Despite a rollercoaster ride that Kareema currently experiences as she prepares to release her first ep entitled "Revamp," Kareema is motivated to ensure that her ep speaks value based on her vision of the release.
With the singer's ep dropping soon, there's also a message that Kareema wants her supporters to know. Aside from being a determined artist, she plans to inform everyone that her upcoming ep has a voice.
Check out Kareema's interview below where the artist discusses what motivates her to continue music, Video Shoot For Her Single "Always On My Mind," and the challenges that comes with her "Revamp" Project:
News For People: When did you decide to pursue a career in music?
Kareema: Truth be told, I always wanted to pursue a career in music. I had to believe in myself to push my gift inside of me out to the world. For years, I’ve been very hesitant, and I’ve always doubted myself which you never should. I decided to record back into the studio last year in March. Ever since I did that, everything has changed for me. I started to find my voice again. I didn’t record for three years so putting myself back out there again was like a heavy weight lifted off of my chest. This is something that I was destined to do and hearing how my voice has progressed & strengthen throughout the years was a sign from God that I can’t stop now. I have to finish what I started.
News For People: How would you describe your music?
Kareema: I describe my sound as being nostalgic. I always say to myself I have an old soul. Growing up, I’ve listened to so much old-school R&B a new school of course. There’s nothing like listening to vintage vibes because it always inspires you. My music is very laid-back, it’s relaxed it will keep you moving too. A lot of people say that my music takes them back to a certain time and that it’s very catchy. I’m glad that I can deliver that to my audience I want my audience enjoying my songs and wanting more of it.
News For People: What can people expect from your Upcoming ep "Revamp?"
Kareema: This EP album is the introduction of myself “Kareema”. I consider myself a private person, so I am excited that I am letting people into my world of music. People are going to hear old vibes and new vibes come together as one. I am a very detailed person. Every word I write I mean it. There is meaning behind every song on the album. I hope that my audience will connect to me the way that I am trying to connect with them.
News For People: How did you come up with the name "Revamp," for your Upcoming ep?
Kareema: One day when I was driving from work, I was thinking about a lot of ideas pertaining to my music. I asked myself what describes the situation that I’m going through right now when it comes to my music and creating myself as an artist and as a person. “Revamp” was the word that miraculously came into my head. I searched the definition up. It meant giving a new and improved form, structure or appearance too. I said to myself yes, that is it! I named my album “Revamp” because despite all of the things that I was going through I was going through it for a reason. The process of my music was helping me to improve myself and my form as a solo artist. Revamp is the rebirth of myself in every way. I look at it from where I was then & now, and I can honestly say that I am blessed. I’m doing what I love to do and that is the greatest satisfying gift that I can get.
News For People: What makes you stand out from other artists in R&B music?
Kareema: Everybody wants to stand out as an artist, there’s no doubt about that. To be honest I’m just an original human being just like everybody. As an artist I use my originality to express and show my diversity and creativity. When I want to stand out, I will do it to the fullest extent. I used to be very shy growing up but now stage fright is past tense. When it comes to expressing myself in my songs, I can be very explicit and subliminal. The ones that know me best see me as the quiet one. Like they always say, you always have to watch out for the quite ones. We are always full of surprises.
News For People: How is the process of putting together your first ep like as an artist?
Kareema: In the beginning the process was very difficult. Trying to juggle working full-time and my music. Studio time back to back requires a lot of money. I found myself working double to get the money that I needed to record. I assembled everything when it came to my tracks such as finding my instrumentals from a talented producer who I found online. The process of composing each and every song myself was quite difficult at times. When I am writing, I want each and every word to make sense.
Going into the studio, I found that I not only had to connect to my music but connect to the person behind the board who was mixing my track. I was going back and forth to two different recording studios. However, I made the decision to stick with one because I needed an engineer to understand my sound and understand me. I didn’t want to have someone quickly mix a track, collect their money & go. It’s more than that. I wanted a reliable engineer that would push and coach me on the process of recording. I believe every artist needs that. Good communication goes a long way.
News For People: What is the message you hope people will receive from your upcoming ep "Revamp?"
