Michael Cortez ( aka “KIDKORE”) is a 22 year old Puerto-Rican singer/songwriter based out of New Jersey. Growing up, Michael discovered that he always enjoyed entertaining people. Teaching himself to sing and play his guitar at home he eventually found himself playing at family event settings and even at talent shows at school! Eventually he learned to record and produce his own music, leading to where he is today. 

We got the opportunity to interview KIDKORE and here is what he had to say. 

1. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

KIDKORE- I began writing music during my junior year in high school, after finding out I had a passion for performing arts! I did a lot of acting in school and that sparked an inspiration to create my form of art for others to take in.

2. Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

KIDKORE- I have had amazing opportunities since I’ve started this career, but one that sticks out to me is my first performance in NYC! I had the chance to perform at SOB’s. (Sounds of Brazil) That by far was such a surreal moment for me.

3. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

KIDKORE- I recently actually played an acoustic set in my hometown and I played my song in the wrong key. I had to restart the song cause I wasn’t comfortable with how it was sounding. What I learned from that experience is that no matter how bad you mess up, JUST KEEP GOING!

4. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

KIDKORE- I have a ton of exciting projects in the works including a new single to be announced, music videos, and more live performances over the summer! Super excited to share with the world what I have in store.

5. Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

KIDKORE- I have been absolutely blessed to have worked with so many different and exciting artists and creatives such as: CitoOnTheBeat, IzzyNyce, Demi Kiara, Enjae Chris, and so many more. There are too many amazing stories to pick just one but let’s just say it’s always fun working alongside them!

6. Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

KIDKORE- I strongly urge every creative to work at their own pace and just perfect their sound or whatever it may be that you’re working on! Be patient with yourself and the rest will fall in place.

7. You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure? 

KIDKORE- Follow my rules for question #6 ^ , but also just remember that everyone’s success begins with a MINDSET!

8. Can you share with our readers any self care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.

KIDKORE- For me personally I try to stay active everyday in my craft. Some things that keep me on point is Reading at least an hour everyday, practicing my songwriting, and just staying healthy physically overall. Exercise your abilities on a daily basis.

9. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

KIDKORE

5 things I wish someone told me when I started would be

• Be Patient with yourself.
• Work everyday like it’s your last.
• Don’t be too invested in others opinions.
• Never rush anything in life.
• Always be real with yourself.

10. Can you please give us your favorite  “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life? 

KIDKORE- One of the most influential quotes I’ve read comes from a book named “Think and Grow Rich”.

The quote states: “ There is a difference between wishing for a thing and being ready to receive it. No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it. The state of mind must be belief, not mere hope or wish.” This quote has helped immensely with my mentality in this career.

11. None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

KIDKORE- I definitely would love to give a huge thank you to my team: Louis Elton, Elton Audio Records, Efrain Rodriguez, and lastly my supporters. Without you all this would be so much more exhausting haha.

12. You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement  that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

KIDKORE- I would love to help my community learn to express their creative side by putting together more interactive seminars or even community events involving more art for the kids. I’m looking to start a songwriting program for the youth sometime in the following year. Fingers crossed we can make it happen!

13. We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

KIDKORE- I would absolutely love to sit down and speak to investors to create better opportunities for kids around America who are interested in learning about performing arts. One person in particular I think would be of great assistance is Puff Daddy ( aka Diddy).

14 How can our readers follow you online?

KIDKORE- You can follow me at the following

• Instagram : @thekidkore
• Twitter : @thekidkore_
• YouTube: KIDKORE