Famuan Correspondent Angel Neal sat down and interviewied songwriter/recording artist Kevin Cossom. Cossom has appeared on R&B artists’ tracks such as Trey Songz and Rick Ross. He recently appeared as a panelist for FAMU’s music conference.
1. What was the name of the first song or hook that you wrote that became popular?Go Getta by Young Jezzy was my first big break. The hook was my first huge success. It was crazy to hear it for the first time in the club. I felt good, people were singing what I wrote and I was like it can’t get better than that. Even crazier to hear the song played on the radio.
2. How important do you think it is for songwriters to get their credit from the fan base for the lyrics to a popular song or hook?Having the credit of a song that you wrote is the most important thing. Your name is how people will identify you, it’s your brand. Without people knowing the name of the person behind the lyrics they won’t know who you are. Publishing helps you get your name out there.
3. You’re following a similar path like other artists for example Keri Hilson and Neyo. What made you want to be in front of the camera as opposed to behind the scenes as a writer?My goal was to always be my own artist and pursue my own endeavors. Songwriting was my stepping-stone into the game, but I wanted my own brand out.
5. Did you expect the Grammy nominated song “Knock You Down” to be such a success that it is?Gradually I will say I did expect it to be major, I did the whole concept and everything. I felt like it could be a big record, but you never know. But the song ultimately had a greater chance of being huge because it included some big names. Neyo and Kanye in addition to Keri did their thing on the track. For it to be nominated for a Grammy is huge. To be considered as a Grammy -nominated songwriter is a big thing.
6. MTV.com proclaimed you as “the man,” and you probably don’t even know it yet, how do you feel about that?That’s big. I’ve been networking you know shaking hands with different people and companies. I have a lot of people who are supporting me. But being considered the man is a huge compliment; I’m just going to try my hardest to live up to that.
7. What advice would you give to an upcoming songwriter?You have to stick to it, know your craft. It’s a competitive field; you have to work harder than the next person. Brand yourself, have a catalog of records. It’s a do or die business, dedication is a big. thing, don’t half step.
What was the name of the first song or hook that you wrote that became popular?Go Getta by Young Jezzy was my first big break. The hook was my first huge success. It was crazy to hear it for the first time in the club. I felt good, people were singing what I wrote and I was like it can’t get better than that. Even crazier to hear the song played on the radio.
How important do you think it is for songwriters to get their credit from the fan base for the lyrics to a popular song or hook?
Having the credit of a song that you wrote is the most important thing. Your name is how people will identify you, it’s your brand. Without people knowing the name of the person behind the lyrics they won’t know who you are. Publishing helps you get your name out there.
You’re following a similar path like other artists for example Keri Hilson and Neyo. What made you want to be in front of the camera as opposed to behind the scenes as a writer?My goal was to always be my own artist and pursue my own endeavors. Songwriting was my stepping-stone into the game, but I wanted my own brand out.
Over the past few years you’ve made major connects and penned hits for many R&B and hip-hop names including Young Jeezy, R.Kelly, Rick Ross, Trey Songz just to name a few. What other artists are you interested in working with in the future?I am willing to work with anybody who’s willing to work with me.
Did you expect the Grammy nominated song “Knock You Down” to be such a success that it is?Gradually I will say I did expect it to be major, I did the whole concept and everything. I felt like it could be a big record, but you never know. But the song ultimately had a greater chance of being huge because it included some big names. Neyo and Kanye in addition to Keri did their thing on the track. For it to be nominated for a Grammy is huge. To be considered as a Grammy nominated songwriter is a big thing.
MTV.com proclaimed you as “the man,” and you probably don’t even know it yet, how do you feel about that?That’s big. I’ve been networking you know shaking hands with different people and companies. I have a lot of people who are supporting me. But being considered the man is a huge compliment; I’m just going to try my hardest to live up to that.
How often do you write new material?Writing is a part of my job. Everyday I’m writing. Whenever I’m in the studio I’m writing.
Where can fans pick up your pre-album EP in titled Hook vs. Bridge?Every event or appearance I attend I carry it with me and give out. But if people are trying to get a copy or reach me for whatever, they can hit me up at KevinCossom.com or on Twitter: @KevinCossom. They can download it for free on my website.
What are you looking forward to this year?I’m focusing on releasing my album. Getting the album in stores this year is the goal. I’m still doing a lot of writing though. The shooting of my video for the first single is in the works, so fans should just be on the lookout for that. All I can do is stay focused and prioritize my time.
What advice would you give to an upcoming songwriter?You have to stick to it, know your craft. It’s a competitive field; you have to work harder than the next person. Brand yourself, have a catalog of records. It’s a do or die business, dedication is a big thing, don’t half step.
Anything you would like to share?I just want to encourage those who don’t already have my mix tape to go out and cop it. I’m promoting it heavy.