First Look Friday: Chucotown's Own Khalid Is The Future of Millennial R&B
Photo of Khalid taken by Ural Garrett for Okayplayer.
The name Khalid has been bubbling on blogs and music sites all throughout 2016. The 18-year-old singer-songwriter has had his song, "Location," featured all around the web due to its crisp vocals, retro-soul and perfectly suited for the public's earholes. We have been chasing after the El Paso, Texas crooner since the summer in hopes of introducing him to our Okayplayer audience. With a voice that is earnest, gentle and fluid, Khalid's dulcet tone is akin to hearing a Marvin Gaye coo or a Donnell Jones riff — like butter to your earholes.
Even though the budding star has no album on the digital shelves, Khalid is definitely putting in the work. One look at his SoundCloud page and you'll notice that songs such as "Let's Go," "Reasons" and "Stuck On U" standout as prime songs to become familiar with. "Reasons" specifically does since the Ducko McFli-produced song samples recent Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Tupac Shakur, and his "Do For Love" song superbly. In addition to being a singer, Khalid is an exceptionally adept and strong songwriter, as "Reasons" has a banger-of-a-hook and the melodies allow him to show off his capable voice control.
Each song serves as a testament to the growing journey that Khalid is taking on—a ride that no one wants to get off of anytime soon. Unafraid to go crazy on the beats, Khalid serves songs up like warm, catered dishes that are ready for the ear's digestion and result in nothing but smiles and warm eardrums. This week's First Look Friday subject might be the last one of 2016, but he will be the first of many to dominate headlines in 2017. With songs perfect for this millennium age of love, dating and affection — Khalid speaks to us about his influences, how his music helped with the traumas experienced in 2016 and what his overall message to audiophiles is.
Below, press play and listen to his latest hit,"Location," and get familiar with this budding act from El Paso, Texas. Enjoy!
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Okayplayer: To music snobs the world over, you are making an impact. What is it that those in El Paso, Texas are seeing and hearing that the rest of the world has yet to discover?
Khalid: When I recorded my first song, I hooked up with a friend who played guitar and I recorded the song as a voice note on my phone. It was just one take [and] I uploaded it on SoundCloud not knowing what to expect. It got over 20,000 plays in El Paso alone. That gave me the confidence to keep writing and pushing myself to get better. So, I am forever grateful to the city of El Paso for embracing my music.
OKP: For those who have a passion for music, they honed their skills and practiced their craft. Who are your most cherished influences in music and why?
Photo of Khalid taken by Ural Garrett for Okayplayer.
K: I grew up [a] military [brat], so I moved around a lot and that gave me the opportunity to experience different types of music growing up. I lived in Germany for six years as well as Upstate New York before moving to El Paso. I am huge fan of everyone from A$AP Rocky to Father John Misty to Frank Ocean to Grizzly Bear. My mom listened to a lot of artists [from back in the day] like Brandy, SWV and TLC, so I have been influenced by a lot of cool music. Listening to the groups that my mom liked taught me about harmonies, tone and melodies.
OKP: Your song, “Location” is extremely dope and has heightened anticipation for new work from you by music snobs who have a heavy presence in the industry. Can you talk about how life was for you while developing as an artist? How did you react to your first bits of press?
K: It is exciting to see people tweet about my music and how "Location" is growing so fast. The fans keep me motivated and I love when I hear that one of my songs helped someone get through a tough situation or inspired them to follow their dreams. Every day is like a dream. Whether it is hearing my song on the radio or seeing a celebrity listening to "Location" on Snapchat — it just feels so surreal. This is just the beginning and I am super excited to release more new music.
OKP: With incidents involving people of color, police and racist occurring almost on a daily basis — how can your music (and/or others) help to relieve the trauma that is being experienced by the masses?
K: Music is a universal language. In some instances, it can help take your mind away from all of the crazy things that are going on in the world. I just stay true to who I am and write from the heart in hopes that my songs can inspire someone and help make a difference in someone's life.
OKP: What have been the most definitive obstacles that you’ve overcome in your career thus far?
K: For me it is all about staying true to who I am. I think today it is easy to get caught up in the trends, but I stay focused on trying to grow as an artist and make timeless music. My goal is to still be around in 10 years making music that myself and my fans love.
OKP: Can you also talk about the importance of the music industry scene as how you’ve experienced it? How do you see it evolving in the next five years?
K: I see streaming and playlists becoming the future of music. Playlists are cool because you can create your own playlists and listen to different artists from different genres that all come together to satisfy whatever mode you're in at that particular moment.
OKP: What are some things that you’ve learned about yourself that comes out in your music?
K: To stay true to who you are. Don't change yourself for anybody. Some people will try to criticize you or put you down just because they are insecure. Love yourself, express yourself and be happy with who you are.
OKP: What were some moments from your recent travels that will forever stick with you? Why?
Photo of Khalid taken by Ural Garrett for Okayplayer.
K: I just recently went to London for the first time. I will always remember that it was cold and the food tastes different, but the city had so much energy and good vibes! I went to my friend SG Lewis' concert and it was packed. I had a good time. It was shocking that people actually noticed me while I was in London.
OKP: What was the first song that you ever wrote entitled? Can you talk about what it has come to symbolize since you’ve entered into the professional life?
K: The first song I ever wrote and finished was called "Saved". It was really the start of everything for me as an artist. It really allowed me to be super comfortable with who I was and it is crazy to see how much I have grown musically since writing that song.
OKP: What is the overall message that Khalid is trying to present in his music?
K: I want to encourage people to keep dreaming and know that you can accomplish anything that you want. This time last year I was in high school and had no idea that I would be where I am today. I am extremely grateful to know that people vibe to my music and I just can't wait for the world to hear more.
OKP: Collaboration is uniquely a key to the success of certain creative individuals who wish to change the game. Who would you want to work with this year going into the next and why?
K: I would really love to work with SZA, I just feel like everything about her is amazing to me. I feel like she would be crazy fun to work with.
OKP: Can you break down the inspiration behind the “Let’s Go” song you created? Could you speak on the creation and production of that song for the masses?
Photo of Khalid taken by Ural Garrett for Okayplayer.
K: "Let's Go" was inspired by me finally graduating from high school. It was at that moment when I realized [that] high school was finally over and it was time to let my hair back and enjoy life. There are big decisions to make as far as what is next but for now I am going to enjoy the moment.
OKP: How do you see yourself changing the music industry for the better versus all of the bad stuff that goes on within it?
K: My songs come from a honest place and I speak to the youth through my music. Each song that I write is a real situation that either me or one of my friends went through.
OKP: How do you get over any anxiety before hitting the stage to perform live? What are some lessons or tips that you’ve learned from others about doing a stage show?
K: I just try to keep in mind that everyone in the audience is with me. It helps ease the stress a little bit. I always just think of my mom prepping me before the show, or anything like that that puts me in the right state of mind to perform.
OKP: If the readers learned one thing from this First Look Friday chat with Khalid — what would it be?
K: I'm 18 and although my music is gaining traction, I am a fan first and I love music. I am thankful for all of the people that have been supporting me so far.
Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for more from Khalid Robinson (and us!) by following him on Twitter @TheGreatKhalid.