Credit: KC Hamada
KC Hamada’s music is an embodiment of raw emotion, rhythmic innovation, and an unyielding passion for creativity. In an era where music is consumed both passively and fervently, KC’s journey from a young, curious lyricist to a full-fledged artist and producer is nothing short of inspiring. With influences ranging from Hip Hop to rock, and a commitment to authentic expression, KC Hamada has carved a unique path in the music industry.
Creativity Undefined sat down with him to discuss his evolution, the influences that shaped his sound, and the journey behind his latest project, “Lights Out.”
KC’s artistic journey began with a chance introduction to music during a pre-YouTube era, where the radio and TV were primary sources of musical discovery. “It initially started with classmates sharing music with me. This was during a time when YouTube didn’t exist. So most of the music I grew up listening to came through the radio or TV. But I wasn’t gravitating towards everything I heard and saw,” he recalled.
The genres that particularly resonated with him were rock and Hip Hop, with a specific fascination for lyricism: “ever since I was a child, I couldn’t help myself but pick up a pen and start writing rhymes. And it stuck ever since. My love for it only grew deeper with time, I started getting curious about how to record and that took me down the path of being an audio engineer, learning how to make songs from the technical standpoint. After that, I really got into production and beat making, learning how to bring an idea to life.”
He noted that his musical journey has been deeply influenced by both rock and Hip Hop, genres known for their captivating lyricism. Reflecting on his early musical influences, Hamada shared: “I’ve been listening to music for the observable majority of my life and with that has come several stages and chapters where I was entirely enamoured and in a deep rabbit hole of bands and artists so it’s really hard to pinpoint. But off the top of my head I would have to say undeniably Sum 41, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Missy Elliott, and Avril Lavigne, those were the very first sounds that really shook me.”
This fascination with expressive potential didn’t limit him to mainstream influences; instead, he sought inspiration from innovative underground artists who challenged conventions and expanded musical boundaries, which in turn shaped his unique sound. But he emphasised that while he enjoys diverse musical styles, they don’t directly influence his work in a conventional sense. “A lot of things that I enjoy, I can’t distinguish between the music I enjoy and the music that has had an influence. I just prefer doing my own thing,” KC asserted. Instead, the music he enjoys energizes and inspires him, fuelling his curiosity about creative possibilities.
The multi-talented artist also revealed that he’s been revisiting past musical obsessions and discovering new inspirations. “Currently, I’ve been listening to a lot of older albums, enjoying taking a deeper dive into my previous obsessions like emo and nu metal. I’ve been listening to a lot of Silversun Pickups, Bear McReary, specifically the Ragnarok soundtrack. I’m obsessed with that game,” he shared. “Funny enough, I realised something while I was listening to an album – [the thing I enjoy the most] about music is usually the rhythm sections and mostly drums. The main thing all my favourite artists have in common is that they found a way to translate a feeling into music beyond lyrics. The soundscape itself is the message,” he observed.
Transitioning from a passion to a full-time pursuit often comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to garnering support from friends and family. For KC, the journey into music was met with a blend of encouragement and confusion from loved ones. “My friends at the time weren’t only encouraging, but it was a thing we were all doing together,” he shared.
However, his family’s reaction was different. “They didn’t entirely understand it, particularly my parents. They understood music, of course, the typical idea of wanting to pick up an instrument, but they didn’t understand what rap was. Which, frankly to them, just sounded like very fast talking.” Despite this, the musical artist was undeterred. “I wouldn’t say any of the reactions surprised me. I can’t even recall caring. I was too young to care or have an expectation of what people would react, and I guess I’m lucky that way.”
Credit: KC Hamada
Since starting out, KC made it his mission to stay true to his style and instinctual approach to music. “I don’t see myself trying to sound like somebody else, not that I haven’t tried. I’ve always been curious about trying different styles, but I tend to pivot towards a specific emotion or feeling or delivery,” he explained. His lack of classical training and the solo nature of his early music-making years were key contributors to his distinctive sound. “For the first 10 years that I picked up the pen, I never performed. So I never had feedback. I spent a lot of time just making music for myself.”
Reflecting further on his childhood, he recalled a time when English wasn’t spoken at home, yet the emotional resonance of music transcended language barriers. Despite the linguistic barrier, he found solace in the emotional depth of the music he listened to, paying little attention to the lyrics initially.
