INTERVIEW: Alternative Hip Hop from Kace

Maryland-based artist Kace has taken a significant step forward with his latest album, Temporality. With eloquence and reflection, Kace has carved out a unique path for himself in the music industry. This album represents the culmination of several years of hard work, determination and a deep connection to his sonic vision. Through Temporality, Kace has discovered his true voice and delivers a project that embodies his creative essence.

Eight years in the making, Temporality is the result of Kace’s evolution as an artist. Since he began making music in 2015, he knew this project had to be created. It represents a turning point in his career, where he discovered his purpose: to be a voice for those who are voiceless. As he grew up and witnessed the struggles of others, Kace realised the power of music to connect and inspire. Temporality is his contribution to the world, a testament to his growth and a therapeutic outlet for himself. On the album’s closing track, he poses “Kace means King Arthur Changes Everything,” encapsulating his journey, as he circles back to his given name and embraces his destiny. Kace is here to make a difference.

With his new album, Kace presents his most ambitious work to date; a twelve-track journey through hip hop music filtered through a lo-fi lens. The album opens with “A Beautiful Existence,” setting the tone with soft guitar tones and ethereal vocals that create a dreamy soundscape. As the song progresses, Kace’s slick vocal leads and a laid-back beat kick in, capturing the listener’s attention and setting the stage for what’s to come. “Isolation” follows, immediately grabbing the audience with its snapping beat, bright instrumental tones, and intense vocal delivery that flows effortlessly over the track.

The title track, “Temporality,” stands out as a stunning alternative hip hop cut. It seamlessly blends delicate, airy moments with fiery sonic power, all carried by Kace’s hard-hitting vocals that possess a razor-sharp rhythm. Another standout is “Peace,” a track that showcases Kace’s versatility and the diverse range of his new record. With a mellow groove and soulful vibe, “Peace” delivers a catchy and grooving hip hop sound that further highlights Kace’s songwriting talent.

As the album nears its conclusion, “IINTRO” takes the spotlight. This track features an intricate and atmospheric instrumental, creating the perfect backdrop for Kace’s profound lyricism. His impactful vocals add another layer of depth, leaving a lasting impression and providing a resounding finale to this sensational new record.

Temporality is a stunning showcase of Kace’s growth and his ability to create compelling hip hop music. It’s an album that pushes boundaries, combining meaningful lyrics, innovative production and Kace’s captivating vocal delivery. Through his music, Kace ignites a sense of empowerment and resonates with listeners on a profound level. The LP is a remarkable achievement, confirming his position as an artist with a purpose. As he continues to evolve and share his voice with the world, one thing is clear: Kace’s journey is just beginning, and his impact will be felt far and wide.

We caught up with Kace to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new record Temporality and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Kace below.

Hey Kace, how’s things?

Things are going great! Life in general has been good. I’m happy that ‘Temporality’ is finally out. I’m happy I get to promote it here with you all today, and I’m just proud of today and excited for the future.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

An artist that has made a lasting impression on me would be Logic. He’s a rapper that helped me find who I am today. His music found me at a low period in my life, and at the same time, the most perfect moment possible. I was just looking for some Childish Gambino to listen to and I found Logic’s Five Fingers of Death Freestyle on Sway in the Morning. I thought nothing of it at first but when he started rapping, I knew he was talented. At the end of it he said his album “Under Pressure” was releasing October 21st and I literally looked down at the date and saw that it was that same day. I thought that was the craziest coincidence, so I listened, and I fell in love with the music. To the point where I went back to his old music, and it just made me feel like someone actually understood me at a time where I didn’t understand me. Some time passed and he released his next album “The Incredible True Story” released, and the song “Never Been” stuck out to me because it’s the song that played when I prayed and asked God “What do you want me to do” because until this point in my life I felt I had no purpose in living. When that song came on, it’s like the fire for music just lit up within me. I was already dabbling in it on my YouTube channel at the time but that’s when I knew to do it full time.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of making music would have to be when I was 15 making YouTube videos. I loved making YouTube videos. Skits, gaming, those were my things to do man and I loved it and I hope to return to it one day. I remember hearing Logic’s “Dear God” and thinking that the concept of writing a letter to God was beautiful, so I decided to do my own and remix his song. I had so much on my mind dealing with depression, being alone, and feeling like nothing so I wrote that song myself and rapped it on YouTube with a Kindle and my phone.

Which artists do you draw the most inspiration from today?

