Los Angeles-Based Artist Kahlil Simplis Talks New Video ‘Perfect Timing’ and More

Independent artist Kahlil Simplis is definitely an up-and-coming talent you should keep on your radar. The quickly rising artist is based in Los Angeles and is heating up the summer with his new single “Perfect Timing.” The song also released with an accompanying music video, which showcases beautiful Los Angeles views and tells the story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles.

“Master plans over a glass of chardonnay/ Overly dedicated I never knew another way,” Simplis sings on the track.

In an inspirational message, Simplis encourages his listeners to ignore haters and never give up on their dreams. As an independent artist, he truly paves his own lane in the R&B/hip-hop world and spreads a positive message that isn’t often heard within the music community. The new single “Perfect Timing” serves as a great introduction to Simplis’ sound and is one example of how he’s able to genuinely connect with his audience.

In addition to being able to deliver a promising, fun track, Simplis also has the ability to sing and rap on a song and create a harmony that fits his unique sound. Simplis is the definition of an ambitious, talented artist who’s nowhere close to stopping any time soon. He’s just getting started and is ready to show the world what he’s capable of.

We got the opportunity to interview Simplis and ask him about his current journey in music. He talks about how he transitioned from being an athlete into how he found his passion for music. During the interview, he also mentioned that he has an upcoming EP on the way to be on the lookout for in September.

Keep reading to learn more about him, and follow him on social media @kahlilsimplis.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

It was around 2016, after I graduated high school, and when I was forced to retire from playing basketball due to getting three shoulder surgeries right after I graduated.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?

It for sure has, I’ve always been an underdog and I’ve constantly dealt with adversity, so I feel that has shaped me into the passionate and determined person I am today. And I feel like you can hear it in my music.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

They’re just gonna have to get familiar. I’d say it makes you feel like getting up and going to get a bag. Real self-motivational music.

What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?

Throughout my depression after my injury, I started to find writing poetry as an outlet for myself to heal my pain. I did a few rap challenges on twitter at the time and also had self recorded some ideas on my computer, and my close friends and family encouraged me to start recording over beats and make real songs. I started transferring my passion and love I had for basketball into music and it brought me to where I’m at today.

What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

It’s really a love of mine and I got a family and two little sisters I’m trying to take care of so that’s really my daily WHY. I wake up inspired to go and get it.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I definitely love to still play basketball. As of now I haven’t really made any hobbies other than making music. I’ve been so focused on the ultimate goal I don’t really take too much time to do anything else other than mediate and breathe.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

I have many, but I’d say like Drake, Lauryn Hill, Pac, Cole, Outkast.

What are some of your music career goals for the future?

I don’t trip too much on the awards. A grammy would be nice, songwriters’ hall of fame would be amazing. I really just want to see how far I can take it.

Tell us about any projects you have on the way?

The EP I have coming out in September is called Just Started. Its essentially just about me and my journey to where I’m at now, the emotions I’ve felt on the way to where I am — it’s a testament to my perseverance. And I’m only just getting started.

I dropped the first single off the EP, called “Perfect Timing” on Aug 14th. I have another single off the EP, called “Dreams” which drops Sep. 6th.

The last project I released was called 234.

What has the response been like to that project, 234?

The response has been amazing, I made a bunch of huge playlist on Spotify and Amazon, people started taking me serious as an artist which is I wanted them to do. I know it’s tough to make that transition from the court to the studio and actually make it happen, but I’m here to do that, so it definitely felt good to know people were loving it. I had a few shows and a lot of people attended and packed the venue out, which felt incredible.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music?

To stay carefree and confident in yourself at all times. We live in a world that constantly tries to dwindle your light, I want my music to make you feel like you got that inner light no matter what you’re going through.

Where can we follow you on social media?

@kahlilsimplis instagram/Twitter/facebook. Kahlil Simplis on YoutubeMusic.

Check out the video for “Perfect Timing” below, and be on the lookout for his upcoming EP Just Started coming in September!