Artist Spotlight
NOR KIN4LIFE, THE NEXT RATED AMERICAN ARTIST WHO IS MAKING WAVES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
NOR KIN4LIFE is a multi-talented artist born and raised in Mt. Vernon, NY, a city known for its contribution to hip-hop with artists like Al B.Sure, Heavy D, and P.Diddy. Nor Kin4life is an all-around content creator and entertainer, Hip-Hop artist, producer, engineer, photographer, videographer, director, editor, artist mentor, actor, and songwriter. She started singing and writing her songs at the age of 8 which lead her to musical production, and later photography and videography.
NOR KIN4LIFE has brought us to hit after hit for 20+ years from the infamous “Makeup Girl” to “Dirty Dream” to today’s viral hit “LOOK AT MY HAIR” which currently is going viral with the #LOOKATMYHAIRCHALLENGE.
NOR has brought us the first LGBT Hip-Hop group, and their fan base stretches to every inch of the world. From touring internationally to collaborating with former Bad Boy producers FBI, to featuring on PBS “In the Life”, to having a top 10 music video on MTV LOGO for 11 consecutive weeks and being in rotation on MTV in over 17 countries and also being considered in a couple of categories at the Grammy Awards a few years back. NOR KIN4LIFE continues to be a resonating voice in the industry with her not just her own music but she also has developed and produced numerous songs for Hip-Hop/R&B artist “BUTTER FEELS”. In 2021, NOR KIN4LIFE and BUTTERFLY FEELS wrapped up the year with over 300,000 streams collectively.
On the videography side, NOR KIN4LIFE aka NORTOGRAPHYATL has shot and edited more than 30 music videos and counting. There are no signs of NOR slowing down so keep watching her journey as she takes over the music world. At the moment, NOR KIN4LIFE effortlessly manages many hats.
Hi there, welcome to Honkmagazine. Can you tell our readers about what really inspired you to write music?
NOR KIN4LIFE – My mother is the main reason I make music. She was a recording artist and performer when I was a kid so she used to take me with her to the studio where I would co-produce and sing background vocals. She taught me how to write my first song and when I was 8 years old and Friday we would have freestyle ciphers at the kitchen table. Also Kris Kross; a young male rap duo. When they came out they showed me that kids could also rap. I mean really rap so I was inspired to give it a shot. I loved them so much that I would go to school and put my clothes on backward to dress like them.
When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
NOR KIN4LIFE – I always knew it was something I wanted to do since 8. I was in numerous groups with my friends and was already doing live shows at the age of 12 in front of large audiences. At 13, I started professionally recording my music with a producer my mom introduced me to. He was awesome because he was able to convert my ideas into reality. I would hear melodies and drum patterns in my head and hum it to him then he would make the beat.
Tell us what is so unique about you and your music?
NOR KIN4LIFE – What’s so unique about me is that I am very much responsible for every element of my creative process. I produce the beat, write to it, record it, mix and master it. Then I shoot and edit the music video for it. I’m a Gemini so it natural for me to be so diverse in what I bring to the table. I am a living machine!!
My lyrical ability is also another thing that sets me apart. I am able to present a plethora of flows and cadences that take the listening on a ride! You will never be bored listening to my music. I keep people guessing which makes me very unpredictable. Lastly my hair. I pretty much resemble a cartoon character! I have a giant blonde HI top fade which people notice immediately. It’s the ultimate ice breaker, I literally can’t go anywhere without people staring at my hair.
Can you tell us about your latest releases and what inspired you to create them?
NOR KIN4LIFE – My latest viral hit “LOOK AT MY HAIR” and the #LOOKATMYHAIRCHALLENGE is taking over on social media. It is the perfect anthem for me as a brand and for others to celebrate their crowns. Life inspired that record and I wanted to share my experience about being the girl with crazy big hair. I also just released another single called “DIVE” with my artist and girlfriend Butterfly Feels. I have been developing her as an artist for the last few years and she has garments so much success in such a quick time period. People love the way we create together and the song “DIVE” talks about how we even got together and how we were feeling about each other.
Listen to DIVE on Spotify:
In conjunction with that, BUTTERFLY FEELS recently released her debut EP “BUTTERFLY SUMMER” produced, mixed, and mastered by yours truly which is doing great numbers on all platforms.
Can you give us a brief insight into your upcoming projects?
NOR KIN4LIFE – Sure! Next up I’m working on a mixtape with the DMVs finest DJ Jai Syncere and then onto my first solo album which I plan to drop this summer. I am also actively shooting music videos for myself, Butterflyfeels, and others and plan to keep submitting my work to film festivals to be showcased. I plan to develop a web series and start shooting some short films as well. I’m going to keep going no stopping over here! Also please check out my acting chops on the 3030series now playing on the “ielevateplustv” app.
