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 When you think of Kato, you think of the brown eyed, blonde haired, smooth skinned kid who won over the hearts of women (and men) alike. It seems just yesterday when Kato was introduced to the world by mentor and close friend Kamikaze Kate. After the reigns were loosened, Kato's attack on the music industry began to show as he was everywhere, heard everywhere, seen everywhere. There was no denying his talent or his impact although that doesn't stop the doubters. After releasing a top charting album filled with hits and admiration from fans, the singer left us wanting for more. In a funny twist of events, it wasn't until later when he would release more music and find himself in the tabloids alongside new found friend, Austin Nimmo, that he would get the "bad boy" image he'd never had before. Even so, it didn't slow his music down or his tons of admirers from continuing on. Now, 20 years old, the singer is on his sophomore album and even has a new love life that we don't know much about other than that the two are apparently happy. With a new look, new music, and a new album on the horizon, Kato is ready to take the world by storm once again. -
Why did you decide to debut two new singles instead of one?
"I thought since it took me forever to finish the album and I knew my fans would be waiting, I thought instead of just one single they would enjoy two singles more. It's great because I feel they both sort of balance each other out and work hand in hand, like much of the album does. Now that I have the final two singles before the album comes out, I just feel like my fans will be happy that there's more music coming out and there's even more in the future."
Is this album much different than "IMPRINT" or do the two connect?
"This album is very different from my previous. For one thing, there's much more R&B than before. My last album was more of me trying to make my presence known and this time it's really about seeing where I can go with my music. I've already gotten my sound together and with this album it's all about keeping the statement I made alive with the first album."
What was the most challenging thing about recording?
"I think anyone can agree, you never really want to be repetitive and you want to show that you've grown as an artist, which I believe I have. I've learned a thing or two since two years ago and I wanted to show that with this album. Every artist definitely wants to be different and stand out and set themselves apart from other artists, which I feel this record does for me because it's genuine and it's a bit more mature."
What was the inspiration for "For The Record" and why the name?
"I named it that because majority of the album, I'm addressing some things that have been said about me in the media or by fans that I've seen on social media, stuff like that. It's like me basically telling my side of things and being able to say how I feel. The last album I wanted to make an imprint and this record I wanted to let people know the true Kato, who I really am."
Your friendship with Austin Nimmo has been under attack lately. Do you consider him a good friend or is the media overreacting?
"I think people tend to overreact at our friendship. It's a great friendship, we're best friends, you know? He's my buddy and we're close so I don't know why that would bother some people. He's a great friend and I trust him completely. I know the media likes to try and pit people together for no reason but it's not happening with us."
Do you see a lot of similarities in him from yourself?
"I do, that's why we click so well. We like the same things, share the same passion for music, and all that. I was new before and when this life hits you, it really hits you. There's really no manual you can read on how to handle all of this and I think that you know, he's made some mistakes, but he's owned up to them and he continues on with his life. That's the one thing that will always impress me is how some people can take so much but still succeed. And he deserves it all too, all the happiness, I'm proud of him."
How would you describe "Gentleman" and "The Game" and what makes them the perfect choice as your last two singles before the album?
"First, I would describe "Gentleman" as this really great summer track. It's fun and easy to listen to, a bit of an 80's themed beat to it and you hear a little influence from the king, MJ, and it's one of my favorite tracks I've done. Then you have, "The Game" which is completely different from the other. This is more slow tempoed and sexy. They are perfect because they compliment each other, you can go from one to the other without missing a beat. It was really hard to keep "Gentleman" a secret for so long but I'm glad it's out now."
There's a clear sense of Michael Jackson and R&B in your latest singles, is that the same for the rest of the album?
"There's a few more tracks with his influence in it. I have a track called "Wonder" and "Don't Have To Say A Word" was of course influenced by it. I would say I tried to create my own sounds this time and I didn't rely heavily on his."
Do you prefer collaborations or working alone?
"I prefer both. I love working with people, of course. I think that's one of the best ways to meet other artists because most people are stuck in their own corners but you have to go make those connections and some of the greatest songs are collaborations. I don't have that many collaborations on this album but I'm always welcoming people to work with me. If the time and situation is right, why not? But I understand working alone because you have to really make your own mark and have your own style so people know who you are."
Will there ever be a Kato and Victoria collaboration? There were talks of you guys going into the studio before but the track never surfaced, any ideas on when or if we'll ever get to hear it?
"I don't know what really happened to it, you'll have to ask Victoria, haha. But If she's ever up for it, I'd be up for it but there's no pressure just because we're a couple to do a song together. We don't feel we have to do some big thing to show the world we're in love. But you guys should definitely go check out her album, "Beautiful Mess" because it's one of the greatest Pop albums ever."
Your relationship with Victoria is very private, is that on purpose?
"We choose to be very private because that's just who we are. We like having inside jokes and our own little world without the media trying to mess it up. I mean the world already tries to know about my every little move so I'd like to have this one thing at least private."
