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

Hi Love Keyyz, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Music is in my blood. Once I found a supportive team that would nurture that talent, I knew I was destined to be a performing artist. I discovered my love for music when I was a teenager. It became everything I had and everything I ever wanted. It was never a hobby to me, no matter how many times people tried to downplay it. When you’re truly a creative, it’s something you can’t fight. No corporate job or profession will ever satisfy that craving that runs deep in your soul. You just gotta be you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m most proud of the fact that my new album, “I Could Be Dreaming,” charted yet again as an independent artist (#15 on R&B charts and #67 on all genres). I will be receiving my first plaque. This album has been recognized by the industry’s best blogs and even some major artists. I’m still here, making it happen, as an independent artist. Success to me is selling records. I don’t need a label. I can do everything they can do, Being famous is great, but I want to own my masters and make a decent living.

My story is quite crazy. I have always been independent since the start of my career, which makes EVERYTHING 10x harder. I started on YouTube making cover videos. I was known around school for that. That internet popularity led to me recording my own music. Fast forward to 2018, I moved to Los Angeles on a whim. I’ve tried many things that didn’t work. It was hard re-establishing my name in a city 20x bigger than my hometown. I never gave up and retained my independence. I got my first charting project in 2019.

In 2020 I went back to school for music on a full scholarship. I took that time to really hone in on my skills (because I was self-taught, and that was no longer enough). I graduated with a few degrees and certificates in music, after being a college dropout in 2016. Don’t ever let people discourage you from chasing your dreams. I dropped out because I listened to people say music isn’t a real career and that I’d never be successful. Well, not only did I prove them wrong, but I even got a FULL ride to continue music studies at University of Southern California, one of the most prestigious universities in the country.

I learned a lot along the way, I mean a lot. But here are the top 3 things:
1) Trust your gut and stand your ground.
2) You’re good enough; it just takes some people longer to catch up.
3) Stay hungry for education. As a creative, there’s always so much to learn. Don’t get complacent because things move quickly, especially in the social media world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Beaches and wineries would take up at least half of that trip. I love beaches and great views. We’d have to do wine tasting at Cielo Farms. Jazz night at Sofitel. Maybe a day trip to Catalina Island. One of my favorite Mediterranean spots, Gitana Restaurant for hookah and beef shawarma pizza. A stop at Pablitos Tacos for birria pizza. Brunch at Fixins or Cafe on 27. Biking riding through Venice at night. Hit a Dodgers Game.

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?
All the honor and praise goes to my uncle G. He was the first person to invest in me as a teenager. He’s the reason I recorded my first song. The reason I took music seriously. He’s responsible for my entire identity. It just goes to show how much a person can flourish when you provide an environment for them to express themselves how they see fit.

Website: www.lovekeyyz.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lovekeyyz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsqV94gAZUwFBIwCEWh_psA

Other: www.tiktok.com/@lovekeyyz

Image Credits
@doeraymedia @eightyonevisuals @grlsndrecordsstudio @coldhotwings

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