We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kyle Costal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kyle below.
Hi Kyle, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Five years ago I quit my day job to pursue music full time. I was about to release my first album. I didn’t have a label; I didn’t have a following; and I didn’t have a lot of money. The plan was simple.. hit the road and figure it out along the way. On April 15th of 2021 my best friend Cory and I did just that. We loaded up my truck with road gear, supplies, cds and merch. We embarked on a two month street performance tour across the United States. It was full of highs and lows.. twists and turns.. danger and adventure. Our faith was tested but we accomplished our mission. I later published a book called “The Ironside Tour: Becoming a Rapstar” chronicling our experience. It didn’t land me a record deal.. It didn’t make me famous.. and it didn’t make me rich.. but it did teach me this.. God is in the details; His heart is for the lost; and reaching one soul for Christ is worth all the risk.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I began freestyle rapping at the age of 19. As my skills and confidence grew I started having visions of becoming a rap artist. However, when I turned 21, I fully surrendered my life to Christ. It created a radical change inside of me. So much so I put the music dream on hold. I went from living a party lifestyle to trying to find God’s purpose for my life. Months went by.. but eventually.. I started rapping again. This time the lyrics were different. I began to see the potential for a new beginning. The music could carry a message of hope. I could glorify God and point other people to Jesus Christ. This became the core of what motivated me as an artist.
I continued to develop my craft. It was challenging but I pressed forward. In 2017 I began releasing songs under the stage name “HEGEMON.” It’s an Ancient Greek title that translates to “leader” or “governor.”
At this stage.. I independently operate my own record label, “HEGEMON-MUSIC LLC.” I’ve released close to fifty songs with another fifty in the works.
My brand is about being authentic. I’m not perfect and neither is my music. You will find raw and real experiences displayed through my lyrics. I experiment with rapping and singing.. blending different genres like pop, rock, hip-hop and dance.
It’s okay to be yourself. It’s okay to be different. All of us have our own story to tell and I tell mine through music.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Two of my best friends are from Saudi Arabia. During their stay in the U.S. I took them on a camping trip to Nantahala National Forest. We were driving in from Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was late at night and we pulled onto a dirt access road. At this point we were deep in the forest.. almost to our destination, Swan Cabin. As our headlights beamed into the darkness, an obstruction was slowly revealed. A large tree had fallen across the road. My friends were greatly dismayed because there was no other way to the cabin. My buddy Jojo said, “Well, I guess we have to turn back.” I quickly responded, “Hold up.. where there’s a will.. there’s a way.” I told him to pop the trunk. I had brought a small hatchet and hand saw. Jojo looked at me and said in disbelief, “We are going to move a giant tree.. with this??”
For hours we methodically cut apart the multi-limb tree. While working we could hear a horrible growling noise. It seemed to get closer and closer.. but the darkness kept it out of sight. We worked faster. (I think it was a wild boar). Eventually we cleared the road. We pressed on and made it to the cabin just before sunrise.
This story reflects quite a few lessons I’ve learned in my journey as an artist and entrepreneur. Many times the challenges we face seem insurmountable. But these are the moments you rise to the occasion. You work with what you’ve got, put your head down, and grind. Others won’t understand.. some will try and discourage you.. but you keep going. Your greatest achievements are born out your greatest adversities.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is making an impact in the lives of others. Meeting people who are inspired by you.. learn from you.. and enjoy your art is extremely rewarding. It often reminds me of why I make music and continue to take risks. The best moments are when I know I’m being used by God and feel his presence through my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hegemon-music.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hegemon_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hegemonmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEKy209qS27mob3X1Ig45mA
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hegemon/1475296861
@hegemon_music
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5uNsdQFxkJmNJpcnnl1mSO?si=DV1P7JINRDSyrSQuSHXLHA
Image Credits
Jamison Weeks, David Emenheiser, Rashun Ludgood