Urban Vault Interviews - Ikes

Urban Vault caught up with UK emcee Ikes to ask him some questions about his music, collaborations & the industry...

Born Kevin Ogbodo, IKES began his career in music as a hobby and became a Garage MC performing at various under-18 events at the age of 14. He shaped his craft by studying the crafts of some of the greats such as Tupac, Biggie, Michael Jackson and many more and by 16 he was already perfecting live performances at events around London. Hailing from the edge of Hackney, IKES’s potential was noticed and he was signed to Indie label Reignassance, which at the time was home to Chipmunk, Random Impulse & Wizzy Wow. With a passion for music, IKES also lends his gifted skills to writing Pop and R&B tracks and was involved in the radio favourite ‘Dream Come True’ by Sheya which received heavy rotation on Radio 1, MTV and Channel AKA. It is this versatility that sets IKES apart from the rest. With a real enthusiasm for hip hop, his flair for entertaining and engaging lyrics, the 25 year-old is gaining rapid recognition and favour from the public as well as the ever critical music industry.

What is your name?
Ikes, or Kevin Ogbodo if we're talking about what the cashier at the bank calls me lol
How old are you?
I'm 25 years old
Where are you from?
I am British born and bred, but I've an African background and culture, Nigerian to be exact...
How long have you been making music?
I been making music for around 6/7 yrs now...
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
I've released 2 mixtapes and my current project out now makes it 3 bodies of work so far...
Can you tell us about your new album 'The Intermission: Last Call', the background and inspirations behind it?
So my new project 'The Intermission: Last Call' embodies where I'm at right now in this industry. The whole 'intermission' idea defines the era and transition period from the mixtape to making it real big in the game.
I kinda feel that my movement Port Mayfair are on the brink of something special, and every artist has their time. 'Last Call' is just a statement showing our belief that it's about to be our time, we feel like a patient in a waiting room, ready to be called up...
How have you ended up in the music industry?
It really began as a hobbie back in school days when I was a garage MC, we used to just go "back to back" for fun or bragging rights and stuff. It then developed as I grew up and just evolved as a person and an artist. You know I started putting my music on MySpace in 05' when it weren't so popular and the response I received was so crazy and especially from coming from industry figures stateside, I kinda knew from there that I was onto something.
What do you think of the music industry in 2012?
I think even though there's been a great decline in sales it has reflected in a good way as now you have to be a real complete artist to stand out, good music alone is not enough in this climate... Also the shift to the digital age has allowed independent artists the opportunity to build a fanbase using the same tools as the major labels and therefore sustaining a good career without a record deal which I think is pretty cool...
Who inspires you when you make your music?
I don't think it's a matter of who, it's more a case of "what" inspires me, and that can be anything from good news or bad news, to something I've experienced or seen. Inspiration works in its own way & in its own time, not really something you can force or plan...
Who have you collaborated with so far in your Career?
I've worked with Maleek Berry, who's the producer in my team and does the majority of my material right now, i also work with a German production duo called The Cratez; they did a lot of work for my first 2 mixtapes... As far as artists go i've worked with S.A.S, Bigz, Scorcher, Jermaine Riley, Cailbar, J Warner, PW, Ms. Jaie, Random Impulse, the list goes on lol
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
A few ppl I admire such as Tinie Tempah, Wretch 32, Professor Green, Emelie Sande, La Roux, Frank Ocean, The Script, Coldplay, Big Sean, Sway, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Wale, Meek Mill, J Cole, Drake, Fabolous, Jay Z (laughs), etc..
what was the first album u brought?
I don't even think I can remember, I think it was Nas illmatic, one of the reasons I rap today
Whats your favourite song at the moment?
'All The Shine' by Childish Gambino, don't get much realer...
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
The Black Album by Jay Z, and that's because I think that album had everything, every emotion possible.. You know when you think you're leaving something behind you wanna make history b4 you leave, and Hov did that...
What do you think of TV music talent show competitions?
I think they make great TV, but unfortunately they don't create ever-lasting careers for the competitors. They provide a great platform and it really depends on what the artist does with it afterwards, but there's a difference between a great singer and a great artist... A great singer will win the competition, but only the great artist will sell albums and have longevity in this business...
What do you do when your not making music?
Think about making music? (laughs).. I mean I'm real family oriented so I try spend as much time with them as I can, cos I know as my career progresses I'm gonna miss those moments with family that last forever...
Whats your favourite Fashion brand?
I'm not a huge name brand fan, I usually buy from boutiques then add some designer accessories if need be... My wallet always falls victims to a Zara collection though, Reiss too!
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
I do! I have a half sleeve of tattoos on my left arm which I'll be developing this yr, and both ears pierced, although I never wear my studs.. One last one on my soul that says MUSIC (haha not really)
How many pairs of trainers do you own?
Ahhhh man, 50+ lol, let's just say that the folk at Nike are good to me :-)
How many hats do you own?
Prolly around 10 that range from beanie hats to snap backs and a bowler hat, yeah I'm old school lol
What's your favourite takeaway?
Gotta be KFC, that Wicked Zinger Tower meal with BBQ beans as the side is a madness, and here I am tryna keep healthy haha
How many followers do you have on twitter?
At this present moment I have 980 but who knows I might go on a rant later and lose a few haha
In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault?
I think it's refreshing to see a site that really nails the street culture under one umbrella and it's a great platform that supports underground talent at grass roots level... Gotta be grateful for that...
Thank you for your time and may u carry on making dope, fresh music....