Lets Meet Singer, songwriter and dancer Michaelangelo Kudo
Today on our Hot Seat we have Michaelangelo Kudo (Singer-Songwriter/Dancer of Sho Sho Kudo Music; founder/CEO of MK15 Productions. He has just released a new album called “Thoughts Of A Virgin” which was a surprise Valentine’s Day gift to the #KUDOGENERATION fans. . Lets have a chat with him.
Twist Online : Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Michaelangelo Kudo : My name is Michaelangelo Kudo, and I am a 19-year-old musician hailing from Brighton, South East England (UK); currently studying BA1 Music Production at BIMM Brighton!
Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to get into music industry?
Michaelangelo Kudo : What inspired me to be in the music industry was seeing what the greats had accomplished, way before I became a sparkle in anybody’s eye. Artists like James Brown, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars; those are the main three that I look up to in terms of showmanship, dedication, passion, energy, musicianship, creativity and making one hell of an entrance. Although Michael remains one of the biggest influences in my music as well as my personal life; I wanted to be the musician that brought back the authenticity of music and what it really meant to create something that would not only stand the test of time; but would remain true to me and what I experience in all forms of life.
Twist Online : Tell us about your recently released Album ‘Thoughts Of A Virgin’?
Michaelangelo Kudo : “Thoughts Of A Virgin” – there is a funny story that goes with it in order for me to Michaelangelo Kudo the Twist Online. Before I changed the title to “Thoughts Of A Virgin”, it was originally called “Sex On Fire”; an EP that had four tracks to begin with. The other ten tracks were added on to the EP-now turned-album; I have to admit that I had a lot of fun writing the songs because to me, it had to not only be organic but it had to remain true to what I felt and how I felt going through those kinds of emotions. And these are emotions that I have never felt before, hence why “Thoughts Of A Virgin” (thanks to the last-minute suggestion of Binh Le) sounded like a much more thought-provoking and provocative album title. Besides, who doesn’t feel turned on from time to time?! 😉 I wrote all of the songs for the album, Chris Mandiangu produced and executive produced my whole album in its entiriety: from the instruments, the programming, all the way down to the mixing and mastering. As with any body of work that comes out from me or any of the Sho Sho Kudo Music clan; it is always written by us, self produced and we handle all of the technical bits too. Even the artwork!
Twist Online : What kind of response it has received so far?
Michaelangelo Kudo : Considering that the album is actually a free downloadable project straight off of the SoundCloud, it’s building the buzz up so I can’t be exactly sure of what kind of response it has received critically. But one thing that I do know is that people will never look at me in the same way again; and that is pretty much how I want it to be. I want it to shock you, I want you to feel sexy and not know what to do with yourself; and I’m not one to have a potty mouth, but everything I say on record is unfiltered and raw.
Twist Online : Any particular track of the Album that’s your favorite?
Michaelangelo Kudo : My favourite tracks from the album are: Lizzy (Dancefloor Affairs), I Touch Myself, Nicole Snow, F*ck Me, Activate Your Sex, Get Your Sexy On (featuring the wonderful Ines Garcia) and possibly Anything. But that’ll change from time to time.
Twist Online : Any particular music genre that inspires you?
Michaelangelo Kudo : I’m always influenced by old school music, especially pop/R&B/rock/soul/funk/Congolese music/gospel/blues/jazz; so I am always inspired by what I hear or what I could go through that would lead me into writing songs that are so sensual and provocative. At the moment, I’m loving Bruno Mars; he is who I am constantly listening to.
Twist Online : Have you set some goals to achieve as a music artist?
Michaelangelo Kudo : Yes I have, but I am very private about my goals. The most important thing about setting goals is being unapologetic and long-term about your vision. Know what you want and never be afraid to get it, even if you get sidetracked. Always have a positive and optimistic mindset, even at the worst of times. Persevere, be consistent, persistent; if this is what you want to do, see this until the end. I’ve lost money trying to promote my music, especially albums that I have released in the past; but if plan A doesn’t work, find another billion ways of making it work. Never ever give up, doubt kills dreams more than fear.
Twist Online : Are you working on any new project?
Michaelangelo Kudo : That would be telling! You’ll know what I have coming for you next; maybe a follow up to this album could be in the works? 😉
Follow me on:
Facebook: Sho Sho Kudo Official
Twitter: @ShoShoKudoOfc
Instagram: @ShoShoKudoOfficial
SoundCloud: Sho Sho Kudo Official
YouTube: Sho Sho Kudo Music
Kik: Sho Sho Kudo Music
