Inside the Haus of Kao
“Miracles happen and we create our own luck, so listen to your internal blueprint and keep going.”
Kao Wonder just celebrated the one year anniversary of the music video for his hit song “Maniac”. We had the chance to follow up with him after his appearance on the Indie LA Experience Podcast to dig a little deeper into his story.
Tell us a little bit more about your unique style & visual taste. How do you blend those elements to create Kao Wonder - the Brand?
“Ahh well to understand my style is to understand my influences and what I take from them…. That’s step one. I love the confident and bold lyrics that Michael, Janet, Beyonce and now LIZZO has put out there. I love different melodies, classic pop chord changes, and adding some stank with background vocals and live instruments. I love the feeling music has to my spirit, requiring me to move to its rhythm in a choreographed form of dance. I love the TOUGH approach of Hip Hop and the elegant/fierce approach of Street Jazz. I LOVE being African American (Black), the culture I had growing up, and I LOVE being a part of the LGTBQ community. If you wrap that all together, you have Kao Wonder!”
On the Podcast we dove into your unique background in dance, choreography, singing/vocals as well as your creative/brand message. Tell us about your process when you are getting ready to put together a show, how do you incorporate all of those key elements?
“Now when your putting together a show, the first thing that comes to mind is - “Ok, these people haven’t seen anything like YOU before in this venue, so it is your job to make it unforgettable.” If that means remixing some popular songs and making it my own, if it means starting out with a quote to foreshadow the slay I’m about to deliver, if it means over the top costumes and/or dynamic choreography need to be added, then so be it. (Myself and Fierce Felix who is both my Assistant Choreographer & Creative Director, are really good at this because I bring the “tough” and he brings the “fierce” and we just play off each other) I picture the SHOW in my head months before I have the booking, and if you watch really close, almost NONE of my shows are the same. I always want to surprise the audience, even if they’ve seen previous performances. In my mind, I treat every show like I’m performing for someone in that room/space who is going to give me the keys to open a door that will change my life. I don’t care if it’s for a room of 12 people, or a festival of thousands, I leave it ALL on that stage. Someone in the audience could be watching me with self-doubt or fears, too afraid to let their light out because of this world we live in. Consider my performance a hand to them. Use my light to light your rocket so you can SOAR!!”
Do you recall a specific moment in time, event, or performance where it hit you that this is what you wanted to do with your life?
Yes. I believe it was when I watched the Rhythm Nation music video by Janet Jackson when it first premiered. I was a very little cub back then, but I remember feeling like “YESSSSSSSS” when I saw it. The message behind the song, the choreography, the PASSION. It was then I looked to my Dad and I said “I’m Janet Jackson!” (Lol). Now of course, logistically that was out the box, but I knew right there somehow somewhere I was going to impact someone’s life the way this woman and her brother impacted mine!
What is the BEST advice you ever got?
LEARN THE BUSINESS. This is why I decided to return back to college to obtain my degree in Music Business. This Entertainment world is huge, and because of its constant change and speed, it can be a very dangerous and wild one. We as Artists are generalized as being naïve and/or oblivious to our brands because in the past, record labels had creative control so they were in fair honesty, your “brain” in the business. They thought for you, told you what to do, and controlled your money. Well, thank you internet for opening our minds and giving us access to information that only they had control over back in the days, so now we have some thoughts of how this business runs. Unfortunately for us though, the labels caught on to this source of information, and I feel in retaliation, began to eliminate practices in our favor (such as artist development, new talent, etc.). Now, we as Independent Artists have to be our own label and do all the work that they have done in the past. Just as they lack, we have to gain. So yes, I know it’s tough, but please learn your BRAND, for it is your company.
Did you miss the Podcast? Check out Season 2 - Episode 2
Kao Wonder “Good Noise” Now!
With all the bad noise out there, what is the all time WORST advice you ever got?
Worst advice? “Fit In to Stay In” Complete bullsh**t! Whoever tells your this, (especially if they are trying to elevate you) is being lazy and problematic. If your brand, whatever it is, is too difficult for them to push or move, then they are not the person for your team. Can you imagine someone telling the CEO of PEPSI to fit in to taste like Coke? No, Pepsi is different. You are different. That is your art. When looking at the creative world, notice the people who remain authentically themselves last a little bit longer than those who copy or imitate someone else whole heartedly. Not only that, but people aren’t that naïve, and they will see the facade and then you will be eliminated. It’s ok to be inspired by others, I mean we are all living under the sun so nothing is completely original, but your unique twist is what makes you. So, I say STAND OUT, let the world catch up with ya. Look at the Billie Elish story.
Being a full-scale entertainer and having also studied the business side of the industry, is there anything that you wish you could go back and say to your younger self?
I would tell the younger Kao to be PATIENT and there is a huge difference between self-confidence and arrogance. Most of my life I was often told I have a “strong personality” and this is intimidating to most people. So, to conform so that I won’t step in shit or hurt anyone’s feelings, I would hold back and try my best to be “picture perfect”. Hiding my light. Belittle myself so that I don’t step on anybody’s toes. That’s not accurate branding. That’s me being dishonest to myself and my Highs & Lows who support me in the wild west. It took a lot of people to bring this to my attention, but now I finally got it and I haven’t looked back since. Also, God and the Universe works on a time unknown to man, so if you are truthfully on your path, there are no shortcuts. NONE… The hardest part is the wait, I call it “The Valley”. What makes that Valley so dangerous is the demons that feed on your mental health. Doubt and Fear taste like Steak and Lobster to them, and the more your produce those thoughts, the fatter they get which will weigh you down or worst. Hold fast to your FAITH and Believe in Yourself, it’s going to come. Miracles happen and we create our own luck, so listen to your internal blueprint and keep going. It’s when we don’t expect the unexpected the unexpected happens. So, I will tell him to do just that …be Still and be Patient. Let God and the Universe work.
We know Michael Jackson was a big influence for you. If you had the opportunity to ask him one question - what would it be?
With the constant world of change, ridicule and harassment that this man endured in his last days, how did he keep going? We all know the media and certain individuals tried their very best to tarnish my Hero’s name, and he had every right in his humanity to let those experiences turn him cold hearted, yet, this man was still just as warm and almost silly as he could be. He also still managed, through this ridicule, to sell out his last tour in a matter of MINUTES when he announced it. I need this guy’s juice!!!
As we wrap up, and look to the future, what can we expect to see from you? What does your vision board look like for Kao Wonder the Brand, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Whew that’s a great question! Life always changes and the road to success in your head sometimes is not what actually happens, so I am learning more and more each day to welcome the mystery of Tomorrow. I know I have an international sound, so globally I will dominate the charts and make Kao Wonder’s presence known. These places include Europe, Japan, The U. K. all of that. I envision, alongside my own brand Kao Wonder, I will get Haus of Kao off the ground and have them in their own spotlight outside of performing alongside me. My Independent Media Company, KAO THE BRAND, LLC will be not just be music. It will be acting, modeling, dance, filmmaking - mostly all creative outlets. I want it all and I know the Universe has been listening.
