WORDPLAY

View Original

Khalil Romeo - Anything for You (Album) + 10 Questions

Midwest born; northwest raised Khalil Romeo is the creative fusion of both regions and everywhere in between. Maneuvering through anxieties, distractions, and introspections, Khalil presents a connective sense of vulnerability through his music.

An untapped world of talent and stories flow through Khalil’s Hip-hop and R&B soundscape. Khalil Romeo, doubling as an artist and producer, has gained great traction in 2023. After releasing his debut project "Anything for You", Khalil has opened for major acts such as AG Club & BlueBucksClan while his new song "Coming Home" has surpassed 55k streams in less than a month. Above it all, Khalil Romeo pulls listeners to join him through an ever-evolving artistic journey.

Khalil Romeo sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I think I’ve always loved music. I remember the music I heard as a kid and the memories I have connected to it. My parents are very music-oriented and once I started to find myself, it was just the direction I went naturally.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’ve always been most inspired by artists who can do multiple things at a high level or blend worlds to create something we’ve never heard before. I’m inspired by those who are able to find huge success while still remaining creative. Childish Gambino, Drake, Baby Keem to name a few but there are a ton of independent & underground artists I like as well.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I just released a deluxe version of my 2023 album “Anything for You”. So it’ll be a little bit of time before the next one but I am already working on ideas and concepts for an EP or short album. I think the next one will really be career defining sonically. Feels like my biggest change in sound.

4. How would you describe your sound?

My sound is familiar yet always pushing the boundary. Hip hop will always be the centre but alternative rock and r&b naturally seep in. I tend to choose moody/emotional sounds, and despite the smooth vocals, I like a grittiness to my instrumentals.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Completing my album earlier this year was big for me. I always knew I had the vision to piece together a full length project but the work involved was immense. Fighting for the best product but not letting perfectionism stop me from finishing tracks. I was pretty proud of myself after that.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

For artists? The biggest thing is just putting in the time. If you have the ideas in your head the only thing stopping you from making them reality is time. Besides that just make sure you show respect to others and be someone that others want to be around. That will take you places.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Che Ecru is one of the best dark r&b artists out there and there’s a rapper from Georgia named Whit who has some cool songs with unique modern production. Lastly, I’d say Alexander Levi. He had a small deal with GOOD Music but never really got shine. He has some great old school hip hop sounds, real creative.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Yeat’s newest album AftërLyfe, Dominic Fike’s Sunburn, and UTOPIA.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Outside of music, I like watching documentaries, trying to learn new skills, and hanging with friends when possible. I tend to be so busy it’s nice to just be around others when I’m not working.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

In the studio I don’t need much. I like Yerba Mate for caffeine. I need my phone to write and mess with ideas and lately I've been vaping in the studio. Probably too much.

Connect with Khalil Romeo on Instagram.

See this content in the original post