Exclusive Interview: Koz.Me Delves on His Creative Tastes, His Inspirations & His New Single “Bling Bling”

Where do you originally hail from and where are you based now?

Koz.Me: “I was born in Cape Verde and I moved to New York City five years ago. And I am still here — I love NY!”

Congratulations on your new release “Bling Bling” How are you feeling about sharing this single with the world?

Koz.Me: “I feel very happy. It’s a song I put a lot of work into, from the production side until the final project and then the making of the video. I don’t know if it’s just me, but every time I feel “kinda” nostalgic when I finish a song because there is nothing else to do on it. I put so much work on it and that’s it — I have to let it go. And I guess, that’s the goal. Give it all you got and put it out there. The feedback has been great. So I guess the mission was accomplished.”

What was the inspiration behind the single?

Koz.Me: “‘Bling Bling’ is a celebration. Like everybody else, I’ve been through some stuff and I wanted to make a song that people can relate to. Now I’m in the position where I can have certain things and I can do certain things I wasn’t able to before –I got this bling bling on. I talk a little about where I come from and how I got here. It’s a victory song and I think a lot of people relate to it.”

What or who has influenced your sound and style?

Koz.Me: There are so many artists who have influenced me. At different times in my life there have been certain artists. As a teen, I listened to rappers like 2Pac, then later the G Unit. Also, I grew up in Cape Verde, and we are known for our music. So I was influenced by many great Cape Verdean artists like the diva Cesária Évora — who is known worldwide! And I also listened to great singers like Ildo Lobo. But my musical taste ranges — from rock singers like Elton John to hip hop to Pop to Reggae to R&B to soul music like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. I’ll also throw on some Barbra Streisand or Billie Holiday every now and then. I just love music!”

Your musical journey is very interesting! What was the biggest thing that kept you pushing towards your musical dreams?

Koz.Me: “You know, I’ve tried a lot of things and I would always outgrow them. I would get bored. There would be nothing else new to learn. Music it’s different; it’s a world I can’t get enough of it. The more I learn, the more I don’t know and it fascinates me. Personally, I came from a poor place and I refused to be just that. I love music, so why not turn the thing I love the most into the person I want to be the most. I’ve learned from the past, but I am guided by the future.”

What has been the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

Koz.Me: I have had a lot of good moments overseas and here in the U.S. But the most recent was when I released my single ‘Far From Average’ and it hit the DRT global charts. That was a big achievement even for me. I didn’t expect it to happen.”

Do you have any dream collaborations? Who are they?

Koz.Me: “Listen, at this point, any mainstream hip-hop artist or top chart artist who is hitting at the moment, I would make a song with them. But if I had to choose one of them, my first choice would be Drake…that guy is super talented. He’s been on the top more than 10 years and he’s about to stay there for a very long time still. I’d love to just be in a session with him and watch him work. I don’t even have to record on the song. But being on the same track with him would be a blessing.”

Thank you for speaking with us! For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?

Koz.Me: “Thank you for having me. It was a very fun interview and it was a pleasure sharing a little bit about myself with you guys. For my listeners and those who support me, I just want to let them know I appreciate them. Follow me on IG– ell_cosme — and be part of my musical journey.”

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