May 04 2021

Kyng Seven delves on his creative tastes, musical influences & new single ‘antisocial’

By David Presley

Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.

My name is Dakota, but I create under the name Kyng Seven. I chose the ‘Kyng’ in my name because I feel like there’s no reason I can’t be royalty without the money and power behind it. The ‘Seven’ in my name is because the number seven is everywhere in our society from religious meanings to how many days are in the week, but no one notices. Im from Yorkville, IL but these days I live in the Quad Cities, IL.

What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

I’ve always had a very special relationship with music my whole life. I treat music like its human, cause sometimes its the only one that understands what I go through. As a joke I started writing some songs for a joke album, but in the time of writing it I realised that I have innate real talent and have a shot at making it in the industry. Once Covid hit, I made it my path and started focusing hard on my music in Naperville, IL.

Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?

One of my newest releases, “antisocial”, was me reflecting on where I am in my life and whats important to me. I realised a lot of my old “friends” were only around me for Kyng Seven, not Dakota. I felt alone, angry, and lost so I sent the message out that “I only fuck with money and my family,” cause thats all I need.

“NUMB” is, in my opinion, the best track I’ve released. Completely self produced and mixed, I went into a very dark place in my head making the song. I was struggling with the reality I was being faced with and the past I was trying to run from. So, I locked myself in my studio for a few hours and came back out with my most powerful record so far.

“VILLAIN IN MY MIND” was my first real success at making a hard trap song. Anyone that knows me is very aware that I hate guns and violence, but it sounds really nice in a song. Originally it was written to J. Cole’s “Tale of Two Citiez” beat until I later found a free beat produced by GMP. Before it was officially released I performed this song at West Chicago Social Club.

What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?

I try to use elements of 90s hip hop and today’s sad rap with inspiration from artists like NF, Kendrick Lamar, Isaiah Rashaud, and Eminem. Whenever I produce I typically mix classical or jazz instruments with modern drums. I’ve also been experimenting with alternative rock as well as gospel. I want to learn how to make music of all genres.

Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?

Lyrically Eminem, Dreamville, and Joyner Lucas are huge in my mind and in terms of producing I get a lot of inspiration from Kendrick Lamar, XXXTENTACION, and NF. If I got the chance to make a song with 6lack I think I’d freak out for two weeks about it, I want to make a Nonchalant pt 2 with him.

Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

My first ever performance at the West Chicago Social Club was the most fun I have ever had and I cannot wait to do it again. Aside from that, rockin ‘with my homies in the studio is always the best part about the music.

How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?

I spend time with my family in the morning, go to work, come home and work on music more, then give the rest of my night to my family. Outside of those three things, I don’t do a lot.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

We are all royalty. Present yourself as though you made it, and eventually you will. Give love to the people that support you and block out the negative frequencies, don’t need any of that cloudin up your creative spaces. Most importantly, Remember money will never buy happiness, only comfort.

If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?

Get your money right, focus on your health, and don’t forget who was by your side at your worst, that’s your family.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?

Currently I’m looking for places to perform my music and am in the process of making my concept album “MONOCHROMATIC” and another upcoming project called “everythings different now.”

“MONOCHROMATIC” will have seven songs, a song per each color in the rainbow plus a double sided track for black and white. Since I process sounds in colors, I wanted to create songs that embody that color in my mind from the instruments used to the lyrics and message delivered.

“Everything’s different now” will be a sort of reflection on the lessons ive learned these past few months about this life we live and the society we live in. It will be a story of who I was to who I became. Hopefully I find who I’m supposed to be in writing it.