Indie Insights: Khing Ceaze
From Inspiration to Creation: The Indie Journey
Who is Khing Ceaze?
Transformed through a process he refers to as "Walking Alchemy," Khing Ceaze stands as a contender in the industry. Born amidst the bustling streets of Milwaukee, WI in 1991, he faced and triumphed over the adversities ingrained in inner-city life, including a stint in prison.
In 2018, a pivotal move to Savannah marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in his life, fostering a season of exponential personal and artistic growth. Embracing change and prospects anew, he later settled in Atlanta in 2020. Here, a refined work ethic blossomed alongside an expanding musical soundscape, underpinned by a versatility that heralded a dynamic trajectory in his career. With nuanced artistry, Khing Ceaze has unveiled moments of sheer brilliance that are seldom witnessed in the industry.
Now at the helm of the promising brand, Brn Ryl, Khing Ceaze channels profound depths of vulnerability and authenticity in his craft. Through each song, he wears his heart on his sleeve, weaving his narrative with raw emotion and the kind of sincerity that resonates deeply with his audience. This dedication to sharing his journey transforms every performance into a testimony of resilience, narrating a powerful saga through melodious chapters, one song at a time.
Thank you so much for your time! Our readers are eager to delve deeper into who you are. Would you mind sharing your personal journey or backstory?"
I grew up in the lively heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the place I've called home for most of my life. Life threw me some curveballs early on; I had a fall-out with my mom when I was 15, which led to a lonely time during my teen years, moving from place to place. But everything changed when my daughter, Kori, came into my life. She became my beacon of hope, pushing me to build a better future not only for myself but for her too.
Fueled by this fresh drive, I stepped into the music world. At first, I had a hard time getting the hang of songwriting, struggling to put together a solid "16". Thankfully, my buddy Da BeatDocta from Louisiana came through, mentoring me and helping sharpen my music crafting skills. Bit by bit, I went from just throwing lines together to creating songs that really had something to say.
Back in Milwaukee, I started to make a name for myself in the local music scene, going by Tat-Addikt Ceaze. But this good run came to a halt when I had to serve a three-year prison sentence. Instead of letting that time break me, I dived deep into philosophy and spirituality, developing a better understanding of myself and seeing life from a broader perspective. During this time of personal growth, I took up the name "Khing", marking a fresh start where I was in control of my own destiny.
After getting out, I found a fresh start in Savannah, Georgia. Despite the restrictions of parole, I focused on growing and changing every day, determined not to fall back into old patterns. In 2020, I got the chance to move to Atlanta to finish up my parole, opening a new and sincere chapter in my story.
Now, I'm pushing forward with everything I've got. The buzzing streets of Atlanta is my stage, showcasing my unwavering hustle and determination. Every day, I'm a living example of resilience, a man who's come back from tough times, more determined than ever to reach greatness. Guided by love for my daughter and an unstoppable passion for music, there's no limit to where I'll go.
Can you tell us about the moment when you realized that music was your calling?
I didn't always realize that music was my true path. Sure, I've always had a knack for business and I was pretty good at making music, but it took a while for me to see the bigger picture. But gradually, I found my voice and understood the ins and outs of the industry.
Now, music is more than just a skill or a job for me - it's where I find my true freedom. It's a space where I can be myself, without anyone dictating how I should act or what I should say. When I'm creating, I'm sharing the realest, most genuine parts of myself, and that feels incredibly liberating.
Can you share an instance where a personal experience deeply influenced your music?
Hey, you wouldn't believe the rollercoaster my life has been. Every twist and turn has shaped a different song in a unique way. But if I have to pinpoint one experience that transformed me the most, it has to be my time in prison.
Being in prison, it's like you're stripped of everything comforting – you're far from family, disconnected from friends, and your freedom is just... gone. It becomes this intense mental game where you have to find freedom within yourself, which isn't easy, but it's necessary.
During this time, I found a deeper connection with myself, focusing on what genuinely makes me happy rather than just going with the flow and doing things because others were doing them to kill time. I played basketball and kept myself fit, but my sanctuary was always the library. Each prison I was in, the library was my spot.
I absorbed so much knowledge there, and it fueled my music in ways I couldn't have imagined. It kept me grounded and focused, giving my music a depth and authenticity that it might not have had otherwise.
