Some artists put a lot of thought into their artist name; some go with the first one that comes to mind. Can you tell the reader how you landed on yours?
My whole life, everyone has always told me my legal name has always been one that sticks, Joe Kotten, which is also my artist name. Sometimes I go by just Joe, for those who’ve known me a while j.kot has also been in the mix. I try to deliver the most authentic version of myself in my music, so it has always made the most sense for me not to stray from that concept with an alias.
Did you have a goal when starting music? Is it the same goal you have today?
When I first started making music, it was more of just an outlet for me and my emotions. It was cool and fun figuring out all the new recording techniques I would use later on, and then once I started making friends who made music, I developed a competitive edge as well. However, now I really want to make an impact in my community. One day, I hope to have enough pull and influence as an artist to make Kenosha a stop for artists who want to perform on their travels between Chicago and Milwaukee. Having a venue here that can always be active and open to upcoming and established artists is my dream.
What genre of music would you create if you didn’t create HipHop/Rap music?
I’d really like to find a band to get into, specifically one that wants to create 70’s psychedelic rock like Jimi Hendrix.
Can you describe your creative process of creating music? Do you write the hook first? Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics?
In my early stages of music, I always wrote out every song. I’d usually just start at the beginning of the beat I liked and just built on to whatever structure I thought would fit best. Sometimes the hook first, then the verse, whichever came to me first. Now it is sort of a similar process, but I barely write anymore. I like to punch in, so I’ll hear a flow in my head that sounds good and then mumble out the rhythm until my brain clicks with the words. Then once I get a flow going, I just go back to back with the punches until the song is finished.
Do you have any passions or hobbies outside of music?
I’m really into cooking. Whenever I get a chance to cook for friends or family, Joe Kotten turns into Chef Joey real quick.
Lately, what has been your motivation to keep making music?
My motivation has been seeing the opportunities I can bring to those around me. Success isn’t important for me if I can’t share it with the people I consider my family. I don’t do this for myself, I want to see my people be proud to be from my city.
Do you have any advice you wish you could share with yourself when you first started your music career?
The only thing I would tell my past self is to never let someone else do something you can do on your own. Learning every aspect of being an artist, such as social media content, producing, recording, and networking, is crucial to establishing yourself. Never depend on anyone because nobody owes you anything!
Find more Joe Kotten here. Follow him on Instagram.
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