Music artists, as perceived by the music industry, are akin to a condiment—to be easily replicated, sold in high volume, and enjoyed by the masses. The message is blunt, honest, and necessary. Implicit in it is the reality of an ever-changing music landscape that requires the artists to adapt, and with integrity, lest they become forgotten. It’s this essential idea that the Grammy-nominated artist and creative consultant Kokayi shares in You Are Ketchup.
A harmonious blend of narrative and advice, Kokayi walks readers through the golden age of hip-hop to the current day, dispensing hard-earned lessons and illuminations from decades of producing and performing music.
Kokayi covers a range of topics, including art as a commodity and advice about defining your artistic community, knowing when your art is ready to level up, finding a formula that works, distinguishing your art from others, and more.
In a music world where an artist’s career can too easily become a tale of the past, You Are Ketchup arrives as essential reading for the multitude of creatives hungry for the wisdom and knowledge of a successful insider. I would love to send you an advance copy to check out.
After receiving little advice in his career and knowing that most creatives also receive little advice, Kokayi wanted to create something that helped creatives at any stage of their career. He thrived to provide lessons that he’d learned through trial and many errors, which helped in navigating this music business.
Without equivocation, You Are Ketchup is first and foremost a book designed to engage music artists who believe that they deserve to live a robust life sharing their talent.
They are the talented school teacher who performs evenings and weekends still awaiting the opportunity to be discovered.
The local emcees respected by everyone who eagerly await their mainstream breakthrough. They are producers who have been making incredible beats for a decade, enough to sustain a living, but need the motivation to stay creative.
Some of them are singers who may have auditioned for American Idol or the Voice. They remain convicted that one day they will be a household name.
These artists are our family. They are our friends.
While this book examines the life and career of the musician, its lessons translate to other creatives including actors, dancers, visual artists, and anyone driven by passion, who must confront the inevitable dilemma of how to pursue their passion and sustain a livelihood.
Those in and near the DMV area, join us on November 3rd for a Free pre-launch event at Byrdland.
Register at YouAreKetchup.com