What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
NOR KIN4LIFE – Read the fine print and don’t give up. Building a solid music career takes time, patience, and execution. You have to be willing to go every day and create and share your content without much reward at first. Nothing happens overnight. In the words of the great Nipsey Hussle, “It’s a marathon”. Also, don’t get caught up in the game aspect get caught up in the business of it all. There are tons of ways to monetize your talents without being the most popular. Do your research and don’t rush into anything. Everything that glitters ain’t gold. Lastly, stay true to yourself. The more authentic you are the more people will connect with you. Trying to look like or sound like someone else is very fleeting and will only lead to you being unhappy and unfulfilled.
What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) that you are passionate about?
NOR KIN4LIFE – Everything I do is based on music and media. I run a photography and videography company where I shoot content for personal and business needs. I love helping people bring their vision to fruition.
Any last piece of advice for that artist who just started making music?
NOR KIN4LIFE – Yes, be original. Experiment and tell your own story in creative ways. Don’t conform to what is popular. Think outside the box. Also, take time to learn. Get a mentor if you can and if you can’t YouTube is a great place to start. Learn about music production and music video work. This will help you be more equipped when working with 3rd parties. The more you know the more you can contribute and the less you can be taken advantage of.
How can our readers follow you online?
NOR KIN4LIFE – You can follow me on Instagram: @norkinlife.
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Chandra delivers an anthemic dash of festive kindness in its recent single “Christmas Hugs”
The Bristol-based pop-rock quartet Chandra has unwrapped an early gift for music enthusiasts with their new single, “Christmas Hugs.” This upbeat festive bop delight is an auditory representation of a cozy fireside experience, encapsulating an intimate gathering that embodies a shimmering embrace. The track celebrates the joyous spirit of the holiday season with a hint of unapologetic nostalgia, featuring catchy melodic tunes that will resonate with listeners.
Frontman Chandra Nair leads the charge with his spirited vocals and jangly guitar riffs, while Chris Wong’s groovy basslines and Keith Jones’s upbeat drumming keep the song bouncing with holiday joy. Co-produced with their long-time collaborator Aaron Shawt, the track exudes a polished yet playfully energetic vibe, weaving together Chandra’s signature cheeky pop-rock style with a sprinkle of classic Christmas magic.
The brilliance of “Christmas Hugs” is particularly evident in its unabashed optimism. It’s a merry, melody-driven, lyrical anthem that doesn’t just sing about Christmas; it feels like Christmas. The composition radiates with festive cheer and an endearing sense of whimsy. Its infectious hooks and sing-along chorus effectively capture the essence of a holiday gathering, where warmth, laughter, and a little bit of mischief come together in perfect harmony.
Beyond the festive sound that sets this mesmerizing production apart, the song carries a heartfelt message. Beneath the layers of tinsel and festive flair, “Christmas Hugs” echoes the thematic hallmark of the band’s core ethos: celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and shared togetherness of humanity. It consistently reminds audiences that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t in the material gifts or glitter but in the human relationships that bring people closer.
Whether you adore the holiday season or find yourself counting down the days until it’s over, “Christmas Hugs” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. It can brighten even the gloomiest moods and make excellent background music while decking at home, sipping mulled wine, or craving a sonic pick-me-up, seasonal serotonin. It’s a feel-good vibe that wraps listeners in its joyful melodies, which don’t let go, just like the best festive hug for the soul.
For more information about Chandra, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Chandra’s “Christmas Hugs“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“An Invite” by Carmen Braden stirs an ethereal sonic ode of memory woven in empowering choice
There’s a cinematic feel to “An Invite,” the second single from acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new album, ‘A Hard Light,’ offers an enchanting amalgamation of sound and emotion. This stunning track encapsulates the feeling of looking back on a significant moment in life, eliciting a sentiment of nostalgia intertwined with the strength derived from choices that ultimately define our identities.
The song features a distinctive marimba melody, which Carmen created in collaboration with producer Mark Adam. This introductory sensibility set the stage for a narrative centered on a young woman grappling with essential decisions while being distant from home. The composition evocatively highlights the gravity of those moments and the empowerment they can facilitate, allowing listeners to revisit a personal memory in conjunction with Carmen’s experience.
Carmen’s vocal delivery is spooky yet beautiful, making it feel like she’s sharing a personal tale from the past. She works alongside Cas Palmer from Nova Scotia, creating a warm, friendly vibe that resembles an honest, heartfelt conversation, mirroring the intimate dialogue accompanying profound decision-making. The marimba’s consistent rhythmic beat underscores the cyclical essence of memory while integrating diverse musical styles, generating an enjoyable auditory experience that is both calming and energizing.
Each note reflects her experiences, celebrating vulnerability and courage in the face of life’s crossroads. This song invites listeners to reflect on the importance of our choices and the strength we possess, especially during uncertain times. “An Invite” showcases Carmen Braden’s exceptional talent by merging storytelling with an innovative soundscape. For anyone who has faced difficult decisions, this track is relatable, eye-opening, and profoundly impactful.
For more information about Carmen Braden, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Carmen Braden’s “An Invite“ on Spotify.
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