“Even though I listened to a lot of artists from across continents, the thing that drew me to the music were emotions. I didn’t understand any of the lyrics. I just really enjoyed it for what it is…I’m usually paying attention to the melody and the feel of the entire track…I do enjoy witty delivery and playfulness. I don’t enjoy predictable music. I like when things catch me off guard. When there’s quotable moments that have you pausing for a minute and encouraging you to rewind,” he admitted.
This introspective approach, combined with a desire to innovate, helped Hamada push the boundaries of his craft: “The only way you can really go down that path is when you just love the thing so much that you instinctively go down that rabbit hole. And once you absorb as much as you can absorb, you learn to put your own fingerprint into the tapestry.”
He also attributed his bilingual upbringing for also helping to shape his artistic expression. “We speak two languages interchangeably at home,” he explained, “and with two languages comes different tonalities and different emphasis with speech and the emotional delivery that comes with that speech.” He added, “While at the same time I went to school and consumed media that was an entirely third language that was separate from the two languages we spoke at home and I feel like that cocktail of linguistic switching inevitably ended up providing a unique outlet to how I deliver and perform my vocal performances.” This linguistic medley extended to his creative process, influencing the incorporation of specific Arabic and Persian phrases into his notes and even the delivery of particular jokes. “Maybe not everybody that speaks English may understand,” he contemplated, “but anybody that speaks English who also grew up where I did would get it.”
The culmination of his efforts was the release of his Extended Play (EP) album ‘Lights Out’ in 2023, whose creation process was marked by spontaneity and collaboration. Inspired by the evocative soundscape of one particular beat, KC embarked on an impromptu recording session, channelling the raw energy of the moment into a spontaneous burst of creativity. The result was the titular track of his ambitious project, a testament to the transformative power of intuitive expression and collaborative exploration.
“It was 2020, and a dear friend, an incredible musician named Questionmark had sent me a few song ideas that he didn’t know how to proceed with and one of the beats especially resonated with me and I couldn’t help myself but to load it up on the session, started recording and I was freestyling,” KC recalled. “A lot of the things that you hear on the original ‘Lights Out’ song are the original lyrics that I had just freestyled, and that’s where ‘Lights Out’, the title of the song and the song itself, was born out of impulse, out of intuition.”
The album emerged from this impulse, encapsulating the themes of previous releases that fans had come to recognise. For Hamada, it marked a seminal moment, a burst of creativity signalling his subconscious desire to unleash his full artistic expression: “The burst of creativity that came when recording it was the signal from my subconscious to finally just unleash what I’ve wanted to express up to that point.”
Contemplating on the intricate process of bringing his project to life, Hamada describeed the journey as a whirlwind.
“It took almost two years. Myself and my partners, Questionmark and Garreth Chan, had a lot of real-life events and commitments that kept us ebbing and flowing with being able to bring the pieces of this project together,” he said.
Despite the manageable track list, each song demanded meticulous attention, contributing to the time-consuming nature of the project. That was coupled with the limited resources available to them at the time, contributing to their DIY approach to every element of the production. The decision to make it both a musical and visual album stemmed from the cinematic nature of many songs and themes.
“It felt only natural to find a visual translation, to bring the songs even more to life and show their fullest potential. After reaching the final stages of the album, it was a no-brainer to pursue a visual element, to connect those dots and let the story tell itself fully,” KC explained.
The album’s release was a milestone for Hamada, both in terms of personal achievement and public reception. “The reaction has been truly gratifying. I did not expect it to resonate with so many people,” he admitted. Hearing feedback from listeners who normally wouldn’t engage with rap or hip hop was especially rewarding: “My favourite thing [that] I hear from people is “I’m not even into rap but I really enjoyed the project” or “I’m a huge hip hop head but this is unlike anything I’ve ever heard”, which is what excites me the most, to have the sound translate across tastes.”
When asked if there was a particular song from his album that held a special significance for him, Hamada admitted: “It’s hard to choose just one, but ‘Lights Outro’ stands out.” Recalling its origins nearly a decade prior, he described it as a piece he had been eager to share with the world long before adopting the moniker KC Hamada. Despite some initial hesitation during the album’s production, KC advocated fiercely for its inclusion, recognising its potential to tie the project together. “It ended up being the connecting piece that sums up the entire project,” he reflected. With its experimental structure and minimal vocal presence, ‘Lights Outro’ emerged as a deeply personal and cinematic conclusion to the album, embodying the evolution of his artistic vision.
