South Asian Generation Next caught up with rising star Kat Eyez to discuss the highly anticipated release of his upcoming album. His sophomore album which is due for release later this summer features multi- platinum producer Marcus Kane and platinum selling international artists including Snow, RDB, and Apache Indian.
K.E is a Canadian born Desi, Hip-hop reggae artist who has found international success after the release of his latest music video “Final Arrangement”, which deals with the issue of arranged marriages. The Canadian artist has been receiving heavy video play worldwide including heavy play in both India and the UK and has landed him on such video stations such as MTV Base U.K., MuchMusic, MTV Tempo, B4U, Brit-Asia and MTV India. His “Hey Love” video (featuring Snow) went #1 on Mtv Desi in New York!!!
Born to South Asian parents, this talented young artist not only writes his own songs but has also collaborated with international artists including, Apache Indian, Brick and Lace, Snow, RDB, and R&B sensation Jon B.
Like many South Asian parents, Kat Eyez parents were initially skeptical of his career choice. They thought “it was just a phase I was going through but as I continued they realised how much it meant to me. They are very supportive and continue to give me encouragement to go on. When they saw me hit #1, well they liked that phase,” he says happily.
Talking about culture, he says “my culture is both Canadian and Indian. I was born in Canada, Toronto and my upbringing was more so Indian than Canadian. Culture is essentially my identity and my roots; you can’t have one without the other.”
As an individual he describes himself as “a person who is constantly learning about himself, and is someone who is un-afraid of sharing his learning process with the world.” As a musician, he differentiates himself as “versatile..well rounded Emcee, Singer, Songwriter who can appreciate good sound in any type of genre whether it be Hindi, Classical, Rock or Reggae.”
The new generation of South Asian stars is experimenting with all genres of music without training as hard as classical musicians did. About his music, Kat Eyez says “it’s a little bit of everything… I’m influenced by all types of music so you’re getting a little bit of Rap, Reggae and R&B.”
Citizen of the globe, Kat Eyez has experienced different reactions to his music in different parts of the world. He tells us “my second single, “Final Arrangement”, went #1 on MTV India and that was because fans could relate to the subject and story line of the video. There was more of an impact in India than in Canada or the US because it deals with the issue of arranged marriages.”
Though he hasn’t gone to school to study music, Kat Eyez’ passion drives him. “You can study all the music in the world and learn everything there is but if you don’t have the passion and gift for it, it won’t take you anywhere. I think you can produce evergreen songs with passion and love for music,” he says.
He cherishes Apache Indian and Snow. “They paved the way for me and for so many others,” he tells Generation Next. Currently his favourites Bob Marley, but he enjoys Drake, Roach Killa, Humble the Poet, J-Hind, Mediated Minds, Blitz also.
When Kat Eyez got the opportunity to work with his childhood idol’s Apache Indian and Snow, who he has a video with, it was one of his dream come true. “We went #1 on Mtv Desi, unreal!!!” he says.
“Another great moment was when I heard my song was playing on shows like P.Diddy’s “Making the Band” and then hearing it on the radio for the first time the day after.”
At another time “I was eating some garlic naan when platinum producer Marcus Kane called. He told me to turn on the TV. ASAP. Then I heard my song “Girlz” on “America’s Next Top Model”, I nearly choked, but luckily I had some “Thumbs Up”™ to wash it down J.”
Post 9/11, artists are incorporating themes like war, violence, drugs and so in their work. Many critique the approach arguing that music is to relax and to relish, not to put forth political opinions.
Kat Eyez says “ You can put anything into your music. Music is a form of expression. Things like violence, gangs and drugs are all apart of the world, no matter where you are or where you live. I believe it’s important for people to be educated and to also learn through other people’s experiences. We can change the negative into a positive through music.”
And he wants to do humanitarian work. His approach to life is “humanitarian work is very important. I see people that are financially blessed that do nothing to help anyone else. I believe that if you are able to help others in need than you should. I do whatever I can, and will continue to do humanitarian work throughout my career.”
He encourages his fans to listen to his music at www.hangoverrecords.com and www.myspace.com/hangoverrecords.com or they can add Kat Eyez to their facebook, Kat Eyez Iz.
By: Staff Writer
