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Hi Kateel, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
A: I’ve been doing good, meditating often and staying busy. I’m ecstatic about this release.
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Magic”?
A: It’s a song about the magic of manifestation mainly. Magic is real if we believe it is and I wholeheartedly believe it is. I can create whatever I want in my life. Most of the lyrics pretty much just reflect that concept.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
A: Some of the major successes in my life have seemed like magic to me. The way they were once an idea and turned into reality is incredible. Like being on the #1 high school basketball team in the nation or signing to Atlantic Records.
How was the filming process and experience behind the video?
A: Funny story actually. We shot the video in Las Vegas on The Strip. Everything went smoothly and I loved the shots. When I opened it up on my laptop I realized it was shot in half the quality it is was supposed to be shot in. I was pretty upset about it until I realized I could still make it work, I’d just have to get creative. So far I’ve edited all of my own music videos. As an editor I pride myself in producing quality. I decided to slightly blur the video and add a vintage look to it with some film grain and color grading. All in all, I love how it turned out and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
The single comes off your new album Mind Over Matters – what’s the story behind the title?
A: You’ve heard the phrase ‘mind over matter’. Well, I decided to add a twist to it. Mind Over Matters is different because the word matters represents circumstances. I’ve had to overcome many difficult situations by using my mind to set goals for success and achieve them. Now more than ever the world needs some positive motivation and that’s what this is.
How was the recording and writing process?
A: Fluid. Working with Corbett and the others producers on this project was an efficient and satisfying process. They are all elite in their fields and together we were able to create greatness with ease. Corbett works alongside Hit-Boy and rightfully so. His level of production gave me the confidence to unlock new levels of my own vocal production and songwriting.
What role does Seattle play in your music?
A: It is the foundation for who I am which is what I represent in my music. Seattle is home to me and always will be. The people, the culture, the weather, the trees, the fresh air, the rain, the water, all of it. I’m only beginning in creating music that represents Seattle and I will continue to push the culture forward and be an instrumental piece of Seattle’s future.
With the major reception your music was getting throughout the recording process – were you feeling any pressure as your were putting this new material together?
A: Yes. I wanted it to be special. I wanted it to stand out from everything else. I wanted it to sound professional. I wanted it to be perfectly timed. I wanted it to have meaning. All of these wants could weigh heavy on me from time to time, but pressure makes diamonds and that’s what it made. I feel like I got everything I wanted from this project.
How would you say your background with sports actually gets to influence your music and writing?
A: Basketball is the biggest influence on my work ethic than anything else in life. I always think back to when we were training, practicing, & conditioning and how we were always being pushed to exceed our limits and create new limits for ourselves. I learned to preserver through adversity and to do it with confidence. Music is something that already comes easy to me so the mindset that basketball has given me takes my music to another level.
Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
A: Each song has its own message. From the title to the music & lyrics. I could break each track down individually, but for now I’d rather just say it’s a themed project that tells a story of overcoming through mind power.
What else is happening next in Kateel’s world?
A: I will be dropping a deluxe version of Mind Over Matters called Black Life Matters within the next few weeks. With everything happening in the world, I was inspired by several protests I attended to write my song IDGAF. I have two other songs addressing social justice that will accompany IDGAF on the deluxe.
