09/28/12 - 0 Comments
One to Watch: Arika Kane
Some people say that R&B has died and filtered into the two sub-genres of hip-hop and pop. That is why we are thankful for Arika Kane, whose purist rhythm and potent lyrics revive the lost genre to life.
Some may not know her by name, but chances are they know her by voice. Her work has been featured on multiple VH1 reality TV shows, such as Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta, What Chilli Wants, Single Ladies and Basketball Wives.
“A lot of my music is based on relationships from a woman’s standpoint, and some are from a man’s standpoint, like “Bcuz I Luv U,”’ Kane said. “But they are also about life and hardships and obstacles, so luckily there’s a lot of different shows that were able to show the versatility in my music.” Not to mention these were simple gateways to allow her fan base to grow. “VH1 plays a lot of cool music you don’t hear on the radio,” she said. Particularly hers.
Arika Kane comes from a background jubilated with music. Both her parents were musicians and artists, though their careers didn’t soar like hers. “I think the motivation to pursue my career [in music] is partly because I wanted to do it for them,” she said. “I wanted to be able to do what they chose not to do, what they sacrificed for me.”
Kane’s parents may have had some sway, pushing her into the realms of R&B, but not much. This is a discovery she largely came to on her own. “If music has soul, then that’s what makes it good,” she said. “And I think R&B music has [soul], but unfortunately it kind of became hip-hop and pop music. I feel like R&B was kind of thrown to the side. And as an Indie artist, I am thankful that I actually get [to play] the music I want to play.”
Being an independent artist certainly is challenging, especially in these times where only a few select pop stars reign over the music industry, leaving little room for those who are unwilling to conform to the popular masses. Arika Kane is individual in that she doesn’t allow this musical erosion of popularity to shift her music or sound in any way. “We don’t really go with the politics with what’s happening and what’s trending. And that’s the amazing thing about my label, BSE Recordings,” she said. “We’re about original music and we don’t feel pressure because we are trying to make a difference. We are trying to bring it back to the music.”
“Real people are going through real things in life and sometimes they want to hear something they can relate to,” she continued, passion overtly evident in her voice. “That is what is really important when I write my music. I simplify it, but make it as influential as it can be so everyone can relate.”
Kane’s sophomore album, Substance, was released in April 2012. Its sound is revolutionary in the sense that it is different. It’s independent. It’s everything you don’t hear on the popular radio stations, and that is what we love about it. Her soul is fresh and unique, and her chilled, laid-back attitude is the perfect spice her music thrives on. Make sure to check out her album, or even her music on VH1. You are sure to be delightfully surprised and we can’t wait to hear more!
Photo credit: RealMagicTV, VH1
