#WCW: VIVIAN KYONG

So I couldn't let Women's History Month go by without acknowledging a female writer that inspires me... 

This week's #WCW goes to the South Carolina bred, Atlanta-based, singer-songwriter and model Vivian Kyong.

 

You may have seen her featured in beauty commercials and hip-hop music videos, including the Migos' recent hit single "Bad and Boujee."

 

However, this time Vivian Kyong graces the screen doing her own thing, as she makes her debut as a solo artist with a visual cover to East Atlanta's own, 6LACK's "PRBLMS". 

 

Check out our interview with Vivian Kyong below.

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So you just released a cover to 6LACK's "PRBLMS", what made you choose that song as your debut ? 

VK: I knew I wanted to release a cover when I got back out there. "PRBLMS" was the first song off of 6LACK's album that I really gravitated to emotionally. One night I was laying in bed thinking about a situation, and I just started writing and recorded it the next day.

listening to your lyrics, It sounds like you've had your share of f*ckboys. what's your definition of a f*ckboy?  

VK: A boy (not man) who pretends to be a good guy but ends up f*cking with all of the good energy you've saved up, leading you into a mess you didn't ask for. It's actually psychotic.

What's the worst thing a f*ckboy has ever done to you ?

VK: Every situation has been different, and honestly, I try not to think about people who don't deserve to be thought of because I end up getting worked up over it. Lol. Non-factors should just stay in the non-factor box. The "PRBLMS" cover was a real situation that happens to a lot of women out here. Dudes just be lying, making it harder for the good guys. 

What's the worst thing you've ever done to a f*ckboy? 

VK: Hhmmm... I've never purposely f*cked anyone's stuff up before. Although, I really wanted to a couple of times to get back at them, but I couldn't go through with it. 

However, I did accidentally hit a hole in a guy's wall before. I was so mad, I smacked (not punched) the wall so hard that my palm went through. It might still be there to this day, covered.

so Back to the music, how do you get people to take you seriously as an artist? 

VK: To me, it's the work. You don't want to give people the vibe that you're not serious and that you're waiting for that big moment to happen on its own. I think having content under your belt helps to show for it. If you're a musician or pursuing another passion to share to the world, give the people what you want them to see and know about you. You have the power of social media to showcase your artistry. Eventually, people will start to notice you being on your game and how you're carrying yourself as an artist. 

What do you think are the most important qualities an artist pursing music should possess?  

VK: Honestly... realness, being personable, staying consistent and quality work. Listeners, speaking for myself, like to feel the music. I love when I can relate to a song or an artist. It makes me feel like I could be cool with them and have interesting conversations. To me, less is more.

What are some typical mistakes that artists tend to make?

VK: I would say if you're on your game like you know you should be, there really isn't a right or wrong way to do something. Marketing yourself is important. I think that people should always keep genuine people around. Trust the vibes. If someone gives you a bad vibe,  go the other way. Never have someone who doesn't really know you tell you how to move in your career. Make a plan. Write it down. Stay true to you. Stay focused. Stay prayed up. You'll be fine.

What are your worst habits, and what traits would you like to substitute them with ?

VK: I'm pretty hard on myself. I think it's just how I was raised. I always tried to be good and do good. My dad always lectured us on being great, reaching our fullest potential, and fighting for our dreams because he didn't get to finish out his, which was boxing.

I have a fear of failing. Sometimes I think I suck. I would substitute these habits with being more fearless and not second guessing myself. I'm great. You're great. We're all great.

Where do you think your creativity comes from?

VK: I watch a lot of older music videos from the 90's and 2000's and lots of movies. I also get inspiration from looking around at my surroundings. When I see things that catch my eye, I try to write it down and take a mental picture for possible future visuals.

What are the most important connections to make as an artist? How do you make those connections and how do you utilize them? 

VK: I'm still working on that myself. I mean, up to now, I was blessed to be in past musical situations where I have met the people I've looked up to over the years, and I just made sure to keep those connections by keeping in touch, following their social media and being present online. My problem is, I don't want to come off as too pressed and desperate. I do have to tell myself to speak up though because closed mouths don't get fed. I want to give them something to talk about before I start trying to utilize those connections. Hopefully it works. 

What is one thing that people don't know about you? 

VK: I noticed I don't really talk on social media like that, so I guess people don't know that I'm pretty goofy sometimes. Outside of work, I don't take things too seriously. I'm sort of like a hippie. Then I have those days where I just want to be alone and vibe.

If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose music? What would you do differently? 

VK: Music would always be there. I wouldn't change anything. Everything that has happened up to this very day has happened just the way it should have. Even the mistakes I've made, trusting the wrong people, dating the wrong people, but I wouldn't be here without those mistakes and lessons learned. 

Growing up I did have more than one dream. I wanted to be a tennis player or in an orchestra group, playing the cello. But I will make music even when I'm old and grey because music lives forever. Music is life.

What are you working on right now? What do you have coming up? 

VK: I'm still in the recording process, writing and finding my sound. I'll continue to release visuals/fun content with my ever-so-awesome team: Demi, Tiara, Cherie and Jamilia. I have a website release coming out this Spring with all the extra goodies that people don't see on Instagram. There might be some surprises coming up too. 

 

Click the link below to check out Vivian Kyong's debut cover to 6LACK's "PRBLMS".

For updates on Vivian Kyong, follow @VKVibes on Twitter and Instagram.