YOUNG KENO (June 2008) | Interview By: Eddie Gurrola

       Dubcnn recently sat down with Young Keno for an exclusive interview.  In this feature, we talk about Keno's success story of getting his independent record "Let's Get Together" into regular rotation on Power 106.  We also discuss his relationship with Roscoe Umali, his advice for artists to get their records on the radio, and his plans for the future.




 

As always, we have both the transcript and the video for you to check and please feel free to send any feedback regarding the interview to: eddie@dubcnn.com
 

Interview was done in June 2008.

Questions Asked By : Eddie Gurrola

Related Media:
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Young Keno ft. Omar Cruz & Wiz Khalifa - Let's Get Together [Remix]
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Dubcnn: We're here with Young Keno. How are you feeling man?

First, I want to thank y'all for the support you gave me from the beginning, ya dig? Right now, I'm living a dream man, and at times I still cant believe it, you know? It's not a day that goes by that I don't give thanks for my success in such a short amount of time.

Dubcnn: Let's start off by telling the readers how you first got into hip-hop...

I've always been a fan of all music, period, but I didn't personally get into it until last year. I had a few personal things that I went through last year, and my breath of fresh air was writing songs that made me feel good, which I call feel good music.

Dubcnn: When did you realize that you wanted to get into hip-hop seriously, as a full time career?

Recently! From all the support I've been receiving, it showed me that there is a need for feel good music, so it encouraged me to continue to feed it to the listeners. People wanna feel uplifted and encouraged to do things when they hear it. Let's take my single "Let's Get Together" for example. It's talking about getting together and taking a trip. That encourages you to take time out and do whatever you feel is a trip and a good day for yourself. It could be shopping, for the ladies, or it could be scooping your girl up and hitting a few corners with her with the top dropped! *Laughs* Or it could just be a weekend away overseas, ballin' out!

Dubcnn: When did you link up with Roscoe Umali and the rest of the AOW team?

We linked up in November 2007 through two mutual friends of ours, The Homeboy Miguel and West Coast Lam. Currently, we are independent artists, and at the time we met, we both had our first records on Power 106, so we thought it would be good to show unity on the West.

Dubcnn: What do you feel is the most important aspect of having a solid team to work on records with?

The benefit of a a great team is you get to fall back and be an artist. Your team will have your back in every other aspect so you can continue to be creative.

Dubcnn: What is it like being an independent artist on the grind? Walk us through a typical day in your life as a new MC trying to make it...

It's a struggle financially when it comes to projects. The money comes out of all of our pockets to pay for recording, beats, promo, road trips, etc. There is a lot of sacrifice that comes with it, and sometimes, as a result of dishing out our own money, our family obligations fall short. The big benefit in the end is that when your record does good, you get to celebrate and know you did it by yourself!

Dubcnn: As an independent artist, you pulled off an incredible feat by getting your single "Let's Get Together" into regular rotation on Power 106. How did you do this?

Truly, I was blessed! I had the opportunity to discuss what a hit record is with DJ Felli Fel, and he gave me the recipe, so I followed his advice and created a monster! As far as being the only independent artist on the Power 106 playlist, that was accomplished by the support of the listeners calling in and and texting. I also got to promote my record by being a part of the Power 106 High School Tour. Being involved with that helped me reach outside communities, snap some pictures with the students and allow them to put a face with the record.

Dubcnn: What advice would you give to other artists that want to get a record on the radio?

I think what it takes is to first listen to the stage of where music is currently. Make something that fits the mix, but add your twist to it. Last, but not least, get it professionally mixed for radio *Laughs*

Dubcnn: We just heard the remix to the record with Omar Cruz & Wiz Khalifa. How did that record come about?

My concept to the remix was having some young fresh talent on it. I think it's time for a new generation on the radio. So when I sat back and thought of who was young fresh talent, Wiz Khalifa and Omar Cruz came to mind. Wiz has a record that's bananas and so does Omar Cruz, so it made perfect sense to me.

Dubcnn: We noticed that both Omar and Wiz are on major labels.  Is the song an indicator that you might be signing a deal soon?

Yeah! There are a few deals on the table pending, but we are looking for the best situation that suits me. As far as Wiz Khalifa and Omar Cruz, it was a big accomplishment for me to collaborate with two major recording artists. As an independent artist, I felt like displaying my talent amongst the signed artists shows that I'm ready for the next level, if I'm not already there.

Dubcnn: As a young artist, what do you want to bring to hip-hop that we haven't seen before?

Opening the door for more independent artists to break through. I feel like my accomplishment could have opened the door for radio to give [new] artists a chance and take risks.

Dubcnn: Tell us about what you guys have been doing as far as shows. I've heard your shows are pretty crazy!

Yeah! As you know, Artisans Music Group is my management team, so me and Roscoe Umali have a lot of combined shows. We have have like 3 shows a week! We are on like our own tour. *Laughs* We definitely know how to pack the house.

Dubcnn: What's next for Young Keno? What can we expect to hear from you in the near future?

What's next is another feel good record, and more collaborations with hot artists. I got my first movie role in a movie entitled "Operation Repo" directed by Luis Pizarro and produced by Jeff Reyes, so I'm hitting the big screen! And I've got my own shirt now, sponsored by "Inflict Clothing," designed by Robert and Liz Ochoa.

Dubcnn: Is there anything else you want to say to everyone who has been checking out your music?

I want to thank Artisans Music Group, which consists of Roy (E.P.), Glen (management), Roscoe Umali, Amil G (producer), Techbeats (producer), my manger Fuzzy Fantabulous, Kami, my family, all stations and everyone who supports me!