Kareema: I want people to know that I am a fighter. I never give up because that’s not how I was raised. I am a go getter and I work extremely hard in whatever I do. I want my work as an artist to speak for itself in the most positive effective way to other people out there who are rooting for me.
News For People: What was the experience of shooting your first music video "Always On My Mind" like for you as an artist?
Kareema: It was definitely a moment to remember. It was a dream come true. I felt that my vision came to past. Weeks before the shoot I was practicing the choreography for the song with my choreographer Rita. She not only made sure that I was comfortable with the moves that I was dancing to, but also wanted me to express my emotions through the dance. Along the way, the video scenario was supposed to be totally different from what viewers saw. Things happened and people backed out last minute, that how things go. It doesn’t mean that I was going to stop. In cases like that I always have back-up plans. In the end, it came out better. I learned that sometimes, the less people in your circle, the better it can be.
I love that everybody on the set had positive vibes. My videographer filmsbyceesz understood the vision and captured it to the best of his ability. My team was hands on deck with me and helped me in whatever I needed such as hair, make-up, clothes, etc. The day of the shoot, it was game time. I had to give it my all. My choreographer pushed me harder than ever and had me go all out. No breaks or anything. I was sore as hell after shooting but it was totally worth it. Everything came out the way I wanted it to, and we all had fun in the process of filming.
News For People: What do you want people to know about you as an artist?
Kareema: I want my listeners to fall in love with my music. I really want them to hear every tune, every beat, every sound, and every note and fall in love with sound of R&B music. I want my sound to inspire others to do the same as well if they choose music as their path. I hope that my music will motivate others to continue to grind and work hard. Nothing happens overnight. It’s a process and it takes a lot of dedication to make it your own.
News For People: Who are some of your influences in R&B music?
Kareema: Lord... I have so many influences in R&B music. Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, TLC, Monica, Brandy, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Keyshia Cole, Ashanti, Amerie, Alicia Keys, the list goes on & on.
News For People: Are there any artists who you would like to collaborate with someday?
Kareema: Oh yeah most definitely! I am always open to collab with different artists. There are so many people to list. J. Cole is one of my favorite rap artists. He’s my Aquarian twin. He has a very unique style and flow. I would love to do a slow jam with Usher, Neyo, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Bruno Mars etc. The list goes on and on. Alicia Keys has always been my favorite. She is my birthday twin. I’ve always connected to her music since I was a kid. She always sings from the heart. Ashanti is a one of a kind. She comes from the same area where I’m from. New York at its best! Kehlani is also dope. I like her aura. Summer Walker is rising, and I like that she keeps it real I would like to work with her too. Those are just a few from many I would love to work with one day.
News For People: What's your thoughts on the current status of R&B music?
Kareema: My thoughts on the current status of R&B music is that it is finding its way back home. I felt like for a while R&B music was dying out. I felt like some songs that I was listening to would sound the same and sound mediocre. Growing up, I could tell which artist was different because they had a distinctive voice and sound.
A lot of artists I grew up listening to wasn’t making the same music that they were making before. That’s because times have changed, and new audiences were emerging. That is okay though, change is always good. Today, I am glad that more new artists are bringing back the old vibes of R&B music. We have to show these new listeners something different. Old and new music can always work if we allow it too.
News For People: What motivates you to continue your journey in the music business as a R&B artist?
Kareema: My motivation is always in myself first. I am my biggest critic and I always strive to be the best in what I sign up for. As well as of all of my supporters. The help move me. My family are my stimulator. They love that I am pursuing music and want me to keep going. They are my biggest motivation. I want to make them proud. Doing this, I am going to break the cycle not just for myself but for all of them.
News For People: What advise would you give to a young R&B artist who is also perusing their career in music?
Kareema: My advice to other artists out there is to keep moving. Form your goals, focus on working for those goals & finish out strong. Never settle for less or for what others tell you to do. Grow the seed that you planted, and everything will fall into place.
News For People: What else can people expect from you as a singer?
Kareema: Expect that I am coming out full throttle. This is only the beginning. I am going to be doing more projects and more music than ever before. I’m so excited what my audience will seeing soon.
News For People: Is there anything you would like to add?
Kareema: Live for your purpose and define it.
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