Continuing the trend of breaking into the music business as a “song writer turned recording artist” (e.g. Ashanti, Neyo, Keri Hilson.) is r&b singer/songwriter Kevin Cossom, a Philadelphia native signed to super producer Danja’s “New Age Rocks Stars” imprint [N.A.R.S/Jive]. I had the pleasure of speaking with him recently and when asked how he started writing professionally before singing Cossom states; “I grew up a singer, realizing very early I wanted to be one. But, at 17 I started song writing, and writing opportunities came before artist opportunities.” Ironically, Kevin’s biggest accomplishment to date as a songwriter is for his peer Keri Hilson’s “Knock You Down,” which features Neyo. The song reached #1 on the R&B charts and #3 on Billboard’s Top 100. “I knew the record was special when writing it but once I heard contributions from Keri, Neyo and Kanye I knew that we had a hit” says Cossom. While his dream choice of artists to write for are Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and John Mayer, Cossom is ready to step out from behind the scenes and move into the spotlight as a recording artist.
Cossom has made his dream of becoming a recognized and succesful singer his main mission while working away at his debut album alongside Grammy Award Winning Producer Danja . “The Creative process is dope but I want to perform it and bring that creativity to life so being an artist is priority right now.” Cossom describes his upcoming album as R&B with an edge, combining Hip Hop beats and versatile pop sounds. Cossom also hopes to collaborate with Kanye West on his solo effort; “Kanye is someone I admire as far as his creativity and his craft, I would love to have him on the album.” says Cossom enthusiastically about the possibility. Let’s hope his songwriting successes to date are a strong indication of what’s in store.
Kareem James | @kareemjames on twitter
everythingYNTK for VIBEVixen.com
special thanks to Bill Alonce for co-ordinating the interview.
Photo Credit: Artist’s own.
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