Katori Walker | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars
Stingray is proud to promote emerging artists through our monthly Rising Stars program. We are thrilled to introduce you to Katori Walker, our latest Rising Star for August!
Singer, songwriter, and rapper Katori Walker chooses to express his life every day through his music. In 2017, Walker released his independent five-song Ignorance EP, dedicated to his brother Ormoni who passed away due to gun violence. The video Ormoni generated 4.2 million views in addition to being featured in Eminem’s Untouchable lyric video. Describing himself as “an artist with something to say,” we think that Katori Walker is a great addition to Stingray's Rising Star program. Check out what Katori has to say in the interview below.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My earliest memory of me being introduced to music is me as a young kid, and my mom is playing music on her record player, a lot of oldies. And my earliest memory of me making music is when I was about eight or nine years old and recording in a professional music studio.
What do hip-hop and rap convey like no other genres?
The struggle. People who came from the gutter and are now on top. The rags to riches story - it’s a very common theme in rap.
What is your best memory on stage?
Back in March in Toronto, I had just released my song Run, and some guy was rapping it back to me. The song had only been released for two days; it was mind-blowing!
What is your funniest moment on stage?
I forgot my lyrics once, and people started clapping and cheering me on. I look back at it now and laugh!
What song do you love performing the most on stage? Why?
I have one called Bulletproof – it has so much energy in it.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?
I would probably be building computers; I’d be a tech guy at a Fortune 500 company, or I would be a barber – because it’s a beautiful art. I would also help the youth, my community, the disadvantaged kids.
Which musician(s) would you like to collaborate with?
Adele because she has never had a rapper on a record – yet ;)
Who is your favorite musician or band?
I have several! Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake, Big K.R.I.T., and Elijah James.
What is one thing that your fans don’t know about you (a fun fact)?
I cut my hair all the time. And I build computers. I’m also very tall (6’4”), but I never played basketball.
What’s your motto/advice you live by?
You can’t be afraid to live and afraid to die. Choose one.
In life, what is your greatest inspiration?
Life itself. The fact that we are able to speak, see, move, communicate.
What’s coming up for you for the rest of the year?
I am currently in the studio working on my next album. I am also performing at a Festival in Vegas called Day N Vegas 2019.
You can listen to Katori Walker on Stingray Music’s channels:
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