We were lucky to catch up with Kortland Whalum recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kortland, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I worked on is my EP “A Love Letter”. I wrote it during the pandemic when there was nothing else to do but sit still and think. During that time, I was able to focus my thoughts on past experiences as it relates to love and love lost. Creating melodies and finding material that suits who I am as a human being was both exhilarating and therapeutic. The five-song project tells the story of a journey through love. The good times and the trying times. “The Limit” is probably my favorite on the record because I think we have all reached a point in a situation where “enough is enough”.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I have been singing for as long as I can remember. Music surrounded me as a child, so it only came natural for me to want to continue in that lane. Seeing live performances of artists like Frank Sinatra, En Vogue, and my uncle Kirk, really solidified in me that performing is something I want to do with my life. To be able to make a positive impact on others through the gifts I have been given. Theatre is another part of my life that I love. Seeing a Broadway show for the first time, in high school, gave me the clarity I needed that the stage was my calling; my home base. What sets me apart from others is the same thing that sets them apart from me. We are all unique, individual creatives. Art is subjective and shouldn’t be judged. There is room for everyone at the table. I am most proud of my ability to keep moving forward towards my goals of being an all-around entertainer. I want the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, & Tony) awards. Stepping out on faith to move to New York City with nothing but a dream, and being able to have lived there for six years is a testament to what is possible if you believe in yourself. Without that NYC experience, I would not have been able to gain the wisdom that I know have. I would not have toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, or worked for directors and writers on Broadway. There were challenges but they all came to make me stronger.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that it is okay to be me. A lot of male artists today have somewhat a common theme going, vocally and aesthetically. And that is totally fine, if that is who they authentically are. I have always considered myself to be unlike the other guys. I’m a baritone/bass even, so it can be tricky coming up and all you hear are guys with these high tenor voices. It was discouraging at a time because I wondered how I would fit in. Until I realized I don’t fit in, and that is probably the biggest blessing and revelations I had. Comparison is the thief of joy. So instead of putting myself up against someone, I simply acknowledge who I am, whose I am, and accept all of me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to invoke emotion in the listener/viewer. There is nothing more powerful than creating a transcending experience for someone’s soul by doing what you love.

Contact Info:

• Website: soundcloud.com/kortlandwhalum
• Instagram: instagram.com/kortlandwhalum
• Facebook: facebook.com/kortland
• Twitter: twitter.com/kortlandwhalum
• Youtube: youtube.com/kortand

Image Credits
Demarcus Bowser, Shanita Simms, Allie Perkins and Jamie Harmon