KOVAN BALDWIN--THE NEW ERA OF R&B













Free Ambition: Where are you from? 

Seattle, Washington










Kovan Baldwin: I was born in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota.


Minneapolis, Minnesota

Free Ambition:Where do you currently live?


Kovan Baldwin: I currently live in Casa Grande, Arizona.


Free Ambition:How old were you when you knew you had a unique voice, and wanted to pursue a music career? 

Kovan Baldwin: Well I always had a heart and a passion to sing. I was in choir through college. I performed in talent shows and musicals throughout my school years. My freshman year of high school is when I really knew I had the capability of writing my own music.


Free Ambition: What message do you want your fans to walk away with when they hear your music?

Kovan Baldwin: I want fans to know that you can be positive, and not swear or use derogatory language or innuendos, or clever sneaky lyrics to get your point across. I also want to make it known; that sex doesn't have to be the focal point of the song or how someone body looks.  The spirit of a woman should entice you and it's about more than a one night stand or making love, but I'm interested in getting to know you.

Free Ambition: Being a college graduate of Augsburg College with a major in Broadcast and Journalism, you proved that focus and hard work pays off...What motivated you to follow through with your education?

Kovan Baldwin: My parents motivated me to strive and be the best I can be and that anything is possible. They both have degrees so my upbringing plays a huge role and also my faith in God. My awesome Lord and Savior Jesus Christ helped get me through those long four years. I was also self motivated too. I told myself, "Kovan, you started this, so you can finish".



Free Ambition: I know that you sing R&B, but are you a fan of Hip Hop?

 Kovan Baldwin: Honestly not really especially today's. Lack of substance, repetitive beats and messages...and I'm not big on the language either. I am not a fan of the N word, B, H, F, S words and plenty more. Every now and then I'll listen to a few or download the edited version.

Free Ambition: R&B took a step back on the music charts in the last few years, do you think the love for real vocalists and quality songwriting will take over again? 

Kovan Baldwin: I have no doubt that real vocal with great songwriting ability will come back to prominence again. Faith is key.





Free Ambition: What is the #1 real life struggle that a young Black man faces trying succeed in America in 2014? 
Kovan Baldwin: Wow great question. So many ways to answer. I don't know if you can identify a number one. One is the stereotype that we all act the same and are treated less than humans. I also think that society is telling us that we can't succeed or achieve because of how we look, and that's a lie. 

We also have to step up ourselves and rise above the criticism and as hard as it shake off those words. So we also can fall victim to not succeeding. We can blame the system all we want for injustices, but that shouldn't justify us from not taking life seriously, and checking out in life and going down the wrong path.



Free Ambition: Your hit 'Call Me Anytime' has a young, yet classic quality...what inspired the verses?

Kovan Baldwin: Past relationships, friendships, ladies in need of someone just being there to help. The thought of knowing that there are true gentleman out there, and not just wanting to talk to you because they want to get close.

Free Ambition: Is there any particular performance that sticks out as your favorite? 

Kovan Baldwin: A few actually. In the summer of 2012 opening
Alexander O'Neal
 up for Lenny Williams and Alexander O'Neal. Then shortly in the fall with my friend Gizzy Boyy. We opened up the school year for the University of Minnesota and headlined for the Ying Yang Twins. 


 Then lastly a live in studio performance on WCCO channel 4. That's CBS MINNESOTA.



Free Ambition: How can people follow Kovan Baldwin on social media? 



Free Ambition: Who are some of the music artists that you have worked with? 

Kovan Baldwin: Gizzy Boyy he's an up and coming artist out of Minneapolis make sure you check him out at Gizzy Boyy on YouTube very unique and inspiring artist.         
Gizzy Boyy


 I also have worked with Elektro he's a producer/ rapper one of my best friends. Check him out on soundclick.com and type Elektro. My other producer Storm will be featured in some songs on my album as well he's from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He doesn't have anything online. Storm tells me he's seldom seen but loudly heard. The last artist name is Envy he's featured on Call Me. His website is www.imenvy.com. Go check it out everyone.


Free Ambition:Who was your inspiration to follow your dream as a vocalist?

Kovan Baldwin: God is definitely my inspiration because my heart is all about seeking him. I'm huge on faith.

Free Ambition: Where do you see yourself professionally in a year?

Kovan Baldwin: By this time next year hopefully my music will be playing all over the world and take the industry by storm. If not just continuing to do what I've been doing and waiting on God because it's in his time. I just have to continue to be patient and humble. Just gaining fans and hopefully to have some type of actual representation. Whether it be an agent or music manager.


Free Ambition: Who is your favorite music artist? Why? 
The Temptations

Kovan Baldwin: Favorite music artists are The Temptations. I love the Motown era. Music was full of pure love and relationships and respect. Their music has meaning, and their music resonates beyond just one race but expands out to the world.


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