Interview: Queens' Own MoneyHouse Kev Discusses His DOPE Single/Video "Chop"
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“I feel like nowadays artists are always trying to keep up with a trend, which causes music to sound similar, mediocre, or non relatable. I use what I go through and how I feel as my weapon.”
What are some things/people/places that influence the music you create?
My number one influence is emotion. I feel like nowadays artists are always trying to keep up with a trend, which causes music to sound similar, mediocre, or non relatable. I use what I go through and how I feel as my weapon.
Sometimes it’s hard expressing yourself to people but for some reason once I connect with a beat its over, whatever is on my mind is coming out. Sometimes going out for a walk or driving through the city can help me brainstorm some ideas to write about as well.
We're huge fans of your new single/video "Chop"; what initially inspired you to write the track itself and how did you connect with its producer, Beatsbyroki?
At first the track was just another song I was working on in the studio, but I noticed a lot of people I let hear it were gravitating more to it than any other songs I made. Eventually I finished putting the song together and re-recorded it at my homeboy Ty Benjamin’s studio.
Normally I only work with production that’s made specifically for my sound and brand but something about this beat caught me, so I looked into the producer, who is Beatsbyroki, and I learned that he produced “Denied in UK” by Lil Durk as well as “Believe Me” by Rod Wave. With those credentials I had faith in his production and I reached out to him via email for the licensing rights and contract.
What do you look for in the production that you write to, and where generally do you find your instrumentals?
in my production I look for Melodies. Once I find the right sound that fulfills my niche I try to fill them in with words and stories. Instruments that I naturally gravitate to are pianos, acoustic or electric guitars, synths, and vocal samples. Generally I receive beat packs and emails from various producers I found liking to but once in a blue moon I’ll go through YouTube beats and find something worth writing to.
Regarding the very lit visual, how did you and the director, Kawal, come up with the treatment, and who was your leading lady?
Around the time of the shoot I was staying in the Hamptons, so everything kind of happened last minute. I ended up driving out to the city around 11/12 pm, at that time Kawal was busy with another client so I had hit up my mans Zeus Anderson who’s also an artist, engineer, and videographer to catch the scenes for me.
The night before I reserved a suite at Hotel Indigo in the Lower East Side so I figured I take advantage and use it for my video. The model I used is Coco aka chokola.goddess on Instagram. Her and I actually met in a deli, it was like 2am; I seen her with a friend and she definitely was standing out, so I ran down and got her info. At that time I didn’t know I would use her for my video but I kept her in mind and I believe everything happens for a reason.
Can we expect to hear "Chop" on an upcoming EP or album in 2022? If so, what can you tell us about the project?
I’m not making any promises, but I am working on an upcoming project surrounding the topics of romance, heartbreak, and betrayal, and “Chop” might actually play a part in the promotion of it or at least make it as a bonus track on the project.
With 2021 winding down to a close, what are some of your goals musically for the new year?
One of my main goals for the new year is to introduce my sound to the world. I’ve been working on my creation for a few years now and “Chop” was like a sneak peek of what I have in store. I also want to get more tapped in with the music industry so I’m looking into doing more features, more videos, and achieving some certifications in music production, recording, and more.
Stream and Share “Chop” on Spotify
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