Meet Kna-Lo Venge | Music Producer/Recording Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kna-Lo Venge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kna-Lo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I didn’t want to work for anyone else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the complete artist, I am one of the few recording artists that can go into the studio alone, start from scratch and create incredible music. My 1st contract in the music business was with MTV as a staff producer. I have tracks in tv shows like Who wants to marry a millionaire, millionaire match maker and most recently The Fresh Prince of Belaire new series. I have toured with AZ (Nas,The Firm), been featured in videos with The Wu-tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, Suga Free and others.

I started producing my own tracks and songs and the engineer was blown away after a while and called Baby Paul who in turn introduced me to the industry.
I kept producing tracks and began shopping them to established recording artists. There were a lot of challenges because there are all types of people in the music industry and none are your friends, People feel threatened by new talents. Jealousy, envy, ego, racism, etc. How you come in and who introduces you around matters a lot. I’ve made mistakes and missteps.

The 1st time I met Russell Simmons I froze and I missed the opportunity. I just introduced myself in the Universal Music Group lobby and he kind of chuckled and said “you’ll get it together” and left. I wanted to kick myself.

One of the things I know for sure is that there are no shortcuts. You have to put the time and dedication in to see any results.
You have to be able to handle rejection. You can never give up, you have to remember that there are millions of people trying to do what you’re doing and if no one knows you. then you have to swallow your ego and call and show up until you’re recognized.
I’ve heard so many people say that they wouldn’t chase anyone or their music speaks for itself but that’s the wrong perspective.
You have to look at it like, this person doesn’t know me and has no reason to give me the time of day. Persistence is key!

Most recently I’ve just returned from England a few months ago to produce, record, perform and shoot a video with an indie-rock band “NEVER STAY DOWN”
The song DAGESTANI SHAKEDOWN is a fight song inspired by the Dagestan UFC & MMA fighters.

I produce and perform many different genres and styles of music. None of my songs are the same. I’m 100% independent.
I grew up a poor kid in Queens, NY in a single mother household, I pulled myself out of a world of crime and drugs. The only thing I’ve ever had that was all mine was my music.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Most of my favorite spots are in NY. Here in California, my favorite spots are the local mom & pop shops ie: Pizza from Mars and the 1000s of Mexican food trucks on the streets.
In LA, I like the Hollywood walk of fame, Chinese Theater, Disney Land, and the trails in the woods. Mountain climbing, and if it’s the Summertime then of course the beaches. I may introduce them to a few of my celebrity friends depending…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Baby Paul-Producer
AZ- Rapper
Shampoo YNVS- Def Jam promotions
D/R Period- Producer
Jill Jones- Prince & The Revolution
Jerome Benton- The Time/The Family
Daysha Britt- Jermaine Jackson Enterprises
Hell Razah- Sunz of Man/Wu-tang Clan
Brent Carter-Average White Band
Pahradice Deliz- Business Partner

Website: https://KNALOVENGE.COM

Instagram: KNALOVENGE

Twitter: KNALO7

Facebook: KNA LO VENGE

Youtube: KNALOVENGEVEVO

Other: https://SHOPKNALOVENGE.COM