We caught up with the brilliant and insightful KAMPLECKS TONY ‘KAMP’ a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
KAMPLECKS TONY, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
That’s a great question actually, thanks for calling it like you see it! To be honest I think that’s exactly where my effectiveness comes from. When I was younger my style and personality didn’t really fit in I felt like an outcast trying to be blend-in and be “normal”, but as I grew up I realized this was great, I had a unique perspective and a lot to wanted to say. Fast forward to this music scene I think we can all see that. Have you seen another rapper or R&B artist like me? I haven’t. Using this to my advantage has only made me more effective!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As I continue making music I would hate for things to start to sound the same. I find myself freestyling a lot more than writing these days and being focused on new sounds/collaborations with artist like my brother Ethian88 and producers like Prinze and Aug1st. Although Pearl City Records really started my these dreams I really believe me and my team are starting something new here in Arizona. My latest tracks “GET OFF THE FLOOR”, “GOON/GOBLIN” and “DONT TRIP” are good examples of that. Compelxity or Kamplecks City? They sound the same to me! This will be my new little group name and we will be booking free performances in until the end of the year!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back at it all, the first thing you need is a team. A one man band who did it all himself sounds cool but in reality you need more resources beyond your reach to expand. You feel me? Like, Elon Musk doesn’t build those rockets all by himself. A team is necessary! The other important quality I would say is persistence. Do you know how many times I recorded a song and thought, “this was trash what am I doing?” More than enough but remaining persistent and going back again will bring you more skills you never had before. I go into the booth and record with ease these because of how many times I’ve done it already. Finally you gotta take that risk! Don’t hold back on the ideas that scare you or you think are strange those are exactly what make you 1 of 1 take that risk and let everyone know!
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Green Eggs and Ham! Are you kidding? Dr. Suess was spitting from front to back and had me hyped since the age of six. Those play of words were an open door to a new world for me, I wanted to be impressive like that! And the message behind it is even deeper! It’s all about keeping and open mind and trying new things! He didn’t like green eggs and ham until he tried it! Absolutely inspirational if you ask me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: KAMPLECKSTONY
- Twitter: KAMPLECKSTONY
Image Credits
Melissa McCarty Anonymous Films
