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Rising Singing Star Has The ‘New Twin Cities Sound’
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — There’s no doubt that the Twin Cities has a vibrant music scene. But one rising star’s music is being called the “new Twin Cities” sound.
He’s got the ambition and the drive — some say he possess the talent to be the next big artist to come out of Minnesota.
Kovan Baldwin wants to capitalize on being from the Twin Cities. He grew up listening to the “Minneapolis Sound.”
“Mint Condition, I love Mint Condition,” he said.
From Mint Condition to Alexander ONeal, Morris Day and the Time to Prince, this young artist hopes to follow in their footsteps.
Kovan is quick to point out, his music is different from what you may hear on the radio today.
“I bring a lot of positivity into my lyrics I don’t center around sex or drugs or anything like that. I cater to my audience and cater to the youth as well,” Baldwin said.
His positive lyrics, attitude and lifestyle is the end result of how he was raised.
“Spirituality really plays a big part in my life,” he said.
Spiritual and the kid’s got soul.
“I grew up listening to The Temptations, Michael Jackson, Prince also Luther Vandross and Marvin Gaye — soulful music, I just love it,” he said.
Kovan hopes both young and old listen to his music. He hopes the positve lyrics educates as well as entertains.
“I hope this takes me to the top,” he said. “My goal is to just inspire young people in general because a lot of times today in music they are really putting a lot of negativity in the lyrics and I really want folks to focus on the message.”
Kovan graduated from Augsburg College, since then he has performed all over the Twin Cities. He evened opened for Alexander O’Neal.
His single “Call Me” debuted on FM channel and is currently one of the channel’s most requested songs.
From Sydney to London, Seattle to New York, Kovan hopes to inspre the masses — one listener at a time.
Go to www.vtyo.com and Vote for Kovan's
"Next To You"
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Kovan Baldwin Mpls R&B Artist
Kovan Baldwin is 23 years old and one of the next R&B artists to emerge from our city, Minneapolis Minnesota. Though Baldwin was originally born in Seattle Washington he is proud to call the TC his home. “My goal is to hopefully get my city behind me which is hard to do especially being different…” said Baldwin, and his uniqueness is easily identifiable, even after just brief conversation.
As you may quickly group Baldwin into a group of young people here in the Twin Cities who are only on their music hustle, Baldwin truly does stand out, as “artist” is not the only title behind his name. Baldwin has taken another big step as a young African American male, as he is also able to brag his accomplishment as a college-graduate, an achievement that belongs to approximately 8% of Black men in the United States. With success laid out for his future in many different areas, Baldwin himself is very humble.
“As an artist I want to build my community up and help out the youth and really be a positive role model. Never be too big to help someone.” Baldwin is constantly setting himself apart not only as a person, but also as an artist, even when it comes to other music within his genre. “Everything is centered around sex, money drugs and what your worth is on what you’re rocking…I want to reach and touch the world with my voice and stay positive and be a light to the whole world. Fame is nice but that’s not what means it to me. I have a message and won’t be denied.”
Listening to Baldwin you will hear romantic beats, sweet vocals, and sincere lyrics. “I like long walks on Calhoun and candlelight…” Baldwin jokingly comments. But you’ll never hear anything over- provocative. Baldwin describes his own music as “…R&B, with a kick of Pop and Soul,” influenced by some of his favorite artists including Michael Jackson and Usher, “[I] just love their art and how their music paints a picture. It touches my soul, I want to do that and have that impact on others as well.” The many opportunities Baldwin has walked into as a result of his work is definitely allowing him to do just that.
With past opportunities to do shows with artists such as Lenny Williams and Pleasure P., Baldwin’s music career continues to excel. “I try and perform as much as possible. I don’t have a booking agent or manager so whatever opportunity arises I go for it. I love the Fine Line Café and performed at First Ave in Minneapolis.” Said Baldwin,
“I’m supposed to be performing Sept 3rd, 2012 at the grand stand for the Wiz Khalifa concert which will be huge.”
Baldwin is truly on his way to big things with his accomplishment as an artist and also a graduate from Augsburg University with a major in Broadcast and Journalism. Make sure you check out his music including his first single “Call Me.”
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