Can you describe the challenges you've faced in your journey and how you overcame them?
For me, the toughest part of being an artist has been building a solid fan base. I don't necessarily produce the kind of music that's trending. Don't get me wrong, I can create tracks that would hit in a club, but my approach is to empower the women in the scene, not belittle them. Bringing a unique sound to the table can be a double-edged sword. While it sets me apart, it also makes it a bit challenging to connect with a wider audience since many tend to gravitate towards what's already popular. So, it's been really hard to get people to give my music a chance and gather a group of genuine fans who truly appreciate what I'm doing.
Can you share a moment in your musical journey that has brought you the most joy or fulfillment, and explain why it stands out for you?
Hey, you know, whenever I can put out a new project, it really feels like I'm sharing pages from my personal diary. Each project captures the real moments and struggles I've been facing. It's an incredible feeling knowing that, once the project is ready to launch, my personal stories might help someone else find the courage to be themselves, reminding them that we're all facing our own battles.
What's one thing about the music industry you wish you knew when you were starting out?
Back when I was 19 and first started, I thought making it in the music industry was all about just spitting bars and releasing tracks. I was hustling hard, believing that all I needed to do was record my music, burn it onto CDs, and get it out there. I had no clue about the real grind behind the scenes - things like marketing and promotions, which are vital to creating that buzz. And don't get me started on the technical side; I didn't know the first thing about EQ and mixing.
I just wish someone had told me back then how complex and layered this industry really is. I've been at this for over a decade now, and it's a bit heartbreaking to think about what might have been if I'd had even a glimpse of the knowledge I have now. I can't help but feel that I could've built something even bigger and better.
Can you share an experience where your music had an impact on the community or a social cause?
I'm not aiming for anything grand. I just hope that even a single line of my music can touch someone's heart. If it helps someone during tough times, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be a source of comfort and support for them.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or directions you're exploring in your music?
I'm super excited to share that I'm working on launching a podcast at the beginning of the new year – it's my main focus at the moment. I've also been releasing individual tracks this year, and that's something I plan to keep doing. Right now, I'm back in the studio, cooking up some new stuff for an upcoming project. I can't pinpoint a release date yet, but we're making great progress!
Where do you see your music journey headed in the next few years?
I'm seriously looking to put together a team to really hustle and make something great. Though I haven't hit it big or gotten any notable recognition yet, I know I've got a solid network and the skills to potentially help with artist development. This could possibly lead us to creating our own label down the line. But really, only God knows what's in store. I'm just doing my best to value each day and contribute positively to what He has given us.
Is there any aspect of your music that we haven't explored yet that you would like to delve into or share insights on?
I'd put it this way: We need to bring back realness in music. We loved 90s and early 2000s songs because they spoke to our lives. Nowadays, it feels like it's all about showing off and getting more stuff. Most of us just can't connect with that.
What advice would you give to upcoming artists trying to find their place in the music industry?
Simply put, pursue what brings you joy and don't share your plans with others until they're set in stone. Some people might not be genuinely happy to see you succeed, and sharing your dreams with them can sometimes bring negative vibes your way. So, it's best to trust your gut and keep going with what feels right for you. Always do what aligns with the person you aspire to be.
How can our readers further immerse themselves in your musical journey and stay connected with you?
Hey everyone! I'd love for you to join me on my journey both on Instagram and Twitter, where you can find me as @khingceaze. I'm also exploring my creative side on TikTok—you can catch up with me there at @khing_ceaze. Don't miss out on my music which is available on all the major platforms, and you can enjoy my videos on YouTube. Can't wait to connect with you all!
We deeply appreciate the time you've taken to share your musical journey with us. Wishing you ever-growing success in your musical endeavors!
If you are interested in being featured in our Indie Insights: From Inspiration to Creation: The Indie Journey, the process is really easy! Go to https://forms.gle/u79UeJj4Y5rnPfN9A and complete the required information. Once completed, we will review and if approved, will prepare your spotlight for publication. Moreover, if you know other music creatives, professionals and entrepreneurs whose journey deserve to be spotlighted, please feel free to share this opportunity with them or connect them with us through your preferred means.