I’ve been independently releasing music since 2013. I knew I wanted this one to be unapologetically R&B. I kept it short and sweet with only three songs but it definitely packs a punch. One of my favorite things to do is perform live, so when making music, I’m constantly thinking about different songs I can add to the gumbo of a live show. I had some uptempo’s but mostly mid-tempos, and was definitely looking to switch it up this time around. So I focused on creating three upbeat songs and am really proud of the outcome. Each song is fast but also different, with different and shared musical aspects. Ever since being in my church’s youth choir as a kid, I was obsessed with the synth sound the keyboard could produce. During the pandemic I officially bought a synthesizer and am still getting familiar with all of the sounds – and that is also the first instrument you hear on the EP. I’ve also always been drawn to the magic of the “Talkbox’ and the personalized auto-tune sounds it could make by using your mouth to form specific vowel sounds with that clear tube. Zap & Roger’s “Computer Love,” & “I Wanna Be Your Man,” or Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic,” are prime examples. I bought one of those during the pandemic as well and knew that combined with the synthesizer, and stacking my harmonies, I was working toward a specific sound that I definitely feel that I achieved.
I just believe that in anything you do, each project is supposed to be an improvement on the last. I always try to challenge myself to one up each release and imprint growth in some form even if it’s small. On ‘KD III,’ I consciously approached improving my writing, producing, vocal harmonies, and lead singing. I combined the video editing I’ve learned and been working on in other projects like my podcast to have a meaningful marketing campaign, making this run an aggregate of everything I’ve learned over the last 10 years. That makes me really excited to build on that knowledge and looking forward for more projects and music that are ‘on the way!’
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 production company, Instinct Entertainment was founded in 2010. We provide entertainment services including, music production, film production, podcasting, live event coordination & stage management. I always knew acting and singing were my gifts, but I’ve also always been interested in having a say in the behind the scenes process of both of them. In my opinion, as an artist, it’s important to also have your own projects going on so you’re not always waiting to be cast or get hired for a gig. That inevitably is part of the process, but Instinct Entertainment is a place where I can cultivate and execute my ideas, as well as collaborate with other creatives. A prime example is my podcast, “On The Way,” that I co-host with my friend Sylvee Jones, Last year we joined the ‘Mocha Podcast Network’ which is home to NAACP Image Award winning podcasts, and we’re about to go into our 7th season since debuting in 2017. There’s so much music specifically – R&B out there now, but it comes out so fast these days that many people are still unaware how vibrant the market it is – even going as far to say that the genre is dead. It’s definitely not, you just have to be intentional about staying current with what’s new, because the radio usually won’t play it if it’s not Top 40. We listen to four new albums and review them every week, as well discuss music news and current events while keeping our audience laughing. It’s great to be able to collaborate with her and provide that service for people, but most importantly the friendship and the laughter is the fuel behind our show. I think it’s healthy as a black creative to be able to articulate my point of view, just as equally as being able to articulate someone else’s. I like talking and engaging with all kinds of people, because I definitely believe we all have more in common than separates us, and art is the mirror that lets us see ourselves and each other vulnerably and genuinely. The services we provide allow me to work specifically with clients on music directing, music/film/podcast editing, script/song writing, vocal producing, interviewing, and more. I’ve learned so many skills beside the ones that come naturally to me, and the process only enhances and builds on what I’ve already got to offer!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I’m driven by the vision of living sustainably from music and acting. When you know that you’re really good at something, I think the ultimate goal is to be able to do that thing and make a living off of it, so that it doesn’t feel like an obligation, but work you actually enjoy. I’m determined to continue to put out music and sustain myself from performing live, music directing, producing and songwriting for myself and others. I’m also determined to be cast in projects, have my projects produced, as well as produce, write, and direct them myself. In my opinion, the job of an artist is to be a mirror to reflect people as well as the times we live in. When done successfully, connecting with other people on that level is a soul connection and quite meaningful. One of my ultimate goals is to be cast as Donny Hathaway in his life story. He’s a pillar of R&B/Soul music, with such an awesome story. Being able to combine my love for music, acting and Howard University (as an alum) in that way to serve his story is a milestone I’m looking forward to reaching.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think some non-creative people struggle to grasp that the creative path/journey is not a linear one. In fact, it’s quite ‘zig-zaggy.’ In most industries, post college, you interview for a job in your field at an entry level and follow a particular blueprint to move up the corporate ladder to a senior position or job that meets your financial goals. The artistic path isn’t like that at all. In this field, most people experience more, “No’s” than “Yes’s.” One can be hired for a job that lasts months, and then be out of work for just as long. However, the rejection builds resilience in knowing that all it takes is one, “Yes,” to change the trajectory of your path which can make things more linear. If you choose to stay the course, you really get to know yourself and why you’ve chosen to be an artist. You also get to know the fine line between the delusion of continuing to do the same thing with no results, and when it’s necessary to make a pivot to something you didn’t expect for a different outcome. The vision that you had for yourself at the outset becomes your north star. My experience has been that following your Instincts, finding ways to stay creative in the interim, and quieting yourself enough to listen to God (and then actually doing what He says even if it seems nuts) are the keys to balance and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: kahlildaniel.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kahlilxdaniel
- Facebook: facebook.com/kxdmusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kahlildaniel/
- Twitter: twitter.com/kahlilxdaniel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0DmvYyXqqWcWzGEby4StA
- Other: tiktok.com/@kahlilxdaniel | instinctent.com | instinctent.com/ontheway | twitter.com/onthewayweekly | instagram.com/onthewayweekly | mochapodcastsnetwork.com/ontheway
Image Credits
Carlos Noble (Analdo Jr.) | Steven Mosley | Josh Pasaretti | Diana Cholankeril | Ian Nunery | Myself (Kahlil Daniel)