Meet khamal . | multi-disciplinary artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with khamal . and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi khamal, how do you think about risk?
Growing up the idea of making good decisions was instilled in me and often times the more traveled and what appeared to be more stable path was always looked up favorably within my upbringing. Unfortunately by proxy the idea of taking risks and investment in oneself was frowned upon not just within my own family but within my community as well. It took me until having a near death experience related to a congenital heart defect (that I have lived with for years) that the necessity to take risks became much more prominent within my experience. The cliche of never knowing if we have tomorrow rings true for all of us but outside of that concept and the concept of morbidity I became concerned with fulfillment and whether or not I would be satisfied with myself to hold back for the sake of avoiding the discomfort that risks can bring.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
my art is influenced by empathy and both direct and indirect influences that have informed my ever evolving world view. The exploration of the nuance across a spectrum of topics whether it be thought policing , race and identity in america, and the always topical search for love and lust in a world that praises hedonism feels like something that is rarely discussed in open conversation or art and practice specifically within the scope of sound. To get to where I am now professionally has required one to submit to the work and taking risks. I don’t think anyone who has accomplished anything worth having has done so by sitting on the sidelines. It takes a constant effort for artist to critique and hold ourselves accountable for our work in both artistic triumph and artistic shortcoming. Lessons that have been learned along the way include honoring yourself and understanding the inherent value that your hard work has bestowed upon you. A willingness to walk away from things that no longer serve you whether it be a professional or interpersonal relationship or situation we live within a world of abundance that has been characterized to a world of scarcity by the media and powers that be. Never let anyone tell you that there is a scarcity for anything that you need and desire.

meeting at the cross roads of empathy and enigmatic “khamal.” is a Los Angeles based multi disciplinary artist songwriter, rapper , and producer who attempts to live up to the arabic definition of his namesake while simultaneously creating music, art, and visuals that oscillate between arrogance , brevity, stoicism , nihillism , expressionism, and escapism.

His long awaited debut EP entitled “sorceress.” is a work wholly unique standing tall as a conceptual sound study which examines the parameters and visceral reactions often felt during the course of a less than equitable romantic relationship turned sonic seance of heart ache , narcissism , and confliction. “sorceress.” attempts to serve as a direct and powerful example of emotional transmutation in real time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I love to show people the heart of the city or at least where my heart lies the Crenshaw and Slauson District is historic for its black enterprise and cohesive community only amplified since the untimely passing of the late legend Nipsey Hussle, for the authentic Los Angeles experience from my lens we want to start the morning at Puerto Nuevo on Slauson or if we’re in a rush Hungry Harold’s also located on Slauson which serves some excellent food. You’ll want to slide by Chambers Shoe Repair on Slauson for a quick bit just to check out such a historic and iconic mecca of black enterprise and culture. Come through get your shoes cleaned up and ready to hit the city. Lemiert Park is right down the way and the space itself is arguably the premier bastion of art and culture in South Los Angeles. Hot and Cool Cafe is definitely a great place to stop through for some great coffee and tea. Especially given that they have open mic nights fairly often there you can find yourself easily inspired by thought provoking and talented contemporaries.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
People have contributed my spiritual artistic and mental growth definitely always deserve a shout out and I believe in giving folks their flowers while they are here to receive them. For me this includes my manager Chloe Vaughn , Mike Mann of Mike Mann of Cowboy Soul, Jerome Benton of The Time, Stephen Randolph of Chambers Shoe Repair on Slauson, Sunni Mullen, Isaac J Burt, and Treyvon X.

Website: https://www.khamalperiod.com/khamal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kha.m.al/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kh_m_l

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBKC0nbMhtsQCBeb-VtbTg

Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/lovebomb/1600393810?i=1600393811 https://tidal.com/browse/album/209259489 https://open.spotify.com/album/2l9Y9dyiS4DerIzhDQDFOr https://soundcloud.com/khamalperiod

Image Credits
all photos conceptualized and captured by khamal. at birdbath visual studios