For the new album, you've changed your look and even gotten some more tattoos. Are you trying to make yourself more "adult-like" or was it just something you wanted to do?
"I'm growing up and I just decided to let my hair grow out a little bit, and I've always wanted tattoos and I like my new look. It's just part of growing up and changing. Sometimes you just want to switch it up and do new things."
Is the industry more challenging to please as opposed to a few years go or do you find yourself still connecting with the same audience?
"I think since you have more social media, people can become stars overnight now. Then you have them go into the industry and they find it's harder than they imagined. The fans are tough sometimes and they don't just accept anyone so I think it's gotten harder. You've got some great talent out there that's still undiscovered after all these years. I'm lucky to have some of the same fans but I'm sure I've gained new ones and probably lost some but that's a part of growing and changing."
You were criticized for your Valentine's Day concert in which you stated it was "for the ladies only" and some people were offended but there were also reports that some men snuck in to the concert as well. Do you find that uncomfortable?
"I don't, it doesn't bother me. It was a poor choice of words and I welcome anyone to my shows. I think it's kind of awesome that I can attract men and women. That's a bit of an ego boost."
People say Dominic Brown is the only male artist right now to successfully crossover from R&B and Pop. Do you think you'll do the same or will you stay more Pop oriented?
"I think I'll always gravitate to Pop more but I do love R&B. Sometimes I can't help it and whatever comes out in the studio, it's not really intentional. He is doing an amazing job with doing both consistently but sometimes my music just comes out more Pop."
Seeing the fandom wars that take place, do you ever want your fans to calm down or does it not bother you?
"Fans always get carried away because they are really passionate about the people they support. I do wish sometimes they weren't so aggressive towards me, my friends, my family, and anyone I love. But I know where they come from, they come from a good place. I don't approve of some of the things they say or do but I love my fans regardless. But I do think fandoms should chill in general."
Now after your first album, there was no tour but you're finally going to be heading on the road for one. Any idea when we can expect that?
"There will be a tour, ladies and gentleman. I promise there will be a tour, a huge tour, a massive tour. I haven't been on the road in a while but I'm anxious to get back out there. I really want to see my fans and I really want to perform all my new songs and my old ones too so yes, there will be one. You can expect more information when the time is right. For now, I'll just get the album out and then be glad that it's finally out. The album is out next month by the way so get ready."
So there you have it folks! And we've also gotten the honor of debuting his two new singles on our website which you can hear below! The videos for the singles will also be out later tonight.
 
FINALLY, THEY ARE HERE! We thought we would have to wait YEARS before hearing another blessed Kato track on the internet, but the wait is now over. "Gentleman" and "The Game" serve as the fourth and fifth single to be released form Kato's upcoming sophomore album, "For The Record" which is due out next month in July. As much as Kato teased the new singles and albums, we at Billboard can say the tracks were definitely worth the wait. Showing just how much of a Pop lyricist and mastermind he seems to have become in just a little over 2 years, Kato delivers two perfect tracks which are also different from one another in sound, lyrical content, and tone. "Gentleman" serves as the friendly, funny, pop track while "The Game" serves as the sexy, cunning, track which both fit Kato perfectly. Although they are generally about a girl, he sets out to talk about in different ways. In the 80's inspired pop track, "Gentleman" Kato is more focused on his debonair ways to impress a girl more so anything else. He uses his slick and witty words as always to talk about how he prefers to treat his women like a gentleman rather than pretend to be something he's not, as expressed in the lines, "But I remind myself, to stay the one thing that made you fall in love/And that's a gentleman" before going off to an 80's themed jam session in between the verses. If anything, it shows Kato is growing with his music not only lyrically but musically as well. Long gone are the days of the cookie cutter laced beats and simple minded lyrics. The now 20 year old is out on a mission to proclaim his growth spurt and now manhood by giving us the real Kato that we're so anxious to see and hear for years to come. We've yet to get that full on sex track from Kato but with songs like these, something tells me we aren't far off now.
