Meet Klayko | Father, Recording Artist, Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Klayko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Klayko, how do you think about risk?
To be completely honest, I actually don’t think about risk. I more so think of the work that’s needed to be put in as well as the reward after the work has been applied. I feel that I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today if I hadn’t taken risks. Taking risks has also taught me grand lessons that are forever stored within me. Granted not all of the risks that I have taken this far in my life/career were ones that I’m proud of but that is what taking risks is all about. Sometimes the measures in which we go to further our personal life/career path are measures that actually teach us how to take better risks or make better choices.

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.
My music is a complete reflection of me. Over the years I have turned to music to get me through some rough points in my life. I feel that the raw passion, honesty, work ethic, and feeling behind my music is what sets myself apart from others. I am most proud of the courage and determination I’ve displayed throughout my musical journey. Not only have I stepped out of my comfort zone but I’ve also created an impact on others by sharing my story and being a voice for those who may be just as introverted as myself. I have made it this far professionally by staying hungry, staying humble, and by simply just being me. It hasn’t been an easy journey but I prefer it that way, it has shaped and molded me into the artist and man that I am today. I overcame all of the adversity by remaining focused as to who and what I do it for. My family is my biggest motivation and I owe them the world. I want the world to know that I am motivated to impact the lives of all through my music and my brand in a unique and positive way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well considering I’m an Augusta native myself it would be somewhat of an experience for me as well. So far I’ve enjoyed different spots in Atlanta. One of my favorite places to go and enjoy myself would be right on Edgewood (where my professional music career started). My best friend and I would go to Our Bar for starters to enjoy the scene. Rather it be a Playlist Party or karaoke night. During the course of the week I’ll definitely take my friend to Harold’s to enjoy the infamous fried chicken! Another location with a great vibe is Little 5 Points. I always find something new to enjoy out there. From the local shops to the bomb restaurants. Although I haven’t learned all the names just yet, one of my favorite places to visit is Moods Music shop. They have an amazing atmosphere filled with all types of music and even a corner of the shop has an area where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the delicious vegan nachos. Last but not least I’d take my friend to two amazing studios. One studio in particular would be the legendary Stankonia Studios where I’ve met some pretty amazing people as well as artists. The other studio would be Love Work Studios where I personally recorded the majority of my music myself. It’s always a great vibe being there and doing what I love.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I would like to give a huge shoutout to my parents for trusting me and supporting me in the career path that I chose (Musical Artist). I would also like to shoutout my brother Sabo World for motivating and encouraging me every step of the way (this goes for in and outside of being an artist). I would also like to shoutout my sister Camill, my brother-in-law Q, my Aunt Eunice, my cousins Umoja and Alvin, and all other family members or close friends that have contributed and have supported my career this far. I would also like to shoutout J. Wise, DJ Ugh, and all of the other persons apart of Playlist Academy for giving me an opportunity to showcase my talents as well as build my brand as an artist and entrepreneur. I would like to shoutout God for watching over me and taking care of all seen and unseen obstacles along the way. Last and definitely not least I would like to shoutout my two amazing kids Cairo and Zen. Without them I am nothing. They are my reasons as to why I chose to do what I do.

Instagram: @therealklayko

Facebook: Klay Ko

Image Credits
Instagram handles @capturedbycasso @saboworld @pictureme_je @eye.of.hvbris