For this week’s Hot Seat, Out ‘N About is featuring D. Kullus – a performing artiste, who will be on stage this year at the 46th edition of the famous Heineken Regatta.
1. What inspired you to start making music?
I grew up in a big family of nine. My older brothers were always making music, and as one of the youngest, I was always watching and getting inspired. As I got older, I finally had the chance to make a song with Sam for a school talent show. I performed it with my childhood friend, Smallz, and we ended up winning. That moment showed me what music could be for me.
2. What motivates you to keep creating and performing?
Over time, I realized music had become my outlet to release pain, happiness, joy and memories. I love the different styles I can create, and I am always pushing myself to get better. It feels like discovering who I am through the music. Music helped me realize that there is nothing better than being your true self, whether people accept you or not. Every time I create, I feel like I have done something new, and that feeling motivates me to keep going for as long as it lasts.
3. How do you usually approach writing or creating new music?
My process is simple. Within a few minutes of hearing a beat, I usually know the vibe I want and how the song will sound. We build melodies, and those melodies tell a story. From there, we add words that fit the feeling, and that becomes the concept. At the end, we tighten everything up and that gives us the song. It all starts from that gut feeling of “this is it.” I am not a big fan of sitting in the studio for hours trying to write lyrics. I like creating in the moment, especially when it comes to melodies.
4. Where do you draw inspiration from when creating songs?
My inspiration starts from the instruments and then imagination. I imagine what I want to feel, or I think about how something feels. Sometimes, it comes from a past experience or a story I heard and sometimes, it is just on the surface, talking about having a good time and enjoying myself.
5. What does the prospect of performing at the Heineken Regatta mean to you?
It is going to be a crazy experience. Growing up, I could not even go because I was too young. When I finally did go to see concerts, I was so far in the crowd trying to see the stage. I remember watching Akon perform one year and thinking that I wanted to do that one day. Now that I have the opportunity to bring my ideas and my music to a big stage like this, words cannot describe the feeling.
6. Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations people should watch out for?
Over the years, I have worked on a lot of projects of big artistes. I have been part of gold plaque singles with Pitbull, a platinum album with Farruko, and other gold singles with Shaggy. The list goes on. This time, I want to step forward, come out of the shadows, and step into the light. I want to share my pain, my joy, and the good times my music brings with anyone who is willing to listen.
7. What message do you hope your music leaves with listeners?
I want people to feel connected to my music, whether it is a deep, sad song or a fun song about having a good time. I want them to think it is clever and catchy, but also feel like they can get to know me because my identity is in every song I make. That is what I want to leave with listeners.
8. How do you prepare mentally and creatively before a performance?
My preparation starts with making sure everything is organized. Everyone needs to know what they are doing so I can breathe and build the energy I want to bring to the stage. I like leaving room for the adrenaline to kick in. Advance planning is important for me because I tend to worry about everyone else. Once I know everyone is good, then I can focus and give my full energy.
9. What makes a great crowd for you as a performer?
A great crowd is one that is paying attention. I do not expect everyone to be screaming, but I want people to leave saying it was a great experience, even if they did not know all my songs. You cannot take talent away from a strong performance. Whether you know the music or not, the talent and the moment should speak for themselves.
10. What can fans expect from your music this year?
Fans can expect growth, honesty, and versatility. I am bringing more of myself to the music than ever before. The pain, the joy, the moments, and the stories that shaped me are all in the new work. This year is about stepping forward and giving listeners the real D. Kullus.