I would say most of my inspiration today comes from J. Cole. I don’t remember the exact year, but I remember he performed on the NBA All Star Halftime and when he performed “Love Yourz” it made me realize that I don’t always have to have the craziest punchlines, metaphors and be the lyrical spiritual miracle guy to be good at this rapping thing. At the end of the day, if you make something that you love and believe in, people are always, and I mean always going to appreciate that. You just have to work for it, and I carry that with me every day I make anything.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

The inspiration I get can come from anywhere really. I’ll hear something and gain an idea from anyone like Drake or Abby Jasmine just to name two people who gave me ideas for songs on Temporality. I also get inspiration from people like Isaiah Rashad, Saba, and Snoh Aalegra.

What do you love about the Maryland music scene?

The Maryland music scene has diverse flows and unique sounds but as much as I feel it’s good, I know it can be better. When we accept everyone, I know we can dominate the music scene.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Not to sound cliche but the perfect setting for my sound can be anywhere, in the car, in your room, it’s not really where you are, it’s more of where you are in your life. It’s not where you are, it’s where you are. Unless you just wanna play a good song then most likely the car.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

My style and sound have evolved substantially. I used to not have a sound at all and just use Logic’s lyrics and flow until I started trying to make my own. That’s when I started just making music just because but I feel that my song ‘Blind’ is the first time I discovered my sound and ‘Temporality’ was me expanding and refining that sound. The next project I know it’ll be even better.

How did you find making your new album ‘Temporality’?

The making of ‘Temporality’ was a fun but difficult process. It was an idea for 5 years and I actually worked on it for 2 years. I knew since I first started making music that I wanted to make this project. At first it was called Time Will Tell because I knew that time would be the major theme of it but I knew that as I grew up and I changed some of the songs and beats, that I had to change the name to signify the growth. Thus ‘Temporality’ was born. It was fun in the studio but I was at my lowest point money wise when I first started making it but thanks to my friends, I got it done. Then I sat on it for an entire year in order to get my money together for the marketing because I knew this project was it. So I waited and waited until I got the hobby I wanted in order to fund my career. Then a few months later I decided to edit a few of the songs, change some songs, and get some funds together in order to create the rollout that I wanted.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

The message to get across with ‘Temporality’ is to find your joy and do it, no matter what. Bet on yourself. I lived a life full of regrets, depression, not feeling like I was enough and not having a purpose. Once God gave me that purpose and took everything negative that came with not having one, I found Kace. So, my message to anyone who hears this project is no matter what you believe in, find your joy, your why, whatever it is that you want to do that makes you happy and dive into it 110% unapologetically.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

If I had to name just one that I’ve gotten into heavy, it would be Larry June. He was someone who’s rapping style took me back a bit but one day I just sat and listened and I thought “Wow this dude is talking about real stuff like LLC’s and filing taxes but he making it sound so dope.” It’s crazy how he does it but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed his music recently.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want you to get hope out of my music. Hope that there is a better way to play this game called life. Hope that you can be happy and win at this game called life. Life isn’t just work, eat, sleep, die. Life is more than that if you look for it. When you hear this, I hope that you gain hope.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

My favourite live performance would have to be one of the two that I have had in my life. That was when I was in a talent show at a Christian conference called Momentum in 2016. I performed a song that I had on YouTube and it was pretty insane. It wasn’t like a concert but they were supportive and gave me my props. I never would’ve thought I would do something like that anyway, but I just did it. It’s been 7 years since I did that and one other after that. I haven’t performed live since but I’m saying it now, I will be performing again soon and it will be way better than anything I’ve done before.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

3 Artists to headline my dream festival would be Childish Gambino, J. Cole, and Snoh Aalegra. I would want it to be in San Diego. That right there would be the greatest festival for me personally.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Advice for a new artist would be to not follow my footsteps. Take the path that hasn’t been traveled. Make your own way, and work at it every day even when people don’t believe you. Even when you don’t believe you, if you know it to be yours then take it and keep going. I will say though, one thing that I will definitely do that I did would be start an LLC for your music and get you some business credit to fund this because it is expensive but that right there is the key. Believe me.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

For the rest of 2023, I want to try and get some collaborations done, get better at my music business and business in general, but most importantly I want to focus on promoting ‘Temporality.’ If it’s one thing I learned from a video of Tyler the Creator was “why would you just post something on your Instagram once that you put your heart into.” When he said that and the fact that he promoted his last album for a year, that made me think I’m going to do the same thing and go 110% on marketing for this project because I know that this project is great and it’s going to be a sign for someone to find their way.

Listen to Temporality below