We checked in with artist Kwadi for a quick look-in to his music and general vibe!

Stuttgart, Germany is known as a manufacturing hub and famous for its automotive presence. It's also where musician, Kwadi creates art infused with his signature electronic/pop/soul flavor.

“There is no fixed process with me. All songs are created by different moods and inspirations. Mostly it starts very small and ends in an emotional explosion. Pictures and movies, every song of mine is created by a certain picture I have in my head. This develops like a film in my own world and is recorded as a song.”

Sounds good to us and now please enjoy just a snippet of what makes Kwadi, Kwadi. ↩️

Why do you make music?

I come from Ghana and there, music is a very important part of the culture. That has influenced me a lot. Through music, I can process my experiences and carry my feelings and visions to the outside world. Music is my best friend.

 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Pictures and movies, every song of mine is created by a certain picture I have in my head. This develops like a film in my own world and is recorded as a song.

 

How would you describe your creative process?

There is no fixed process with me. All songs are created by different moods and inspirations. Mostly it starts very small and ends in an emotional explosion ☺. 

 

Greatest musical influence? 

Definitely Michael Jackson. Michael was an artist who tried out different styles and in my opinion, always rediscovered himself. He has set many trends and is definitely the G.O.A.T.

 

Ways to overcome a writer’s block?

The best thing to do is to try to look at a writer’s block in a positive light and enjoy the time out. If I don't feel like writing, I don't write. I listen to a lot of music, go out with friends, enjoy my life, and try to get new inspirations. But if there is no way to switch off, it helps me to look at artwork or creative photos online and imagine how they would sound as music. 

 

What tips do you have for aspiring artists?

You should definitely sit down and write down who you want to be as an artist. Sound, appearance, target group, competitors. All these things play a role. But the most important thing is that you feel good about yourself. In the course of your career, you will meet many people who have their own opinion. That is also a good thing. You should stay open, try yourself out, but you should always be aware of who you want to be. 

 

What do you like about Songtradr?

I think it's mega that Songtradr gives everyone and especially young, ambitious musicians the chance to license their music in an uncomplicated way. 

 

A new skill you learned during the lockdown? 

I started learning piano and improved my production skills. It is important for me to realize my ideas myself or at least to capture the idea as clearly as possible for my producers. 

  

Quick question round:

 

What is your favorite music equipment?

Mic ☺

Favorite dish?

Pizza

Bicycle or car?

Car 

Listen to music: At home or live at a concert?

Live at a concert

Summer or winter?

Summer

The Neptunes or Quincy Jones?

Neptunes

Kendrick Lamar or J.Cole?

Kendrick

Coffee or tea?

Tea

Soul or Metal?

Soul

Bedroom or studio production?

Studio 

Last but not least: What do you have planned for the future?

I still have so many ideas, but I want to remain true to myself for the future and bring as much creativity as possible to the outside world. Be it through my own music or to support younger musicians.