Released: June 11th, 2015
Format: Digital download
Recorded: 2015
Genre: Pop, R&B, Funk
Length: 3:19
Writer(s): Katriel Comyns, Ammar Malik, Jason Evigan
Producer(s): Rico Love, Ammar Malik, Jason Evigan
"Gentleman" is the fourth single from Kato's soon to be released album, "For The Record." It was produced by Rico Love, Ammar Malik, and Jason Evigan. It was written by Kato, Jason Evigan and Ammar Malik. The track was released along with the fifth single, "The Game" serving as a duo single release in support of the album. Although the track was debuted to a few lucky fans who were lucky enough to see Kato in concert on Valentine's Day, the singer has managed to keep it under wraps for the last few months. To describe the single would be to simplify it, and although it's not thought provoking or deep, it's one of the few Pop songs of the year to stand out and become an instant classic on its own. "Gentleman" is nothing short of an 80's themed, R&B track with some hints of funk and pop mixed into it to deliver an ear satisfying single. Topped with Kato's silky and a tad bit nasally vocals, he croons about being a gentleman in order to keep his girl happy, also saying it's hard to remain that way sometimes when she's around. Even with the super cheesy bridge, "Kissing is the language of love, so how about we have some long conversations" you still can't help but to smile, shake your head, and continue on bopping to the song. 4/5
[Verse 1]
Pull out your chair and compliment you all the time
Even when there's no occasion
A woman so rare that it's getting hard to find
Reasons to let you out of my presence
[Pre-hook]
But I'm not trying to be all up in your space
I'm not trying to be all up in your space
[Hook]
I wanna go insane, I wanna lose my mind
Just the thought of you, just the thought of you is more than enough
I wanna go insane, I wanna lose my mind
But I remind myself, to stay the one thing that made you fall in love
And that's a gentleman
[Verse 2]
So many times I have to keep myself contained
But you've always made me feel that way (ooh)
Don't even see another female in my view
I'd rather have the best and that's you (you, you)
[Pre-hook]
But I'm not trying to be all up in your space (in your space)
I'm not trying to be all up in your space (Woo)
[Hook]
I wanna go insane, I wanna lose my mind
Just the thought of you, just the thought of you is more than enough
I wanna go insane, I wanna lose my mind
But I remind myself, to stay the one thing that made you fall in love
And that's a gentleman
[Bridge]
Kissing is the language of love
So how 'bout we have some long conversations?
Kissing is the language of love
So how 'bout we have some long conversations?
[Hook]
I wanna go insane, I wanna lose my mind
Just the thought of you, just the thought of you is more than enough (enough)
I wanna go insane, I wanna lose my mind
But I remind myself, to stay the one thing that made you fall in love (made you fall in love)
I wanna go insane, I wanna lose my mind (ooh)
Just the thought of you, just the thought of you is more than enough (just the thought of you)
I wanna go insane, I wanna lose my mind
But I remind myself, to stay the one thing that made you fall in love (makes me fall in love)
And that's a gentleman
And I'm a gentleman
Sounds Like:
//
Released: June 11th, 2015
Format: Digital download
Recorded: 2015
Genre: PBR&B
Length: 4:12
Writer(s): Katriel Comyns, Sunny Monroe
Producer(s): Layla Raine, Stephan Moccio
"The Game" is the fifth official single released from the album, written by Kato and Sunny Monroe with production from Layla Raine and Stephan Moccio. With a more toned down mood as opposed to the previous single, Kato sets out to set the mood with a metaphorically charged track complete with a dramatic orchestra and all. The sound is mature here and a complete 360 from "Gentleman." There's a much more suave feeling as Kato sings about the metaphorical game which he refers to as being their relationship. It's something anyone with a significant other can relate to, the games in the relationship that can either make or break you. IN this song however, it seems like Kato has found common ground in making the game a bit more steamy than usual, with some sexual metaphors such as "Cause when we go, we go until nothing's left" which could be harmless enough but the world has a dirty mind 90% of the time. The vivacious violins give the track the life it would be so desperate to have if they were left out. Not to say Kato's soft vocals don't also do the trick, but the production is some top notch stuff. Kato's high falsettos are also getting much better and sexier. So far, this album is turning out to be a truly great one, possibly even greater than his last! 5/5
[Verse 1]
Played this game so many times now
But we know that you don't, no you don't like to lose, lose, lose
Forever stubborn
But baby
I love to push your buttons
[Pre-hook]
Though you think you are two steps ahead
In my mind I've already made my plans
It's time to make your move, move, move
It's time to make your move, move, move, move, yeah
[Hook]
Don't get impatient
Mask your frustrations
But play your best hand
We'll go again
You kno-o-o-o-ow that I'm gonna win (I win)
You kno-o-o-o-ow that I'm gonna win
[Verse 2]
I tell you no quitting is allowed (oh no)
Cause when we go, we go until nothing's left, left, left
Persuade to get your way
But baby
Two can play that game
[Pre-hook]
Though you think you are two steps ahead
In my mind I've already made my plans
It's time to make your move, move, move
It's time to make your move, move, move, move, yeah
[Hook]
Don't get impatient
Mask your frustrations
But play your best hand
We'll go again
You kno-o-o-o-ow that I'm gonna win (You kno-o-o-o-ow I'm gonna win) (I win)
You kno-o-o-o-ow that I'm gonna win
Now we both get to walk away
Lessons learned, and no regrets
Preparing for another round
The endless victories keeping me bound (me bound)
And you keep coming back for mo-o-o-o-ore (I win) mo-o-o-o-ore (I win)
[Hook]
Don't get impatient (Don't get impatient)
Mask your frustrations (Mask your frustrations)
But play your best hand (Play your best hand)
We'll go again (We'll go again)
You kno-o-o-o-ow that I'm gonna win (You kno-o-o-o-ow I'm gonna win) (I win)
You kno-o-o-o-ow that I'm gonna win (You kno-o-o-o-ow I'm gonna win)
Don't get impatient....
Mask your frustrations....
But play your best hand...
We'll go again...
Sounds Like: Edited by user 12 June 2015 12:57:54(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified |
