Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in a very stringent household in a very diverse city located in the south eastern part of Pennsylvania called Philly! Music was always in me. It was always my nature or my calling. From listening to my mother play Tevin Campbell and R. Kelly early in the mornings to my sisters rocking out to Aaliyah and SWV late in the afternoons. It was either deal with it or become it! At a very young age I noticed the affect and impact music had/has on people both men and women alike, especially when Aaliyah passed back in 2001. “Expression” is what captured the attention of others. Everything was a go from that point on!
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Kha-Leef is actually my birth middle name minus the hyphen. The hyphen was added so people would pronounce my name correctly.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I feel it’s necessary every now and again especially for new artists. Fans and day one supporters deserve some free content. It shows appreciation and that you genuinely want your fans to just understand how you feel at that particular time in your life without a dollar amount attached to it.
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?
Pay to play is dead.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Absolutely, but I just keep in mind that I’m only human just like the people I’m performing for. And then I let the next few bars make them forget the fuck up ever happened in the first place lol.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I didn’t tour just yet but I definitely plan to very very soon. However, I did take a trip to Atlanta last summer that was supposed to be a fucking movie, but that’s an entirely different conversation for another time.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Everything inspires me! From conversations with damaged men and women to success talk with some of my colleagues and business partners. I feel every artist should be sensitive to a certain degree.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
I do!
Twitter & Instagram @Kha_Leef
SoundCloud.com/Kha-Leef
YouTube.com/KhaLeefTV
Facebook.com/KarmaEvol
Periscope, etc.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
None! Having an open mind was never embarrassing to me lol.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I would spend it with family but I would most certainly still be creating. You can never take a break from a passion.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I can’t give away all the sauce but I will say this, if you’re really naturally talented analog will still get the job done.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Women! No bullshit. There’s always been this infatuation with women and music, or women and entertainers should I say! And the cool part is, if they fuck with you tough they’ll definitely talk about you to everyone, especially to their girlfriends. And social media of course.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
The where doesn’t matter thanks to social media but most certainly with Aaliyah. If it wasn’t for my sister putting me on to Aaliyah once upon a time, I don’t know where my music career would be going let alone what my music would sound like.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
The Karma Collection project/playlist available for download on all streaming/mixtape platforms Valentine’s Day (2/14/17) and my Birthday Bash/Release Party with special guest appearance by “Sammie” on 2/17/17!!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Making babies!!
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
My first physical album purchase was Jay-Z’s ‘American Gangster” and I was very hype like any other fan of any other entertainer buying a piece of their art lol.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
By understanding priority and discipline.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
More music, more content, more shows, more merch, more events and power moves, and more “who this” text responses lol.
