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ArtistMap by 6AM Presents: The Struggle Is Real feat. Kahai Owens
From creative blocks to networking challenges we dive in with ArtistMap Members to see how they deal with these struggles.
All artists at every level go through a variety of struggles. Some challenges are easier than others, some harder for others. Artistmap by 6AM Presents: The Struggle Is Real, covers how Artistmap Game Changer members deal with everything that comes with an artist's journey from creative blocks to networking struggles and how they overcome or work on them. These artists come from all walks of life and want to let you know that you are not alone and that "the struggle is real". This installment features Kahai Owens
Born and raised in Hawaii, Kahai Owens, now based in LA, is a versatile producer who deftly bends genres to craft his unique sonic signature. Drawing inspiration from a myriad of influences, from the dark and hypnotic to the deep and groovy, Kahai's musical journey reflects a rich tapestry of experiences. With a passion for exploration, he has delved into various genres, immersing himself in the depths of underground electronic music, continually refining his craft and expanding his horizons. His compositions blend ethereal tones with deep low-end frequencies, creating a mesmerizing auditory experience that captivates audiences worldwide.
Artistmap by 6AM asks Kahai Owens to share his story and how he deals with a variety of necessary challenges for the artist journey.
If you’re ready to master the discipline, focus, and strategies to level up in your artist journey, enroll in #ArtistMapby6AM, a roadmap program for house and techno artists supporting them in their quest to turn pro 🔊
How Do You Overcome Creative Blocks?
Every artist out there gets into creative blocks; it's all part of the journey. I have a whole list of things that I try to do if I ever find myself in a creative block. If I am working on a track, and it just needs a little something extra to finish it off, usually listening to similar tracks or going through samples on Spice or what I have tends to help me get past the block and keep creating. If it's something bigger, i.e. having trouble even starting a track, I will typically try to step away from the studio and do something active, preferably outdoors. Giving your ears and mind a rest from a 8 bar loop you've been trying to tweak for hours really does help! Listening to new mixes from friends and artists I follow helps me as well to come up with creative ways to structure my tracks, which helps get me out of creative blocks as well.
How Are You Finding Your Voice as an Artist?
I have been producing for over 10 years, and during that time I have delved into many genres. For a long while, I wasn't really sure which route I wanted to take, and kind of wanted to try everything. Doing this definitely helped shape my sound, since I was getting inspiration from multiple genres, but it also hindered me a bit from getting to the level I really want to be at. It wasn't until I started this Artistmap Program that I felt it was the turning point in truly finding my sound. I was coached to focus my unique sound into one genre (Techno) to which I dove into creating music nonstop for the past 6 months, and the results couldn't have made me happier.
How Do You Work Towards Self Promotion?
Typically my go-to platform for promotion is Instagram. I have the biggest following there, and the most interaction with others. With that, I do still promote on other platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Facebook. I believe that the more you post, given that the content is good and relatable, you will have organic growth. This is something that I myself am still working on, but I have seen results regardless of how slow/small the growth is. The more you can get your content out there the better! You never know who may see it.
How Do You Network With Others?
The best way to really network is going out to shows and getting involved with the community. Especially networking or workshop events, since those give you a better chance and being able to talk with others, including artists and promoters, that may be out of reach at an actual show. Now that is easier said than done, even for myself as I work most weekends. Connecting on social media is also a great way. SoundCloud is nice in this aspect as you can easily send music to peers to connect. And usually artists themselves run their SoundCloud accounts, which may not be the case for other social media platforms. This Artistmap Program has also done wonders for me networking with others. Not only have I met many other similar minded artists, but I have been able to go to their shows and even get in studio time and create tracks with others. Through other Artistmap members, I continue to met even more artists and promoters and fans, and that hasn't showed any signs of slowing down.
