We caught up with upcoming Ohio based artist Kyle Carpenter to get some
insight into him as an artist and his upcoming musical works.
Name: Kyle Carpenter
Name: Kyle Carpenter
Nickname: SoKyle
Birthplace: Chicago, IL
Currently reside: Zanesville, OH
Brief Background: I was born in Chicago, IL. A lot of people may not know this, but I was born and lived in the projects on the south side of Chicago; near the old Comiskey Park. I remember that well because I could look out the window and see the stadium. After going through foster care for years I was adopted and moved the suburbs at the age 14. Lived in Elgin, IL until I moved to Virginia my senior year of high school. Went to Marshall University, then back to VA, to “take time off” only not to go back until the last 2 years haha. Now I live in Zanesville. Now I’m doing this and well, being blessed; I figured there are just too many avenues and opportunities for me not to put it out there.
Brief Background: I was born in Chicago, IL. A lot of people may not know this, but I was born and lived in the projects on the south side of Chicago; near the old Comiskey Park. I remember that well because I could look out the window and see the stadium. After going through foster care for years I was adopted and moved the suburbs at the age 14. Lived in Elgin, IL until I moved to Virginia my senior year of high school. Went to Marshall University, then back to VA, to “take time off” only not to go back until the last 2 years haha. Now I live in Zanesville. Now I’m doing this and well, being blessed; I figured there are just too many avenues and opportunities for me not to put it out there.
What motivates you to do music?
My motivation is that it’s fun. It’s pretty cool to vibe with other local people. I also like doing it because the fact that I can surprises people. I like to see people’s faces. I also love to perform. I know I’ve said it a lot now, but it’s the truth. I like listening to it myself too.
What message are you trying to get across through your music?
The message is pretty basic. Break stereotypes, live life, be happy, and think positive. I’ve made my share of mistakes and I talk about that on the mixtape. The most important thing is that we try and have fun and improve. We try to be who we are and let others be who they are. Just be respectful.
What genre do you lean more towards?
I would say hip-hop. I think the difference between hip-hop and rap, is the message that you are trying to deliver. But don’t get me wrong I like all kinds of music. I listen and grab inspiration from Tribe Called Quest to Kanye West; Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga; and some bands that people haven’t heard of generally. Just cuz I want to throw some out there: Tahiti 80, Walk the Moon, and Youngblood Hawke. I listen to everything, even some country.
What opportunities do you have coming up dealing with your music?
Right now I’m working on another project, which I started basically right after this one released. I’m working on getting the current one out there some more and I’m in talks with a couple people regarding the music video to be shot in the near future; and some merchandise.
What was your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
The biggest thing was getting over the fear of rapping in general. I just stopped doubting myself. I also made sure to keep my priorities straight. This is a hobby, so I keep work and other things a priority. I’m kind of just seeing what happens and doing it in my free time. It all starts with making sure I keep focused on my goals. Getting over my fears was a result of some things I went through that made me stronger, that simple.
What groups or other singers do you affiliate yourself with?
I’ve done a lot of work with my cousin Tyo (Brad Tyo). We have been feeding off each others energy for awhile, we found a real common bond through this. I was doing some stuff when I was in VA with my friends Jay and Corey. We did it for fun. When I moved to Ohio there were more opportunities to perform and the immediate connections I made with people were amazing. I met Any Mans Hope(Andrew Michael Hull) at a show I did, from that moment we just kept spitting with each other. I met Conor (YNGSTR) on a whim. I got a hold of him spitting a rough version of a track on his upcoming mixtape and wanted him on mine right away. I’ve recorded with my friends Moody and Zach Harden. They were people who came to me and believed in my skills and music. Zach (Hardenthepaint) and I recorded the whole mixtape together. We just have a connection and are real with one another.
Did you ever expect your music to start getting this big?
Not even a little bit. I’ve always been like: “this is just a hobby”. I never expected people to respond like they have. The avenues are opening and it’s a beautiful and uplifting feeling. Praise God.
What upcoming events or songs do you have coming up?
I’m getting ready to release two songs that weren’t done in time for the mixtape because I got sick and couldn’t record them. I’ll showcase some of my singing talents on those as well. The tracks will feature AMH and my sister Brianna (she goes to performing arts school AMDA in New York City). I’m also working on my next two projects. One is another solo project and the other will be a collaboration and collection of stuff from exclusively myself and AMH along with some other features.
Stay updated for upcoming contest and giveaways that we will be collaborating with SoSkyle for soon!
