Exposed Vocals Interviews Inakat

Inakat is a self-published author, Spoken Word artist, and the CEO of Inakat Publishing.

Inakat Publishing was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 2010. The purpose of the company is to produce, promote, and expand in the mixed media arts, with a focus on things of an Erotic nature. Inakat designs the majority of her own artwork, as well as records and mixes her tracks. 

Her hobbies are her passions, which are writing and poetry. She is a self confessed chocolate and seafood lover.

She is a mom that works full-time while pursuing her B.A in Behavioral Sciences. Her goal is to encourage all women to embrace their inner Goddess, discover the treasure of themselves, and stand up for her right to pleasure.

“Sexy is a state of mind” Inakat

 

 

 

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Inakat: I grew up near Downtown Detroit, Michigan in an area called The Numbers. My mother was an artist, DJ, and a Gospel singer, and so is my brother (DJ Base) The Mixologist. Base (Charles Thomas) and I both grew up singing and performing at church functions, on live radio, and in talents shows for a rap group.  My mother encouraged me to explore the arts and I did. I do not know if I decided to become an artist or if entertainment chose me. Spoken word has been a part of my life from sermons to songs. I admired what my mother did with music at an early age from performing to creating mix tapes in our living room. I grew up around the industry and evolved into an lover of the arts.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Inakat: The name Inakat is symbolic for me, in the sense that my given name is Katina. The choice to put the last half of my first name in front of the other half is symbolic of my past, present, and future. My past experiences led me to want to be my own business and brand, my present is that Katina has the potential to be whatever she wants to, and my future is reconciling both halves to make that happen.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Inakat: I think online music sharing can be a good and bad thing. The not so bright side is that music sharing hurts the people who create music because there is no financial reward. The bright side is that music sharing gives the lesser-known artists exposure and helps to create a fan base. Yes, I do share some content free. I do so because I have had some phenomenal people that provided me everything that I needed to do so. For example, Joeycutlass.com provided with me some of the background music free. After I had done the work to pull it together into a track, it became a way to share in his dream of sharing his content with mine. It did not seem fair to charge people for something that I received free. It did feel nice to pay forward his generosity by following his lead with free content.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Inakat: Firstly, I would advise them to see where their music fits best. For example, if it is a rump shaker song then drop off a good copy of your music to local clubs, radio stations, and similar venues, and ask them to consider playing your music. Secondly, come with the best product that you can by putting some of your heart and passion in to it. Lastly, grow your network, market yourself on social media, such as SoundCloud.com and so on, and then get used to saying thank you.

 Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Inakat: My inspiration comes from how I see my sensual side and the pleasure of embracing that. I am a firm believer in knowing your heart before you try to explain it to someone else. I think it is important for a woman to love herself before she seeks that love from a mate. As a feminine woman, I had a time where I gave of myself things that I clearly was not going to get back. I had to wake up and realize that the state of my sexy was not a place that my partner owned, that was my sexy and I now I run that. My process is to contemplate my own emotional roller-coaster, get a cup of coffee, and then go write it down. My self worth stock went up instantly. I could not even sell myself on the drama of a bad relationship, afterward

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Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Inakat: Now, I am Inakat Detroit on Soundcloud, for free content. I have a Spoken Word Compilation CD in the works for release later this year. The plan is to distribute that project locally and through several major outlets.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Inakat: I would use some of the money to pay bills and invest in my business. I would most likely take a quick vacation with my daughter, come back, and use the time to work on growth for my business. Some would probably go to some kind of local charity, anonymously.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Inakat: I look at the footsteps of the some of the people that have had success before me. I listen and attempt to be responsive to the heartbeat of the industry. I ask others for help and just try to stay appreciative of the assistance that I receive. Mostly, what works best for me is to just put it out there and pay attention to the results.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Inakat: I have a new book that comes out March 16, 2016 -THIRD BASE. It is book three of the Touch of Base series of books, which I wrote. This story embraces my point of view about the healing power of music, love, and the definition of personal success in my own seductive style. It is partially based on real people from my journey.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Inakat: I would write books, which I do. I believe that I am up to ten now. Life is too short to waste time thinking about what I would do. I try to stay as productive as possible, despite the obstacles. When I am not recording music, I am writing books, marketing myself, reviewing my strategies, or something related to the growth of branding Inakat Publishing and Media as a viable entity.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Inakat: I pray, a lot. I work whatever job I can find that fits into my lifestyle and stay prepared for that big moment when it comes. I am a single mother, and I know that if anyone has to prepare for anything, at any moment, it is the woman that has to wear the pants and the skirt. Somehow, I have managed by prioritizing my faith, my babies, and then building a legacy to leave my children and other aspiring entrepreneurs.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

 Inakat: Fans should look forward to public appearances from me to promote my upcoming CD  Slight Kisses, and the release of my latest book THIRD BASE. I am available for events, interviews, and signings. The Spoken Word pieces on SoundCloudare a part of my current promotion campaign. The book THIRD BASE is where I found the inspiration for the Spoken Word tracks that I put up there. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fans and @ExposedVocals for their help and support. I appreciate you.