Name(s)?
Kevens
Where do you live?
Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables
What brought you to town?
Life
Please share about what you do for a livelihood or what keeps you busy during the week?
Wake up early, 4am. Pray. Meditate. If I am with Amber, we do a 5-mile walk. Once a week, I go to Fort Lauderdale to see family and work on family business. In between – I write music, work with my agent, and record.
How do you write a song?
It starts with an idea for a lyric and sometimes it comes with a melody or a beat. A melody is like the wind, you want to catch and ride it as it grows. I’ll take that idea to my bassist and sound it out or send it to my producer with a hook line and ask him to create something around it.
It seems you have taken a creative leap this year. What’s changed for you?
Years ago, I was signed to a label. It did not work out and usually when that happens to an artist, it breaks your morale, it breaks you down. It took me longer than I thought to get back on my feet. Last year I began working on my new show and getting ready to go back to Ultra. I had played at Ultra from 1999 to 2009. The event has blown up all over the world and I felt it was a great platform to make a comeback. I took the opportunity this year to reinvent myself and I’m not stopping. So far, this year I’ve played Ultra in Miami and Korea. We are in negotiations for more festivals this year.
Where else have you played?
All over the world – Russia, Italy- Milan, England, US, Asia, Jamaica – etc…
Do you have a favorite place that you have played? Does any place stand out?
I have a love affair with Japan. I love playing there because they love reggae so hard. And, they love Kevens because I wear costumes and make a fool of myself wearing crazy stuff.
Who designs your costumes?
I have different designers. I find things in friends closest and create some things. We did one costume out of latex. The designer was working on a movie project and adjusted the outfit for my body and size. I am always looking for mystical outfits, like robes. With my height and long hair and the way I dance, I find those looks are best for me.
Does your music fit a genre?
It pulls through reggae, through rock. It continues to evolve, you can’t stick it into one corner.
How has your music evolved?
I listen to my voice now and feel it sounds much better than years back. My songwriting has improved, according to my friends and family. I am more confident in what I am saying. Some of the lyrics that I’ve written over the years were a bit too early, I was caught up in the time and singing the future in way. I feel that now is my time, like a bottle of wine that has been bottled up and it’s ready to open.
Does your music have a mission?
Unite. I believe we are all brothers and sisters – It’s not that you must love someone, but to respect them. My mission through music is that we can achieve that.
What is your plan to release your new songs?
To start – the industry has changed so much. You used to need ‘x’ amount of money and big names, now you don’t need that. Now, we can work more efficiently. Each of my songs has several mixes – dance, acoustic and radio. The same song can go to different people and they can embrace it how they like. Also, people are not listening to full albums anymore. There is so much music, it is tough to stay relevant. This year, my goal is to launch the new songs through Europe – releasing one every few months.
When we first met you and Amber at the Pinecrest market years ago, our discussions quickly went from food to creative passions. For you music, for me jewelry. You had only been together a year and Amber said to you – I’d like Walt to design my ring one day. Amber’s ring is one of my favorite jewelry projects. What was that like for you?
First, I was like Amber you’re so picky – Why this guy? Then, when I watched you on TV, creating the competition piece – I couldn’t wait to call you. I was not sure if I could afford it, but I wanted to do it right. When you gave me the green light, I was so happy. That morning we sat down, I got to go through your process and see what you do. You asked me so many questions about Amber and now I see the answers in the design. The genius of what you created is that the ring is alive. It is an amalgamation of different energies. There is love in it, it is unique and uniquely Amber.
How often do you come to the market?
If I am not there, I am out of town.
Do you have a market ritual? If so, please describe.
It’s a beautiful place, it’s my favorite market. Your stand, Zak the Baker, and Margie at Bee Heaven are the three I go to.
What’s your favorite thing to buy at LNB Grovestand and why?
As a vegan, I love all fruits. Recently, the Emperor lychees. The mamey and egg fruits you have are crazy. I think they are my favorite of all fruits. I always must pick up the massive jackfruits and take a picture. I take your avocados to my mother and she just screams – ‘oh my son, yes!’ – she just loves them.
My favorite smoothie is the rainbow. I want to try one with all six flavors.
I didn’t really experience what Turmeric can do until you. I fell off a rooftop a few years ago and it was rough. I started to drink your tonics and the pain would go away. I just love drinking it.
What’s your favorite thing to buy at other stands at the market?
Margie’s (Bee Heaven) mushrooms and Zak’s bread. Lemoy’s sandwiches are really nice too.
Most-frequented local restaurants and what dish to order:
If you are in Fort Lauderdale, there is a place called Green Bar. They have great vegan food. I am vegan, but once a year I have poke in Hawaii.
For a good bottle of wine, go to Happy Wine in Coconut Grove. You are surrounded by wine and can sit in the middle and order some food. If you eat seafood – they have a great grilled octopus.
What’s the area’s best-kept secret?
The people are the secret. Don’t let the tourists fool you.
A worthy splurge:
Amber has to be involved. Good restaurant, travel, or a great bottle of wine.
The most romantic spot around:
I think of our recent trip to Hawaii. It nature being extremely beautiful. It’s the energy of creation.
Where can we listen to your new music?
Sweet Lady Liberty was released two weeks ago. We will be releasing more soon.
Is there a question that you would like to ask the LNBs?
How does it feel to have created such a niche in the market? – You have so many fans. You are a rock star to me.
(A+W) You are so special to us. We love the market. It is our place to see friends and meet new people. It’s a place where we can test out recipes and learn quickly how to create products that encourage people to try new things.
Is there a question that you would like to ask the community?
I would love to know what you think after watching my new video – Sweet Lady Liberty. Do you think America is the same America we know it to be with all that’s going on?
If you would like readers to be able to contact you, how should they get in touch?
Find me at Kevens.com
And Kevens on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook