In a captivating fusion of artistic prowess and profound inspiration, Koolie, the esteemed maestro of creativity, unveils his latest opus, entitled “Giver Giver,” a musical masterpiece intricately infused with the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. Drawing upon his recent sojourn to the bustling metropolis, Koolie deftly intertwines his encounters and connections into the very fabric of the composition, embodying the quintessence of the city’s renowned music scene. Engaging in profound dialogues with notable figures such as Maurice “MoBetta” Brown, Dennis Chambers, Lynn Whitfield, and Grace Gibson, Koolie unearthed a deep well of inspiration that reverberates throughout his latest magnum opus. Amidst his time spent in New Orleans, Koolie’s journey led him to the esteemed Jazz Fest 2023, where he met highly acclaimed musician Jon Batiste. This transformative experience served as a wellspring of artistic ingenuity, leaving an indelible imprint on the lyrical tapestry of the single.

Expanding upon his prior successes, Koolie’s latest composition has undergone a stunning metamorphosis, ignited by enlightening conversations with individuals of Indian heritage while in New Orleans. Originally bearing the title “Indian Giver,” the artist recognized the profound impact and cultural significance that words carry, prompting a conscientious decision, in collaboration with Venice Music Collective, to reissue the record under the name “Giver Giver.” This remarkable alteration, complemented by a thoughtfully redesigned cover, embodies Koolie’s unwavering dedication to cultural sensitivity and his fervent desire to create music that resonates harmoniously with a diverse audience. As Koolie’s imprint DMP flourished, his association with Venice has propelled his artistic career to unparalleled heights. The artist’s music, now readily available on esteemed platforms such as YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and Pandora, has experienced an exponential surge in exposure and accessibility, captivating an ever-expanding audience.

 

Furthermore, Koolie’s future is ablaze with an array of thrilling prospects. One such prospect involves a potential joint effort with acclaimed producer Rodney Jerkins in a groundbreaking endeavor titled “The Culture Tape Vol. 1,” which falls under the umbrella of Venice and The Culture Cards. This audacious collaboration not only showcases Koolie’s steadfast dedication to pushing the limits of artistic expression but also serves as a testament to his unwavering passion for venturing into unexplored realms within his craft.

 

Nevertheless, Koolie’s artistic endeavors surpass the confines of his remarkable achievements. Joining forces with his cousin Marcus Machado, they are preparing to reveal “Panaricans,” a collaborative opus that reveres their lively Costa Rican and Panamanian heritage. Their melodic undertakings, an extraordinary amalgamation of diverse cultural influences, possess the capability to enthrall global audiences. With an unwavering dedication to venturing into unexplored musical territories and embracing inclusivity, Koolie persists in charting novel paths within his artistic domain. Keep an ear out for more exhilarating projects and releases from this exceptional luminary of the arts.

Stream “Giver Giver” on Spotify.

Stay connected with Koolie Koo Koo: Instagram | Spotify

Meet Emika Love, a 19-year-old rising music artist from Sacramento, California. Emika’s unique sound and style are heavily influenced by her love for visuals and storytelling. In this interview, Emika shares how she tackles challenges in the music industry, her creative process, and her focus on making a positive impact on others through her music and interactions. With a big release coming up on May 19th, Emika is all geared up to bring her best self and leave a lasting impression on her listeners.

Honk: Let’s kick things off by getting to know each other a bit better. Tell us your name, age, and where you’re from—as much or as little as you’re comfortable sharing.

Emika: My name is Emika Love, and I am 19 years old. I am from Sacramento, California.

Honk: We all need good advice from time to time. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about music?

Emika: The best advice I got from someone about music was to never stop and to keep pushing my music. One song might not be your favorite, but to someone else, it will be. It’s all about preference. The advice I would give someone is to be unapologetically yourself. It is essential to reach your highest potential!

Honk: If you could go back in time, what would you do differently based on what you know now?

Emika: If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change anything. Everything I do, I stand by. I never have regrets, nor do I ever feel guilty. This is me, and every step and era I had and made was to make me have all the knowledge I have now. I am very blessed, honored, and thankful for everything and everyone.

Honk: We all face challenges, but what’s your biggest one yet?

Emika: My biggest challenge is that I love challenges.

Honk: What keeps you motivated and moving forward when things get tough in the music industry?

Emika: The thing that keeps me motivated is that I know where there’s good, there’s bad, and where there is bad, there’s good. Life only gets more complex, but you get stronger. Being able to do what I love is always the solution. So no matter how tough they are, diamonds need pressure. Nothing can take away from my music and motivation because, in the end, I’m doing it for myself and my people. There are going to be challenges, but bring them on.

Honk: If you had the chance to open a show for any artist, who would it be and why?

Emika: If I had the chance to open a show for any artist, it would be Taylor Swift. She brings such a warm, genuine atmosphere to the stage. Very feminine and whimsical energy, and just an all-around powerful, groovy tone. I believe we would bring an undeniable vibration to the stage.

Honk: Take us through your creative process. How do you come up with your excellent work?

Emika: My creative process is definitely all over the place and comes in so many forms. I usually start off with the visual side of things. So I will create a story visual in my head and say, “Now let’s tell the story. The visual part comes with me being a director, so it really sparks my creative process. Once I come up with the story, it’s time to tell it. I like to sit in the sink in my bathroom, look in the mirror, and sing melodies until I come up with the words. There will also be times where I will have a conversation with someone or read or hear about something that sparks it up as well. Once I come up with all of that, then the wardrobe and makeup come in to finish off the story.

Honk: We all struggle with productivity and scheduling at times. How do you tackle these issues and stay on top of things?

Emika: Productivity I don’t struggle with productivity, but there are times when I get scheduled for something, and the dates and times collide. I tackle this based on the cause. What is the job for? Is it for a good cause? Am I making an impact in others lives? It all depends on what is more effective for not just me but for others.

Honk: What are you currently focusing your time and energy on?

Emika: I am currently focusing on how to help others and have a positive impact on them. It is imperative to me that I leave a mark, add to people’s lives, and help them overcome some obstacles. I do that, whether it is to talk to them in person or through my music. I am also focusing on my music. I have a big release coming out on May 19th that has a message that people need to hear. That being the case, it is a project that holds a lot of weight in my heart. So I’m super focused on that and, all around, being the best Emika Amber Love.

Honk: Lastly, how can our readers follow you online?

Emika: To follow me online, you can find my music on all platforms as Emika Love, and my social media accounts are as follows: Instagram: eemikalove; Twitter: eemikalove; TikTok: emikalovee; YouTube: Emika Love; and Facebook: Emika Love.

Emika Love is a force to be reckoned with. Her unapologetic attitude towards being herself, pushing boundaries, and taking on challenges is inspiring. She creates from a place of authenticity, and her creative process is as unique as her music. With a big release on the horizon, Emika is focused on making a positive impact through her music and helping others overcome obstacles. Follow her journey on social media and join her mission to leave a lasting mark on the world.