Meet Kemi Adegoroye | Singer-Songwriter

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

Hi Kemi, what are you inspired by?
Music is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Everything I say or do has a soundtrack accompanying it. Every mood has a melody and every day has a playlist. And when I write my own music, I pull from varied aspects of my life and the music I love. My latest song, In My Corner, is inspired by the R&B love songs I grew up on in the ’90s and early 2000s. Iconic songs by Brandy, TLC, Tatyana Ali and SWV that reminded us love is magic and should never be taken for granted.

I worked with the incredible and multitalented DMV producer Chris Hon to create a song that feels nostalgic and timeless all at once. When I wrote the lyrics, I thought about what it means to have someone in your corner. The feelings of fearlessness, strength, stability, and comfort that come from knowing you’re supported whatever life throws your way. Paired against smooth organ melodies, catchy beats, and stacked background vocals, you can’t help but bop your head to In My Corner. I’m really proud of the song; it’s as magic as a first love, and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear it too.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My identity as an artist is centered on authentic storytelling. In looking at life events, both major and minor, that make us who we are. I weave in melodies and lyrical flows inspired by musical theatre, jazz, Motown soul, Top 40 pop, gospel, soft rock, and folk. And I write about love, heartbreak, growing pains, faith, and finding beauty in the small things.

When I first started out as a young songwriter, I wrote about whatever was on my mind: navigating friendships and first crushes and figuring out who I was becoming from age to age. In adolescence, I stopped writing because I believed I could never be a successful songwriter if I hadn’t gone through the pathos and life tragedies like many of my favorite songwriters. I’d never suffered from bad relationships or substance abuse or a hard childhood. I’d grown up in a happy home in the suburbs and I didn’t feel like I had anything interesting to say.

It took almost a decade for me to realize that I didn’t have to try to be anyone else. Being myself was enough. And I love romance. And musicals and fireworks and laughing till your sides hurt. I love the R&B classics I grew up with and the Motown soul that existed before my time. Most of all, I love connecting with people. Finding our similarities and celebrating our differences. Music has been one of the most powerful ways to do that. With each passing year and each new song I write, I look forward to the moments to connect with people–through authentic storytelling.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On a visit to the DMV (otherwise known as DC, Maryland, and Virginia), there are too many hotspots to name. But for music? I will always recommend a show at the Kennedy Center, Mr. Henry’s Wednesday jazz jams, a Friday night concert at Blues Alley, and a Saturday doubleheader at Jammin Java and Crescendo Studios. Unforgettable nights seeing your favorite local and out-of-town bands at the 9:30 Club and the Anthem. Karaoke in Chinatown. A musical at Arena Stage or Olney Theatre Center. And outdoor Latin dance nights on the Wharf or by the Lincoln Memorial. The DMV is alive with culture and flavor and music; you can’t go wrong with any of the above for an amazing music-filled week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a huge shoutout to Chris Hon, producer extraordinaire. We’ve played several live shows together and he is a pianist and bassist of the highest caliber. When I heard he was producing tracks too, I knew I had to work with him in the studio on what would become “In My Corner”, our newest single. Over many writing and recording sessions over Cava bowls, Bold Rock cider, and homemade desserts, we talked about the iconic R&B hits we love and why we love them.

Chris is so understated in his brilliance. He thoughtfully executes the most creative ideas and always knows which ingredients to throw in to make the perfect groove and vibe. He’s one of my favorite local musicians and I’m so glad we got to work together on “In My Corner”, the first of many collaborations!

Website: https://www.kemiadegoroye.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mskemiadegoroye

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mskemiadegoroye

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/13rosesproductions

Other: Listen to In My Corner: https://artists.landr.com/inmycorner

Image Credits
Federico Guendel