Rising Stars: Meet Kourt MeQui of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kourt MeQui.

Hi Kourt, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
So, I have been singing since I was a child. And, I started perusing a career in music when I was about 14/15 years old. When I was younger and trying to be a singer, I would go to different auditions, because back then things were really different! You could find an ad in the paper, from a producer, who would be looking for a singer! lol crazy! And, back then I was young and energetic! I’d be down to go and sing, whenever, wherever. I was actually in a 3 girl group for a very brief moment, and things just really started feeling weird and unsafe for me. I didn’t really have any support. No one who was willing to go with me to these strange places, which for a young girl is obviously not ok! My grandmother would offer to go with me, but she was my grandma, a church lady. I couldn’t have her in those types of environments! So, when things started feeling strange, I stopped singing. Completely! Many years later, my wife and I became a thing, and she realized that I can sing, and she started encouraging me! So much so, that she turned our guest bedroom into a studio! Bought a bunch of equipment, and learned how to engineer, and all of the backend stuff that comes with distribution and putting music out! Long story, already long, lol but to shorten it, my wife is and has always been my number 1 fan, which in turn is my motivation! And, now I’m not only a singer but, my writing has grown, tremendously!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Now, with social media, it’s so crazy because some things are easier, but some things really are harder. It’s easier to actually out music out now, because we can do everything on our own- independently! But, when you’re a new artist, it’s SO hard to get eyes on you, if you aren’t already popular for something else! And, I’ve been running into that “people who know me, actually support me LESS now” thing! The people who actually know me, used to be all in my likes and comments, UNTIL, I started taking my music seriously! CRAZY!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So, I’m a singer. And, I can actually sing lol. I feel like, that’s rare these days. People aren’t really drawn to talent anymore.
Im most proud of the simple fact that, I really am putting my music out there, no matter how hard it is. No matter how discouraging it can feel, sometimes!
What sets me apart is my sound/ sounds. People typically groups black women singers in the “R&B” group, but I’m not R&B! I’m drawn to different sounds. I like different sounds. And, I really am not into slow draggy songs! I’m into more upbeat songs. I like beats that are hard to write to. Hard to keep up with!

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m a huge risk taker! That’s why I don’t gamble lol. I don’t believe in “playing it safe”, I feel Ike that gets you nowhere! I do believe in having a plan, but you still have to take risks! The biggest risk I’ve taken, is moving across the country, away from everyone that I know and love! I knew that I wanted a certain type of life, and I knew that I could get it! I had to do it! And, that’s how I feel about risks, when we know that they’re to better us. We have to do it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kourtmequi.hearnow.com/after-midnight
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kourtmequi
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kourtmequimusic
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kourtmequi