Ernest K . is a genre-defying artist from Nashville who prefers to look at the brighter side of life. Adopted at three weeks old, the victim of a freak heart attack at age 19 and overcoming a battle with addiction in college, Ernest K. embraces surmounting ridiculous odds as a gift, not a curse.

“Cuss, Fight, F**k” is the most recent ‘ Waterfall Release ‘ leading to his debut EP via Big Loud / Human Re Sources / Tree Vibez, a label partnership between Big Loud Records (Florida Georgia Line, Chris Lane), Brian Kelly and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, and legendary music mogul J Erving (Nelly, Jeremih). Still to come this year are collaborations with Jim Jonsin, DJ Mustard, Charlie Handsome, The Stereotypes and Yung Berg, to name a few.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Ernest K about challenges, motivations, the new release and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

Born and raised in Nashville, Tn. The music i create is unique, in that one day it could be RnB/Soul and the next day i might feel like just rapping and challenging myself to get my bars up. Other days, i find myself with just me and my acoustic guitar. I usually let the music lead me, wether it be a beat I’m making for fun or actually sitting down to write a song. i have been heavily influenced by so much music my whole life. Learning banjo in the third grade all while consuming the Marshall Mathers Lp/ Jay-z/ John mayer came later in middle school and honestly everything in between. So my “style” of music, i would say, is.. a little something for everyone.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I have been drawn to making music for as long as i can remember. literally. i have always been singing, making songs up, trying to learn instruments since i was probably 3. The older i got, the more serious i got about it. I played one year of college baseball and decided to quit school all together and make music a full time thing for me. A combination of being in the right place at the right time, being introduced to the right people and essentially having songs is what got me here… My love for music alone is what keeps me going. The business / industry could wear you down quickly if the love for music isn’t there. I can’t see myself doing anything else. years from now..If it isn’t preforming, it will be writing for, producing and developing the next generation of kids who love music as much as me… and encouraging them to not feel bound to a genre, rather, just be yourself.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This song for me got to show a little further into my musical mind. I got to dig into some of my soul influences.. Marvin, Lionel, Temptations, Earth Wind and Fire ect. As well as maybe a little influence from Eminem as far as the rap sections go… he made it okay to be extreme and add humor to rap. The main thing for me with this release is the video. I have always loved acting (acting out lol). I got to be a couple different characters that i created and really help bring my personality in to play more so than some of the other records. (working on some ideas for funny short films for the characters) lol/

I was trying to bring MUSIC back in to play. real instruments. Real harmonies, classic melodies and a topic that anyone can relate to.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

Honestly I’m lucky. I am independent but have one of the best teams behind me period. Being someone that can make several different sounds and all still be ME, i feel like there isn’t a better time than NOW. Play listing is working to my advantage a ton. Theres a place for everything to land.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

• Www.ernestk.com
• Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @Ernestk615
• Spotify
• Soundcloud

Anything else before we sign off?

Fuck Lean, Fuck Xans and FUCK ASSAULT RIFLES…. Oh, and Nashville has the most well rounded / talented artists anywhere.. and you can take that to the bank.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5A4GCyNPXsJCSbYPsUwnnw?si=ClccuTsCTDeVXSfR0g0P4A