We all know that media is an extremely powerful beast that we crave and depend on everyday. Without being famous celebrities, we all now have a way to be on the screen. KNKY ROOTS‘ debut release, titled “Pulp Fiction” is a dark and twisty song about how that can be a blessing and a curse. Our undeniable addiction to approval can lead us down the same path as any other dangerous drug.

In this interview, we chat with KNKY Roots about influences, using creativity to improve personal situations, the new project and more.

Full Q&A with links and a stream for “Pulp Fiction” can be found below.

https://soundcloud.com/benudoyou/knky-roots-pulp-fiction

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

It was definitely the 90s grunge era that pulled me in. That led me into alt-rock/prog-rock like Radiohead, I Mother Earth, Our Lady Peace, Finger 11 and Incubus. The early versions of these bands.

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

It saved my life. I grew up in bad areas and didn’t have the best influences around me. My best friend growing up ended up in jail and stopped calling after a few years. No idea if he’s alive now. I feel the need to share my music because I want the world to see what a person like me can do with creativity. I also want younger generations to experience a historic music movement in their lifetime, like I did. I’d love to be a part of something like that.

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

The earlier MUSE records had a real impact on me. The blend of classical music and heavy rock was exactly the kind of music I had always dreamed of making. It gave me the confidence to really let my love for classical shine through. This electronic era we’re currently living in has also inspired me to play with more elements from the digital realm.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

I’m just trying to put out something that’s accurate to my imagination. When I’ve tried in the past, the final product always disappointed me.

What was the last song you listened to?

Phantogram  – You Don’t Make Me High Anymore

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I prefer mp3s. It’s not as cool as vinyl but it’s just the most flexible.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I use them all and don’t really have a preference. I started an artist collective called “nu” a few years back and our bloggers are really my best source of new music. Those articles typically lead me to Soundcloud or Youtube.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

The biggest question for all unknown artists is: ” What do I do now that I’m done?”. It’s not enough to simply throw your work at the internet and hope for the best, you need a good business plan and a solid live show. I actually started “nu” so that artists like myself could have a support system, both while recording and after the record is finished.

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

The best way to keep up with KNKY ROOTS is through “nu” social media. Facebook, Soundcloud and Twitter @BeNuDoYou – You can also check in at www.knkyroots.com