We sat down with Kestine after the release of his stellar new tune 'Options', to discuss what influences shaped his unique sound. Be sure to check out the single at the bottom and follow him on socials!
Michael Jackson - "They don't care about us" (Brazilian version)
MJ was the artist that got me into music. My Dad back in the early 90s would pre-record American Music videos to help me learn English. The music video and song, I vividly remember being in awe off was "They don't care about us" I was in awe of the passion, the guitar solo, and the passion infused in the song. I'm not sure how much English I picked up but i would always rewind the VHS and stop at MJ.
50 Cent - Many Men
I don't know why this song resonated with me so much when I in no way grew up in the environment 50 cent did. New York Queens is very different to Cork Ireland, but I had my own tribulations. A young black teenager growing up in Ireland, dealing with racist teachers or ignorant Irish teens, who wanted to fight and test me because I was an outsider. Some fights I won and some I lost, but I remember on a cold Irish rainy day, after school, catching the school bus, and taking a window seat with my portable CD player on hand and the Get rich or die trying album and the one song that felt right was "Many men".
Ray Charles - Georgia on my mind
My Dad is a Pastor, and I grew up in church playing the keys or piano. The song is intricate, soulful and beautiful. Jamie Foxx did an epic job in the Ray Charles movie. It's got the church vibe, some awesome chords and sounds so cool.
Kanye West - Hey Mama
Kanye changed my perspective of rap. Before I was introduced to Kanye West. 50 cent gangster rap was the epitome of cool. However, Kanye broke that mould and allowed me to find my interpretation of hip-hop. "Jesus Walks" was the song that introduced me to him but "Hey Mama" is what allowed me to relate with him. I'm also a huge mamas boy and appreciate everything my mum has done for me, shout out to my mum Mama G.
J Cole - No Role Modelz
If there is one song that is on constant loop in my car its "No role Modelz". J. Cole is my favourite rapper and has some similarities to me. After Kanye, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, helped to further curate my sound and my hip-hop.
Kestine - Options
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