KC O`Douwd is a singer, songwriter, composer and producer, who grew up in an extremely musical family. His grandmother, a renowned music teacher, taught him the music apprenticeship at the age of six and showed him how to play the piano. Through an aunt who was successful as a soprano, he had his first stage experience as a child. O’Douwd’s artistic talent showed up early, his interest was not only in music. He sang, designed his own clothes and took pictures. He has shared the stage with artists such as Keith Tynes (The Patters), Ingrid Arthur (Weather Girls), Wanda Jackson (tour guide by Elvis Presley). O’Douwd not only made a name for himself as a singer. In 1998, he co- produced the 2-hour show “Electricity”, which premiered in Munich and played throughout Germany for over 3 years. Besides being a part of the Black & White project alongside Terrel Woodbury, O`Douwd went on to producing his own songs in German and English, as well as composed for other artists and directed video productions in Switzerland. In 2018 O’Douwd started the project “The Vision Tour” with young Swiss musicians, which showcased show their own songs and newly interpreted covers. O’Douwd is involved in various projects in art, fashion and event management. In addition, he teaches young artists, and gives workshops for presentation, performance and impact.
- Can you tell us a little bit about where you come from and how you got started making music?
KC O Douwd: I grew up in a very musical family in Germany, music was a part of my life from early childhood on. I started making music as a little child playing different instruments.
- Have you had formal training or are you self-taught?
KC O Douwd: I am proud and glad I had two excellent singing teachers when I was in my early twenties. I worked hard to pay them and I also practiced a lot what they taught me.
- Who were your first and strongest musical influences that you can remember?
KC O Douwd: Well, my first musical influence really was my aunt, performing with her ensemble in our living room. Later on Simply Red, Prince, David Bowie and Culture Club had a very throng influence on me, to name just a few.
- What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners?
KC O Douwd: The key elements are joy, power and feelings which I want to transport to my audience
- For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style?
KC O Douwd: I was and I am always who I am. I don’t have to hide or be transformed. I want to let out what is in me, whether 20 years ago, now or ten years later. I’ve always done that.
- What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?
KC O Douwd: I love art and music, I believe in respect and mindfulness, we have not pushed the time in this world alone and I think we find ourselves exactly what we are doing, whether we are ecological or human, milliards of people certainly cannot I think the same opinion but music can help bring people together and talk to each other and promote understanding for each other
- Do you ever write a song with current musical trends, formulas or listener satisfaction in mind, or do you simply focus on your own personal vision and presuppose that it will be appreciated by a specific audience?
KC O Douwd: I do always focus on my vision, what I wanna do. I don’t adapt to commercials.
- Could you describe your creative processes? How do you most often start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed musical piece? Do you usually start with a rhythm, a narrative in your head, or a melody?
KC O Douwd: Life writes my texts, I put 1 to 1 into music what I feel and I do it my way. I don’t adapt to the commercial. I’ve been making songs for as long as I think. My style is shaped to see the glow in people’s eyes when they listen to my music. I belong to them and I am honest. I am telling their stories or taking them into the realm of dreams. All that is what I focus on in my creations.
- What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your musical career, or life so far, and how did you overcome the event?
KC O Douwd: I had to overcome the death of loved ones I put my feelings into words and tones. I am a very life affirming person. And I learned nothing can separate us from our loved ones, even the death does not have this power. They are within us and they teach us how precious life is.
- What would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your career so far?
KC O Douwd: I remember the moment when I was on stage with Wanda Jackson and she said to me “great job”.
- If someone has never heard your music, which 5 keywords would you personally use to describe what you and your music is all about?
KC O Douwd: Enjoy life- be and a very difficult question trust yourself- live your dreams- be respectful- never stop learning
- If the name KC O Douwd came up in a conversation among music fans, alongside which other current artists, if any, would you most like to be associated with in that conversation?
KC O Douwd: I can’t answer that, just because I don’t think I am allowed to compare myself with famous and great musicians
- Where do you do most of your recording and production work?
KC O Douwd: Just everywhere
- Could you tell us something about your latest project and where fans can find it?
KC O Douwd: My latest project was the production of “Private Dancer” which the great Tina Turner performed years ago. I produced the song and a video. From July 22 it will be on Youtube.
- Which aspects of the current modern music scene excites you most, and which aspects discourage you most?
KC O Douwd: when the musical styles are reinterpreted or new young voices assert themselves with quality. When young producers have the courage to create creative, extensive works. What annoys me the most is people who, because of their camera appetite, have no respect for the music, don’t hit a sound and don’t protect the world from having to see and hear it.
- Creative work in studio environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excite you most, and why?
KC O Douwd: Live music is what makes my heart jump. The interaction with the band and the audience floating on clouds together.
- How essential do you think video and visual media is in relation to your music? Is it something you pay particular attention to?
KC O Douwd: Music videos were fascinating to me back in the 80s. Even though I didn’t understand everything as a child, the story behind the song and the pictures I saw were very important. Today, I sometimes miss the connections in videos or they are more designed for commerce.
- What is the best piece of advice regarding the music business that you actually followed so far, and what is the advice you didn’t follow, but now know for sure that you should have?
KC O Douwd: Be authentic and stay true to yourself. And what I have not followed, get up early – and I have never regretted it.
- What’s your favorite motto, phrase or piece of advice, you try to live or inspire yourself by?
KC O Douwd: Respect and humility, you are not the center of the world. Learn your craft and have something to say
- What do you find most rewarding about what you do? And do you have a specific vision or goal set in your mind that you would like to achieve in the near future, in or outside of music?
KC O Douwd: To get a shine out of the eyes of the people for whom I sing, to connect people and to give energy makes me happy. I will create fashion in the near future. The great clothes I wear should be available for everyone. And I am looking forward to this challenge.
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