Meet Kenny Pahina

We were lucky to catch up with Kenny Pahina recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenny, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resiliency, for me, it’s like catching that bolt of lightning when everyone else sees only the storm. It’s about transforming the energy from my lowest points into something powerful, something unstoppable. The idea is, even when the world thinks you’ve hit rock bottom, there’s always a way to rise up, stronger and louder than before. It’s not just about coming back; it’s about making a statement that you can’t be buried by setbacks or negativity. My single off my latest EP, ‘Night of the Dead,’ encapsulates that feeling of breaking free, fighting back against the odds, and wearing your crown with pride. It’s a reminder that we’re all capable of overcoming, of bouncing back like we’re rising from the ashes. That’s where my resilience comes from—it’s a mix of hope through personal battles, the drive to prove myself, and the desire to inspire others to never give up, no matter how dark it gets. It’s about being the thunder after the storm, letting the world know you’re back and more alive than ever. You know? Loud, strong and impossible to ignore.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Alright, let’s dive in—I’m Kenny Pahina, your go-to pop artist from Jackson, MS. Music for me is not just about the sound—it’s about creating an experience. That’s why I love crafting concept singles that not only entertain but also transport my listeners to a different world and familiar aesthetic. It’s this somewhat secretive, artistic factory (Planet Pahina) where my team and I pour our hearts into music production, visuals, and melodies, all crafted in-house to ensure every piece resonates with my vision.

The core of the Pahina brand is about immersion, offering fans an escape into a distinct world that’s both fun and nostalgic.
I’m in the business of crafting musical adventures, kind of like being a Walt Disney of Pop music. I’ve been building up releases to prepare for my debut album titled “Boy Next Door. Now, here’s where it gets even more exciting: before the grand opening of my ‘Disney World,’ I’ve been releasing a series of EPs—let’s call them my theme parks. Each one is a carefully curated world of sounds and stories, introducing the diverse vibes and adventures you can expect from the full album. It’s like getting a sneak peek of Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios before the big day.

I’m thrilled about the chance to finally unveil ‘Boy Next Door’ in its entirety. Imagine this album as the ultimate theme park map, guiding you through the various lands and experiences I’ve been teasing through my EPs. And yes, a few of those fan-favorite rides (I mean, singles) from the EPs will be featured attractions in the album, ensuring that the full experience is as magical and immersive as spending a day at Disney World—minus the long lines!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey so far, there are definitely three key elements that have been game-changers for me. First up, being open to collaboration has been massive. For instance, my collaboration on the song ‘Too Busy’ with Initial Talk, an incredible Japanese producer, really highlighted the magic that happens when artists come together. It’s not just about blending our nostalgic sounds; it’s about creating something new that resonates on a whole different level with listeners around the globe. My advice to newcomers? Don’t shy away from collaborations. They’re a chance to grow, learn, and reach audiences in ways you might not have on your own.

Next, the commitment to constantly learning has been crucial. This industry changes fast, and keeping up means diving into everything from YouTube tutorials to books and beyond. It’s about more than just music; it’s understanding the business, the tech, everything. To those starting out, immerse yourself in learning. It’s the surest way to evolve and adapt in this fast-paced world.

And lastly, never underestimate the importance of having fun. Making music is a journey of expression and connection. As an independent artist, I try not to put any unnecessary pressures and deadlines upon myself to the point where it feels like a chore; finding joy in what you do is essential. It fuels your creativity and reminds you why you started in the first place. To anyone embarking on this path, remember to enjoy the ride. It’s those moments of pure enjoyment that truly make all the hard work worth it.

So, yeah, collaboration, learning, and fun – those are the big three for me. Stick to them, and you’re laying down a solid foundation for a rewarding path in music!

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Collaboration is at the core of my musical journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with some phenomenal artists on my recent EP. Having the chance to collaborate with Hunter Magno, væ, Svexx, and ILENE was not just an artistic endeavor but a mission close to my heart. My aim was to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent within the Black and Asian music artists here in Jackson, showcasing the diversity and richness they bring to the music scene. It’s been an absolute honor to feature these artists on my project, and I’m so thankful for their contributions and the unique and dark flavors they’ve added to the EP.

Looking ahead, there are a couple of artists I’ve been dreaming of collaborating with. Waveracer has been on my radar for what feels like a decade now. Them SoundCloud days were fire. His colorful, lush productions are nothing short of mesmerizing, blending electronic sounds with a vibrant energy that’s both inspiring and distinct. Then there’s Lido, whose music has been a huge inspiration to me production-wise. His innovative approach and the emotional depth with the chord arrangements he brings to his tracks are just incredible. Reminds me of church haha!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
NIGHT OF THE DEAD – promotional photography by Justin Hardiman @kail_soul

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