Ky La’Vey Drops New EP “Overture To A Dream” & Reveals What Inspired It
Intro:
For today’s interview, we have North Carolina’s own Ky La’Vey, who we got to hear from right before dropping his new EP “Overture to a Dream”. Ky La’Vey is an artist whose animated style blends elements of R&B & Hip-Hop into a new, unique style. This new EP further embraces Ky La’Vey’s vulnerability & is influenced by artists like Solange, Brandy, Sampha, etc.. He continues to use his music to explore identity, resilience, and love. Before reading our brief conversation, make sure you check out this new EP below.
Me: How would you describe your creative process while making “Overture to a Dream”?
Ky La’Vey: This record was originally a part of a bigger project where I would explore a new sound for each release. I wanted beats that felt like everyday life in the indie R&B realm. I would listen to a playlist of the beats daily, as well as an inspiration playlist I made of artist I felt used their music as a medium for their art/message. I honestly was in a deep depression when I first did the demos for this project, and a creative funk trying to figure out what my story was going to be. I really wrote my first demo called "TikTok" thinking about what my life felt like in that moment. It was not the best, but it was still hopeful. It was raw and it was real.
And from there, did you draw inspiration from any other specific artists naturally?
As I mentioned, I had an inspiration playlist I created to help me with exploring the genre. The main artists in that genre were Solange and Sampha. I truly am in love with Solange's use of music as a medium for her message.
She’s truly incredible! Hopefully, we get some new music from her soon, too. Now, how would you describe your current style in your own words?
My overall style of music is very much Hip-Hop and R&B, which has always been there in a way. I have and I continue to touch on many different genres, but at the root of my sound, there will always be the lushness of R&B with the grittiness of Hip-Hop.
Are there any core themes or messages you hope listeners take away from this specific listening experience?
I hope that listeners are inspired to continue on pursuing their dreams/purpose. As we explore our journey of the pursuit of happiness and the real raw feelings of it, I hope they still find hope in the work that goes unnoticed.
That’s a wonderful answer! In addition, what was the most challenging part of making this track?
Finding my story was actually the hardest part of this project. It was important to me that I did not simply copy the story and sounds of Solange or Sampha but find inspiration from them. I needed to find the story that I connected with from within. Once I found that story, it was up from there.
Where does your stage name originate from? Has it ever changed over time?
Ky La'vey is a mix of my first name, Kyree, and one of my two middle names, La'Vey. When I was younger, I thought both Kyree and La'Vey were too feminine to be my names and hated them. I used to just go by my name, Kyree Harris, when I first started releasing music. The name Ky La'Vey came from me creating a music superstar in the Sims 3 based on myself with this very name. I loved it so much in 2020, I adapted it myself, also understanding it to be my acceptance of both my masculine and feminine selves.
Nice! And outside of this new project, are there any upcoming releases or plans that you're comfortable sharing with the readers?
I can't share what I am working on, but I definitely suggest you keep an eye on me after this release. I am ever-growing and improving as an artist. Things are only gonna get better.
And finally, in your own words, why should a new listener check out this EP today?
This project is honest. If you’ve ever felt like you’re searching for peace or trying to hold on to joy despite the weight of the world, this song will speak to you. It’s vulnerable, but it also uplifts.
