Hailing from Oakland, CA, Kev Choice is a bonafide septet – pianist, M.C., producer, composer, educator, band-leader, and community advocate – threat.

Having already worked and toured the world with top tier artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Michael Franti, Goapele, Too $hort, Ledisi, The Coup, Zion I, DJ Quik, Dwele, and more, Kev – who also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master’s Degree from Southern Illinois University both in Piano Performance – first began to really focus on his own music and band, Kev Choice Ensemble, back in 2010.

Let’s hop right into this latest entry, ‘All This Love,’ featuring Viveca Hawkins — Tell me about this particular track; how did it actually come to fruition?

I really love the music of DeBarge, and especially El DeBarge as a songwriter, composer, and musician. I was playing around with this song and wanted to create a more Jazz influenced feel to it to utilize in my live shows. Originally, we were playing this as an instrumental, and I decided to get the amazing Viveca Hawkins to sing it. That’s how it all came together.

‘All This Love’ follows on the heels of ‘Feel What I Feel’ — Talk to me a lil bit about this composition…

I basically took a song that was in a 4/4 slow feel, and made it into a 6/8 feel. I also re-harmonized some of the chords to give them a different texture and sound.

Both selections come courtesy of your new EP, All My Love — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

This title represents a lot of things for me. First, in reference to love in relationships, with the experiences I’ve been through, I’m trying to get to a place where I share All my love with a person in a relationship. On this project, I talk about the journey of different phases of relationships; from the initial stages of falling for someone, to getting to a place where you know you’ve lost them. I wanted to reflect on the growth, healing, pain, and be transparent that it has been a struggle, but I’m still hopeful, and I’m a work in progress. Being vulnerable is something I feel is needed more from men in Hip Hop. I also, wanted to display a wide range of music styles, that I love, from Hip Hop to Jazz, to Soul, House, Afrobeats, and writing with strings. These are all expressions of love to me as well.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from real life experiences. I’m also a storyteller so I draw from within, using my imagination and creative expression to tell stories I feel will connect with people. I’m also just inspired by artist creation and musicians, past and present. 95% of the time, I’m listening to music and getting inspiration from it. I’m also inspired by people, the beautiful people in my community and life.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Kev Choice?

That’s a long story…I’ve been doing music for over 30 years. But it started with just being curious and listening to my mother and family play music around the house. I was always curious how it was created and how a person could make those sounds. Then I started listening to Hip Hop and really wanted to learn how to rap, and be one of the best. Then I started really wanting to learn piano from seeing Prince in ‘Under The Cherry Moon.’

Now you’re a native of Oakland, CA, correct? And growing up in ‘The Town,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

My strongest musical influences in Oakland were definitely folks like Hieroglyphics and Hobo Junction. Those were the artists I looked up to and pushed me to want to be great as a Hip Hop artist. Also, folks like the Luniz, who I went to junior high school with, and definitely Too $hort, who just paved the way for all Oakland artists. I was also inspired by groups like Tony! Toni! Toné!, En Vogue, Timex Social Club, and Sheila E.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

My style is rooted in Hip Hop, but influenced by Jazz, Classical, R&B, Soul, and music from the African Diaspora.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to get a connection and inspiration from an artist who is always looking to grow, evolve, make positive impact, deepen our collective consciousness, and create spaces we can share in musical expressions in joy and light. Basically, feel the love that I feel when I create and take that and create what they want to contribute to the world. We all need to liberate our creativity. That’s what I want people to get, a feeling of love and liberation.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Stevie Wonder. He is to me the most incredible artist of our times as a musician, songwriter, composer, and social justice advocate. That’d be my dream collaboration.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Madison Square Garden. New York City is the Mecca and if you perform at that venue, it means you have reached the highest level in the music industry. Either there or Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

I feel like it’s not about whether I’m happy about it or not. People are going to express from a state of their experiences and consciousness. There’s a lot of good music and a lot of things I don’t consider add value to the music landscape. We have a lot of work to do as a society to raise our consciousness, which will in turn be reflected in the values of our music. Music is a reflection of the world we are in.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

I refuse to give up and am always looking to grow as a musician. Also, my desire to stay connected and engaged with younger artists and styles of music as they evolve.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

To continue to make community impact as an educator, arts and culture advocate, and entrepreneur.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Writing a piece for Oakland Symphony, and probably going on tour with Ms. Lauryn Hill.

What’s an average day like for you?

Hectic from start to finish! lol. Trying to ground myself in prayer or meditation, workout, meetings, rehearsals, admin work, trying to practice, more meetings, events, rehearsals, and gigs.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I love all my fans and consider them family and respond to them all. As long as they keep it respectful and not too intrusive. I’m also very private.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Keep a deep connection to the music, stay invested in community, never give up, but always evolve.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Multi Grammy Awards, touring the world, writing symphonies, and producing with big name artists…also owning property in Oakland dedicated to arts and culture.

As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Kev?

Liberating the creativity, releasing more music, trying to tour the world as an independent artist.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

Hope this was helpful!!!

— Kev