Rising Star Kampaign On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry

An Interview With Edward Sylvan

As a part of our series about rising music stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Kampaign.

Considered among Canada’s most talented new hip-hop artists, the highly versatile Kampaign showcases an unparalleled ability to move from swift, classic hip-hop verses to captivating, melodic hooks that are pivotal to the musician’s signature sound. Born and raised in Toronto, the rising rap star is known for turning his feelings into art that is authentic and moving. Hailed as one of the hottest new artists to emerge from Toronto, Canada’s underground hip-hop scene, Kampaign is a rapper to watch.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

Thank you for having me. While Toronto, Ontario is a place a lot of people associate me with, I was born and raised in a small city, Brampton, which is a part of Peel region in Ontario, Canada. This is a region known for numerous celebrated Canadian artists like Tory Lanez, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Roy Woods; there’s a lot of talent coming out of my hometown so it is an honor to be a part of that in-group. Growing up, I always knew I was destined to do great things in life. My first love was basketball and, of course, just like for any kid who aspires to play professionally, the dream was to one day play in the NBA. My love for music can be traced back to the memory of my best friend, Money, who was tragically killed in 2015.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

The tragic loss of my best friend Money was the beginning of my music career and the memory of him motivates me to create emotive music that paints relatable stories to my fans and listeners. My stage name, Kampaign, also reflects the roots of my music — it is derived from my birth name and the word “pain.” With many friends and family lost, my name is symbolic of my mission. I aim to keep their memory alive through his music. Just like a presidential campaign, I see my career as a relentless run for the many wins that lie ahead.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

When I was in Miami for Drake’s Scorpion tour, I got to have a one-on-one personal conversation with him. I was backstage and this was my first time talking to him in private. It was an inspiring moment and a memory I won’t forget. I even remember the exact way it all happened — from the show and the backstage to the way we were escorted, the level of security that he had and the afterparty. We actually went to dinner afterward and then to a club — I was with Drake the whole time.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

At the beginning of my music career, I would save all my music in my email. I did not even think that I should use a hard drive until one of my friends said: “If you lose access to that or if something happens to your email, all your music is gone.” I definitely learned.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I just released my debut EP, “Before The Win” and can confidently say it is my most emotional, soul-stirring project yet. “Before The Win’’ is a reflection of my life before fame, jewelry and riches; before we could win, we had to lose. This project really gives my fans a piece of my most vulnerable side. It is out now and available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music.

There are quite a few things on the radar for me now — we’ve been working relentlessly. However, the most exciting upcoming project has to be my album. “Before The Win” is actually meant to be a segway to that. The debut album is due in 2022, and it is going to be a game-changer. While many considered my EP to be a highly anticipated project in Canada, I believe my album will really solidify my position in the industry — as a rapper and a hip-hop artist.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

Diversity is extremely important. Representation is important. It inspires people, it moves people and it tells people “this can be you too.” It allows the discouraged to dream again. It highlights opportunities.

We are definitely bettering the culture when we are inclusive, especially on a mainstream level. I think even in the last decade we’ve seen great improvement and effort in regards to inclusivity. However, I must say, the entertainment industry has a major overlap with the art industry, and in the art world, it has always been about individuality. Artists tend to appreciate uniqueness and find value in their differences. It is not by any means a perfect industry, there’s still a lot of aspects that need improvement, but the beautiful thing about entertainment is that, for the most part, we like diversity and we have always been more inclined to celebrate it rather than to frown upon it. Diversity in entertainment — in film and TV — allows us to paint a realistic picture. The world is diverse, that’s just the reality of it, so with representation in film and TV, we achieve an authentic portrayal of the real world. That is important.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

My biggest tip is to be ready. Success is a matter of time. Instead of delaying work, balance work overtime — it is better to be ready than to get ready. Continuous and steady work is best — don’t try to do everything overnight. It requires a commitment to your craft and true dedication. Anyone can have their time. The key is to cease the moment when it’s yours. You definitely want to be ready for that.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Definitely promoting self-love and raising awareness to the importance of mental health. I have a song called “Problems” that is actually dedicated to mental health. I feel it is so important and too often overlooked. For a person, mental health is literally the most important thing. It doesn’t matter who you are — whether you’re an artist, an athlete, a cashier, or a stay-at-home mother. We are all going through life and getting through it. Your mental health is crucial.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My dad — he is my biggest motivator. From the days I was training to be a basketball player when I was young to the present, where I am one of the hottest new hip-hop artists coming out of Canada. He is always in my corner no matter how things play out. He has had such a strong influence in my life since I was a kid, as he was my coach when I played basketball. He has always given me that push and that motivation to be the best I can possibly be.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

There is a special quote that my late best friend Money shared with me once. “Having money with no sense of guidance is the same as being broke.” You see so many people getting millions of dollars and then just blowing it all because they have no sense of how to save, how to invest, where to put it. I’ve always been smart about my money and I am glad I have the ability to manage my own income well.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

Definitely the legendary Allen Iverson. I respect his hustle, his grind, his individuality. A lot of people tried to use him but he rose above all. I have a lot of respect for how he carries himself and how he sees the world. I respect the fact that he was the underdog and became one of the best to ever do it. He was also always pushing boundaries — he changed the game in a lot of different ways and did not care to fit in. He rewrote the rules for the league’s dress code. He is just an inspiring, one-of-a-kind person. A true icon.

How can our readers follow you online?

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

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