Keemz, an up and coming solo artist, is typical of the emerging talent in Birmingham. Chanelle Yearwood took time out with Keemz to listen to his story on his success. His family have fed his passion for music – and for communicating about life. His story moved us to find words to sum up his message.

Chanelle: So when did you start singing seriously?

KEEMZ: I started singing seriously and going to the studio when I was thirteen, and that’s when I made my first track. As I got older I became more serious about the whole thing.

Chanelle: What was your first song?

KEEMZ: My first song was called Big Money Making.

Chanelle: Which artists would you say are your major influences?

KEEMZ: I would say Tupac is my major influence, and the reason why is because of the message he sends out and the way he puts his lyrics together.

Chanelle: what kind of music are you into?

KEEMZ: To be honest I don’t have a specific type of music that I listen to, as long as it sounds good I can jam to it.

Chanelle: Do you see entertainment as a career? If not what do you see yourself doing in the future?

KEEMZ: Yes I definitely see entertainment as career. I grew up around music. My mom sings and my uncle, who has passed away now, was big in his day on the dancehall music scene. I would love to make a living out of it and carry on the family name, it would be a dream come true.

Chanelle: What methods do you use to highlight your talents?

KEEMZ: Some of the he methods I use to highlight my talents are onTwitter @keemzartist  and soundcloud on Keemz artist. You can also search me out on Facebook and YouTube. I have also performed at the Birmingham Showcase.

Chanelle: Have you got any performances coming up?

KEEMZ: Yes I’ve got a performance coming up soon in Leicester, but the date has to be confirmed, and another one in June.

Chanelle: Does the music help when you’re feeling abit low, or do you take time out to feel inspired again?

KEEMZ: For me, my music can reflect my mood; depending on how I feel, you can tell by the lyrics. Even when I am feeling down I’ll still write lyrics, and that will uplift my mood again. It’s not just my mood that inspires me, I could just be walking down the street and see something and get my inspiration from that.

Chanelle: What message do you aim to send out to your audience?

KEEMZ: I aim to send my audience a positive message, but it’s got to be about truth, reality, life experience, and something they can relate to.

Chanelle: What do class your music as?

KEEEMZ: Although I class myself as a Hip-hop artist, I wouldn’t really say I have a genreI’m a versatile artist in that I can sing as well as write, whether it be  jazz ,rock, soul or RnB.

Chanelle: What do you do to relax and do you have any hobbies?

KEEMZ: Music, it’s my only hobby I don’t really have any other hobbies.

Chanelle: Would you say that your passion for music keeps you off the Streets?

KEEMZ:  Because of the love and passion I have for music I don’t have any concern with the streets: my music keeps me focused, occupied and entertained. Being on the streets would only be an obstacle for me, and if every other youngster had something they were passionate about, or an interest they could pursue, I believe we’d have a lot less youths on the streets.

Chanelle: You have quite a lot of video music out: do you have any advice for people that would like to do the same as yourself?

KEEMZ: To get some form of recognition you need to push yourself out there: get in contact with  people who are doing these videos, you know like YouTube channels, and get your face out there, and do some free styles or net videos.  Keep pushing on the net, because the net will widely get you out there and sooner or later you’ll get some recognition on your videos.

Chanelle:  On a final note, when will the next video be out, and what will the track be called?

KEEMZ: I should have a video out in the next two weeks. I’m doing a net video for a YouTube Channel called P110, they’re getting alot of recognition right now. We haven’t come to a decision on the name of the track as yet as I only recorded it yesterday, but it will be out in the next two weeks so stay posted for that.