Welcome to Paper Koi’s new music segment, “Artist 2 Watch”, which presents the work of fresh and vivid artists. Enjoy our concise article surrounding the artist and their new song. We got a chance to reach out to the artist, Kendell, who released his song, “Dance With the Devil”. Kendell was able to share his experience and inspiration behind his latest single!

Enjoy! 

ARTIST 2 WATCH:

Kendell

Single Title Name: 

Dance With The Devil

Release Date:

Valentine’s Day (February 14th, 2019)

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY

What was the inspiration behind “Dance With The Devil”?

Writer’s block and frustration with a lot of the pop music I was hearing at that time.

Can you describe your experience while creating “Dance With The Devil”?

Well, I was working on a ballad at the time and was having no success with it—so, I just went digging for more upbeat sounds. I stumbled across the beat for “Dance With The Devil” and everything just came natural to me as I was writing.

What was your favorite memory creating “Dance With The Devil”?

Finding the beat. I felt like stumbled upon a gold mine.

Did you channel any specific artist(s) while creating your single?

Well, no. Whenever I write I try not to listen to any of my favorite musicians because I never want to write anything that sounds like anyone else. I like knowing that all my ideas are my own. Nobody being able to say “hey that kinda sounds like me”. 

What are you hoping to channel through your potential new listeners and fans?

I just want people to know that inspired artists aren’t dead. A lot of people feel that the last class of actual good artists stopping coming in around the 2010-2012 era and I don’t blame them. People are now making music as a quick way to make money and not because they love the art. I want people to know that I am one of those artists that loves and respects the craft. 

Pretend you’re a DJ, create a vibe including your single with about 3-5 songs.

Ugh, this is gonna be hard… but Dance With The Devil by me, Soda by Azealia Banks, Into The Groove by Madonna, OG Heartthrob by Majid Jordan and Who Do You Think You Are by Spice Girls 

If you could choose anyone to remix “Dance With The Devil”, who would you choose?

If I could have anyone remix Dance With The Devil is have to go with Ariana Grande. Not only because she’s an amazing singer but because I’ve always wanted to hear her on a house song.

Why should people listen to you?

People should listen to me because I’m passionate about what I do. This isn’t a get rich quick scheme for me. I love music and it shows in my work.

https://soundcloud.com/kendelldreams/dance-with-the-devil

Would you rather:

Take risk or play it safe?

I’d rather take a risk

Sell out or Stay True?

Staying true works out better in the long run so I’ll stay true 

Dance With the Devil or Prance With an Angel? 

It depends which one is the giving me the better offer at that moment [laughs]

Night out with your loves or night in with your boo? 

Night in with my boo

Spicy or Sweet?

Spicy always 

Where can we find you?

People can find me on Twitter and Instagram.