At the heart of Hamada’s creative process lies a commitment to collaboration and innovation, evident in his partnerships with skilled producers and artists like Questionmark and Garreth Chan. “Working with them has truly been a blessing,” he said, highlighting the synergy between their creative visions.
This collaborative effort was crucial in bringing ‘Lights Out’ to fruition, injecting the project with a vibrant energy and a diverse range of influences. “Their talent is unparalleled, and I have immense respect for their work,” Hamada added, noting that the seamless collaboration driven by mutual trust. Recognising the profound impact of these partnerships, Hamada acknowledged their indispensable contribution to shaping the album’s trajectory and sonic landscape. “Without their guidance and input, ‘Lights Out’ wouldn’t have evolved into what it is today,” he said, underscoring the pivotal role played by his collaborators in the creative process.
Credit: KC Hamada
In addition to Questionmark and Garreth Chan, Hamada credits his wife, Shébani, for her influential role in the creation of ‘Lights Out’. “There’s one, I would say, silent producer that influenced ‘Lights Out’ and that would be Shébani, whom I have the distinct honour of also calling my wife,” he shared smiling, “She’s the one who initially saw what I couldn’t see with ‘Lights Out.’ I was showing her these demos, suddenly she blurted, ‘How do you not see what you have in your hands? You’ve built a world. You have to pursue this. You have to bring it out.'” This revelation, sparked by Shébani’s encouragement, served as a catalyst for the album’s realisation.
Beyond that, KC revealed that he enjoys the solace and creativity that comes with his song creation process, cherishing the versatility of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Additionally, he finds solace in playing instruments like the guitar, which offer a tactile experience unmatched by digital tools.
“Despite their limitlessness, I’m a minimalist at heart, setting boundaries to avoid overwhelming myself. I cherish the immediacy of digital sharing and the ability to tweak ideas effortlessly. With technology, I can record anywhere and store everything in the cloud, a luxury I didn’t have pre-2014. [Also even with] the internet’s distractions, nothing compares to the tactile experience of playing an instrument like the guitar, which offers timeless immersion. Digital tools like the Notes app and voice memos on my smartwatch enhance my creative process, making it feel like magic. Exciting developments like Logic for iPad further expand the possibilities of portable music production, fuelling my passion for creating anywhere,” he said.
Amid the persistent hurdles of staying productive, KC remains upbeat, recognising the ebb and flow of focus and output. “Sometimes, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day,” he mused, reflecting on the cyclical nature of productivity. Encouraging open communication and support, KC shared his practical insights for managing workload and maintaining clarity. “For me, a trusty notepad and pen are invaluable,” he explained, underscoring the effectiveness of analog tools in identifying immediate priorities. Expanding on his approach, he suggested incorporating visual aids like sticky notes to simplify tasks and avoid overwhelm. Additionally, Hamada advocated for leveraging digital tools such as calendar apps and note-taking software to optimise organisation and boost productivity.
KC is further contemplative when asked about additional challenges and triumphs that he’s faced so far. “The biggest challenge I had with making music is making the music itself,” he acknowledged. Despite facing sleepless nights grappling with technical aspects, he emphasised his growth and self-sufficiency. Recalling significant moments, he expressed pride in his debut show at The Fridge and opening for Kendrick Lamar at the Yasalam After-Race concerts. “There’s not much I could say that would do justice to how affirming that was. I was a fan of his since the K.Dot days before Aftermath, before the BET Cypher. And so I was able to join the ride from the very beginning and the thing that excites me the most is that I will always cherish that moment, while also knowing that this is just the beginning,” he reflected.
“That’s why favourite music is my favourite music…it’s not because my favourite artists follow some formula or had a songwriting cheat sheet. They just succumbed to a moment of either inspiration or just showing up for their craft. And then created something that resonated with me in a way that they would have never anticipated…I can only hope that I can pass that feeling on in my own way and generate a connection with others. At the end of the day, it’s the only currency we have, the short time we have here along with what we do with it, not alone, but what we do with it together,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of authenticity in resonating with audiences.
