“You’ve got to think it’s the only thing worth living for” Killa Kela human beatbox extraordinaire
Photo by Alex Murphy
Would you love to be up on a stage performing to adoring fans or impressing people with your vocal talent? Well that was Killa Kela’s dream too and he made it a reality. Read on to discover how this human beatboxer took his career into his own hands and is now working with top DJs and singers like Pharrell.
Photo by Alex Murphy
What did you dream of becoming when you were younger?
I had no real crazy ambitions when I was younger. I wanted to be an animator, to illustrate you know design stuff like that sort of thing.
So you were artistic, I hear you were also into graffiti, is that right?
Yeah that’s how I got into hip hop primarily you know. Once you get into one particular thing like graffiti that leads into another, like certain styles of music. I had a real sense of belonging in that scene. So yeah as far as drawing it was always graffiti.
Do you still do graffiti?
No I don’t partake in that type of thing anymore or I’ll get into trouble.
When did you’re music first start getting popular?
It took ages. Yeah quite a long time you know. You make your own breaks, that’s kinda what it’s all about. It’s the only way to sustain your career.
The way I went about doing it was really creating a name for myself. I did loads of shows and random publicity stunts, like jumps ups and performing in places where I shouldn’t have been. You know it really was a bigger process for me. Because at the time beatboxing didn’t really have the platform it does now. Now you can pretty much do anything, your already in there cause there’s a scene, there’s an infrastructure.
Photo by Paul Read
So you had to make your own opportunities?
Exactly thats the only way.
Who have been your musical influences over the years?
Everyone, hip hop of course, right from the age of 12 to my current age. Every hip hop record imaginable has had some influence on me. I love heavy metal too. I love rock, The Stooges, Rare Groove, Lionel Richie, Barry White and Michael Jackson. But nowadays I’m really into grime and Drum and Bass. Also some indie stuff. Basically I love British music.
Photo by Alex Murphy
Where was your first gig?
Reading, Ali cat and I was 18 or something. Yeah I remember it well, the power went off and it was my first time beatboxing and I just jumped up and did it and it was a real buzz.
What advice would you give to other people who want to get to the same place that you’re at now?
Well if you wanna get to this stage, you’ve got to keep persisting. You have to keep on doing it regardless of what other people say. Do what you believe in and be aware that things don’t happen over night. It doesn’t happen if you sit there dreaming about it. And it certainly doesn’t happen if you complain about it. You have to be an optimist. Just do it, don’t be afraid to take risks. I’ve taken huge risks both financially and personally. You have to think that its the only thing worth living for. Believe in it and your drive will see you through.
Sum up in five words what Killa Kela is all about?
Music, The Vocal, The progress, The Competitiveness, The BEST.
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