Interviews

Published on April 23rd, 2020 | by Marilyn Reles

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Get To Know: IAmKeyNotes & How He Balances Military Life With His Singing Career

IAmKeyNotes aka Keyon Dunston joined the U.S. Military in 2012 as a soldier in the Army National Guard. Being obligated to actively participate in drills, field events, and other duties that required him to be away for lengthy periods of time, his dedication to the military never wavered. With his commitment to the National Guard being somewhat less intense than that of active duty, he invested all of his “down-time” into his singing career. During this time, IAmKeyNotes was booked for many performances including clubs, bars, skating rinks, and day parties. He spent countless hours writing and recording music. In 2018, Key Notes made the decision to enlist as active duty in the U.S. Army. He has now been enlisted in the U.S. Military for a total of 8 years, and has had many experiences that inspire the man and the artist that he is today. I had a chance to sit down with Keyon to discuss how he feels his experience in the military has affected his singing career and what his fans can anticipate for the rest of 2020.

What from your experience in the military have you taken and applied to your music career?

Professionalism, I am now able to hold professional conversations with very important people, and this is a very big deal. You have to have good relationship building skills in the music industry, that’s what gets you on. I learned not to immediately take anything that is offered to me, The Army has taught me that not everything is what it seems.

What made you want to sign up for the military originally?

First and foremost, I was broke lol. I had to make something happen for myself. I also joined because I knew this would be the perfect back up plan in case my music did not succeed, I would still have a career to fall back on.

What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned during your time in the military?

Never take family and life for granted; tomorrow is never promised. When you have a moment, a buzz,  a wave, capitalize on it. You never know when a big change can happen, always secure, and cover yourself.

Do you have plans lined up for your music in 2020? Any shows or new releases in the pipeline?

Yes, I have a new song called Buss It Down ft. DaBaby and Petey Pablo, a lot of strong singles, and a couple of very big features lined up for 2020, I’m excited for the world to hear this, it took 5 years of non stop grinding to finally get to this point i feel blessed for the year of 2020.

How have you been spending your time during quarantine? What are some positives and negatives that you think have come out of this?

I have honestly been working being that I am essential personnel. I always write music in my head as I work especially in my down time if there is any. I’ve been using this time to seriously network and make phone calls because at a time like this everyone is a lot more accessible. Taking advantage of this moment, i believe this will benefit me greatly.

What is your biggest accomplishment from your military experience?

Being promoted to Sargent. After being failed in the beginning of my military career, I made it a point to help other soldiers that suffer from bad leadership. I will continue to carry this out throughout my music career, helping those in need of good guidance to achieve their goals within the music industry. I want to be the proof that this is possible.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Still making music? Still serving in the military?

I see myself as a main stream Artist in 5 years. Honestly, either or I’m fine with, I will never stop making music so if it takes me to the top then great! if not I have a great career. If I’m still serving I will use all of my resources to help other young artist get on.

What is some advice you have for young people wanting to join the military?

Don’t! Just playin lol. First, really know the reason you want to join, because that will be the same thing that you cling to, that keeps you afloat. Never forget your purpose for joining because it can get very hard and scary really fast, and the Military can really test your character, always practice resiliency, which is the ability to bounce back in tough situations. Remember you will be treated as a soldier not a civilian. So be tough, you are an adult, high school is over.

Be sure to visit Keyon Dunston’s aka IAmKeyNotes’s Website Here.



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