In this interview spotlight, I chat with kingB about the latest release (LLOM), AI in music, dream collabs, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

This AI thing is getting way out of control. I have students using ChatGPT to write death metal songs about country music…and country songs about being sad. You can feed some Ais a text prompt and create a Hollywood-quality short film. How do you feel about this new wave of technological innovation?

The whole AI thing is very interesting. On one hand, I feel like the technologies could possibly create tools to make it easier for creatives to create. On the other, it is a bit scary seeing the things that’s already being done with it. Part of me wants to have faith that a machine will never be able to create better than humans, though. There’s real things that we go through in everyday lives that create emotions and genuine inspirations for songs and movies. 

I know it’s hard…but what’s your favorite song and/or favorite artist of all time? 

That’s an extremely hard question, as I love so many songs and artists. I can’t help but to of course admire Michael Jackson. Just thinking about his impact and his creativity. Another one for me personally is Usher. I grew up listening to him, he’s had a stable long lasting career with tons of great songs that have been the soundtrack to many of my formidable years. 

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific or different with this music video? What’s the back story?

When trying to get ideas for what I wanted to do with this video I was in the headspace of not trying to do a “typical” video. ‘LLOM’, for me, is a song that highlights that hopeless despair that chronicles the aftermath of a romance gone cold. I contacted Kevin Marquez (who I previously worked with for my last video) and sent him the song and some reference ideas for the vibe that I was feeling. Then he came back with a really cool idea that I felt took pieces of ideas that I had and made it whole. 

We went back and forth for a while ironing out the concept and deciding on a location, etc. the location for me was very important as well. We were looking for a specific vibe/feeling from the location that would match the conceptual vision. 

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific or different with this music video? What’s the back story?

The biggest thing I wanted to accomplish with this video is that feeling of not being yourself while going through a heartbreak. I feel like I wanted to make sure that it was interesting enough to keep your attention, but also captivated the right emotions.

What drives you to create? What keeps you going, especially on the bad days?

I think what drives me to create is the genuine gratification I get from actually just creating in general. I always feel a void if some time has passed where I haven’t had a chance to be as creative as I’d like. It’s also therapeutic, being able to get in touch with different things you’re feeling and have an outlet to get it out. 

On the bad days I just try to think about why I started in the first place. I don’t think I have these ideas and vision without reason. Whether it reaches 100 people or a million, the gratification I get from people who say they love my music, or constantly have listened to a particular song because they can relate to it is why I’m able to push through the bad days. 

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?

Another super tough question that’s almost impossible to answer, but I’m going to pick a producer.  I’d love to collaborate with Pharrell. I just think his creativity with my sound/vibe would make for something interesting and cool. 

Where is the best place to stay connected with You?

Instagram (@iamkingb) or my website (www.iamkingbmusic.com). You can find all of my links to my music on all of the streaming platforms as well as my YouTube. 

I appreciate Your time. Want to say anything else before we sign off?

I really appreciate the opportunity for the interview. Being new/independent artist isn’t the easiest thing I could’ve chose to do with my life and I appreciate any and every amount of support. It really means a lot and helps motivate me.