Driven by a desire to connect and inspire, Hamada also outlined his aspirations for the future. “My intent is to connect with more people,” he stated, emphasising his commitment to authenticity and self-expression. Reflecting on the impact of his music on others, he expressed gratitude for the messages of resonance received. Looking forward, he hoped to continue creating meaningful experiences for audiences and collaborating with fellow artists. “That is my biggest passion, to light a fire under somebody’s ass,” he concluded, embodying his dedication to music and its transformative power.
Even as he continues to celebrate everything he’s achieved so far, KC doesn’t shy away from pointing out the challenges of navigating the music world as an independent artist, especially when it comes to reaching people. He sees art as tough because there’s no clear path to success, unlike many other jobs. Instead, artists like him need to focus on improving their craft and making real connections with fans.
“You just have to take time to hone your message, your craft, and then find a relevant way to connect with people you believe need to hear this message. We don’t have any blueprints or references; this is all new. A lot of it being made up as we go. The rules are changing every day. The rules contradict themselves, which goes back to my previous point of just focus on having a genuine connection, and the rest will take care of itself,” he said.
Regardless of these obstacles, he believes in the potential of online platforms for self-promotion, but only if artists can stand out from the crowd.
“It’s easier said than done because a connection requires genuine effort, which is not easy, but it is worth doing. Yeah, it’s a double-edged sword. Promoting yourself is hard as an independent artist, but you have the same access to the same platforms as everybody else. It’s just a matter of outwitting or finding a way to make yourself stand out from the noise,” he observed.
Looking ahead, Hamada envisions a future marked by extremes: deep, immersive music distribution experiences and passive consumption. “Independent artists, our whole identity is that we’re creatives and creatives are rarely discouraged by the state of things,” he reflected, highlighting the adaptability of artists to evolving landscapes. “It’s all seen as a canvas and their art is drawn upon the borders of that canvas.” He anticipates listeners oscillating between intense engagement with music, akin to watching a three-hour film in a theatre, and passive consumption, such as browsing TikTok videos. However, he observes a diminishing middle ground, where listeners engage with music for moderate durations. “I think music is heading towards those two distinct experiences,” he explained, foreseeing a gradual disappearance of the moderate music listener.
In spite of his trepidation, KC remains optimistic and focused on the future – whether it’s exploring potential collaborations with artists who inspire him from Mark-1, Arsenite, and Vortex to iconic figures such as Dr. Dre, Sleeping At Last, and Missy Elliott. More importantly, the project he’s most excited about is a current collaboration with Shébani, his wife.
“All I can say is that this is the some of the most exciting music I’ve ever had the privilege of working on. I’m so honoured to share the studio with her. To be entrusted with such a pivotal moment in her artistic journey and outside of just being a contributor to the project, I am a huge fan for what it’s become. It has become a soundtrack and an anthem. I feel very lucky that I get to dive deep into these songs before the rest of the world gets to hear it and I’m sure when it’s out into the world it won’t be like anything they’ve ever heard before. That’s all I can say for now,” he teased with a laugh.
As Creativity Undefined’s interview with KC drew to a close, the artist shares profound insights and advice for emerging talents, rooted in his personal philosophies of ‘Momento Mori’, ‘Master Thyself’, ‘What you want is on the other side of fear’, and finally – ‘peace, love, unity, and having fun’.
“I’ve always felt weird about sharing advice because I believe the best way to manoeuvre through life is just to follow your curiosity,” he said humbly. “Connect with others, create, share, and keep moving. The most helpful advice? Don’t listen to advice blindly. Your journey is unique. Learn to work and share fast, don’t obsess over gear, and make what you love, not what you think others will like.”
Emphasising the importance of embracing imperfection and learning from both successes and failures, Hamada imparted another a key lesson: “Put your ego aside…what you really want to do is just connect with others.” This sentiment underscores his belief in the power of authentic expression over self-promotion.
From the streets of Dubai to the world stage, KC’s story exemplifies the transformative power of creativity and the limitless potential of the human spirit. The rising star’s journey, marked by both humble beginnings and bold ambitions, illustrates how dedication and passion can propel one from local venues to international acclaim. “I can only focus on what I can control,” Hamada said. “My intent is to connect with more people, perform on more stages, and show that you don’t have to conform to be seen.” This ethos drives him to push boundaries, fostering a connection with audiences worldwide and inspiring others to pursue their dreams without compromising their individuality. Through every performance and collaboration, KC proves that true artistry lies in authenticity and the courage to remain true to oneself.
CREATIVITY UNDEFINED 