We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kye Colors a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kye, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

I’ve been releasing music as Kye Colors for 10 years. Taking on different angles of the industry as a recording artist, producer, and eventually an owner of a record label. My father is a business owner so I was business savvy. Since then, I’ve always been big on how my music was distributed. I would be in deep study on how I can make my releases better and on time for my fans.

I would upload music for free on SoundCloud in 2015 – which was an iconic time period for the platform and indie artists. I was still developing awareness, relationships and notoriety. It was the perfect one-link for me to direct people to my music.

When I had met Jesse Brown (Co-Founder of Wasteland Records) it was through a mentor and KC rap legend – Gee Watts. I was 16, in a music collective, had built a name in the city, on the cusp of being recognized regionally. I had dropped my first tape “Milk Is Nasty” which made it to news papers, local media, and popular platforms such as Lyrical Lemonade. This was my first introduction to releasing with a distribution company – EMPIRE. It was a unique process that allowed us to be in contact with representatives at the company. Mainly through email but for a 17-year old in a city that isn’t recognized for music – it felt like a privilege. it’s common for indie artist to resorts to using a service like Distrokid, CD Baby, etc. not to bash any of these services but I never wanted the issues my peers were having on the day of release

In 2020, quarantine had just ended I grew to a level that brought new fans and relationships nationally. This is also the year we officially started Wasteland Records with Jesse, Jaron Baston and my creative director Kendu. This had caught the attention of EQ (Equity Distribution). They’re a distro under Roc Nation. It was more direct communication and sync licensing opportunities outside of just releasing my music on streaming. Once everything was confirmed, I had released my project With Love By Faith. This project was a staple for my supporters and made impact in the underground gaining the likes of Apple Music, Nike, and more.

2021 was just ending and I didn’t drop as much music at the time. Things became more calculated for me due to the attention and opportunities coming in. At the top of 2022, I had just earned my first sync license placement with my song “ROCKET” for the Bel-Air reboot (episode 7). Soon after I would release my most popular track to date “Phil Collins” to announce my partnership with Venice Music Distribution. Venice is based in Los Angeles, founded by Troy Carter. They were the first company as a unit that showed belief, accessible resources, and team effort when involved with my rollout process. My experience with them has been way more in depth teaching me the ins and outs of distributing music. This relationship had lead to my current managerial partnership with LVRN (Love Renaissance) it’s a rare blessing to be backed by 2 strong houses, remain Independent and keep creative control. Extremely grateful for them taking a chance to build with us.

Throughout 2023, I would release 3 installments for my EP series “Colorman”. We released on all streaming platforms every time, but I wanted to try something new and different for the first drop of 2024. With social media algorithms constantly changing and artists being paid under a dollar per stream, it felt like I was selling my fans and myself short of a true experience as this digital revolution is going on.

So I released my latest project “CHANGES” exclusively with Even.Biz. Even is a platform that empowers artists and amplifies fan experience. Allowing me to, communicate, engage and with my community, and in return they’re able directly support me through its Proud To Pay system. My fans are able to set their own prices and get access to the project, content, merch and more perks that’s not available anywhere else. This is a very innovative and unconventional method that has been popularized based on the success of LaRussel (artist) and his use of their platform which Inspired me and my team to take this leap of faith. This is my first time monetizing music this way giving me even more purpose when delivering to my community.

Kye, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been doing music as Kye Colors for 10 years (since 2014). I always knew I had talent as a rapper/writer and was just getting into production in 2014. Something sparked within me to commit and make a career out of it.

I always felt like I had a “black sheep” story . I felt misunderstood on countless occasions. Throughout high school, I would try new hobbies, jobs and sports but my desire to become a music artist would override that quickly. I would be at odds with family and friends because of my dedication to music. My dating life wasn’t prioritized because I gave my music more attention. My belief in myself would eventually convince them to believe. I had to sacrifice a lot of time and experiences once I found true purpose within my craft.

While I did have hardships and obstacles on this path, I valued the positive impact my music had on my community and supporters much more. As more fans/supporters came over the years, they would tell me my substance and quality in my music connected with them.
As an artist that’s the ultimate goal – they can relate or become inspired. To feel like the “black sheep” and know you’re not alone is a comforting feeling.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have been working on breaking through as an artist. I faced a lot of trials that tested me all around- emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially. Regardless of what was thrown at me, I responded and I’m blessed to still be standing today.

I went through multiple ego deaths and shedded a lot of old versions of myself. There was countless nights I slept on couches and carpet at my friends house or the studio.

From driving a broken down bucket to walking every where.

Constant notifications and emails reminding me about my insufficient funds

When I had moments when I wasn’t “down bad” I dealt with jealousy and envy. Falling out with individuals I once was close with.

Growing up as a black man in Kansas City, Missouri is not for the light hearted. While my personal experiences shaped me, my environment played a major factor as well.

I would ask “why me?” in these times. Until I realized all of the setbacks and obstacles made me greater.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn being overly nice and naive. Navigating this business isn’t the friendliest experience. I’m not saying change who you completely are but being a people pleaser will run you dry. I struggled with this bad and had to literally learn how to decline and say NO. Fill your cup first.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.even.biz/releases/changes
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyecolors/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyecolors?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kyecolors?si=xOWzlGxuO0S6R3I2

Image Credits
@kendu56 @pakksnaps