Featured artist: BALi-KiD - The Ark The Covenant
Below is a short interview with the upcoming underground artist BALi-KiD.
How did you decide to become an artist?
BALi-KiD: BALi-KiD is a national
recording artist who has
played countless venues and
festivals since he was a child
in the late 90’s. He’s lived
hard and had to grow up fast,
with a share of setbacks that
would probably debilitate a
lesser man. Through his
experience of financial successes
& personal failures,
compiled by the losses of
close relationships, either
through death or dilemma,
BALi-KiD has somehow
figured that love is the most
emotive force in this realm of
existence. He has said that,
”Love is power! It’s the power
that fuels my passionate performance
pieces that are
unparalleled to any current
artist of the same genre.”
-[BALi-KiD 2013].
Balintino Hart, also known as "BALi-KiD", was born in metropolitan NY, New York as Tarik Hashim
Harley in the late 20th Century. Many believe that BALi-KiD's early experiences in world's cultural
melting-pot are directly reflected in any form of media in which he chooses to produce by means of
artistic contribution. As a child BALi-KiD had a very uncommon world view. This view made it hard
for most to definitively determine his nationality. Initially, the idea of multicultural appeal, and crossgenre
marketing was so exciting to him, that he became student to vast traditionalist and indigenous
cult leaders. During which time he endured, what he describes as, a "spiritual bidding war".
Like most artist of exceptional aptitude BALi-KiD has been jailed several times. Mostly for his
belief in the holistic healing properties of Tetrahydrocannabinol, and in some cases, illicit allegations
against him were completely falsified. He himself has alluded to the possibility that certain government
agencies may be, or have been out to discredit his character by associating his name with
crime and violence, although there has never been a formidable witness to any violent acts supposedly
committed by Balintino 'BALi-KiD' Hart (known by local government as Tarik Harley). Currently
BALi-KiD is playing the eastern United States region of his tour of the world, promoting his fifth solo
studio album, entitled; BALi-KiD: The Ark Of The Covenant. For dates in towns near you, check
these links.
https://soundcloud.com/bali-kid http://www.youtube.com/user/3xpublishing/videos http://bali-kid.bandcamp.com
The best advice that I’ve ever heard came from Comedian, Actor, Director, Producer Eddie Murphy. He said, ”don’t follow nobody’s advice”.
What about concerts? Do you play live?
Yes, I love to be in front of the crowd. I’ve made unannounced appearances at cozy cafes with just an acoustic rig up and play for time and leave as quietly as I came. I enjoy playing the piano at the Roosevelt, when it’s in tune. And, I still dj clubs, bars, & pubs regularly, even when I’m touring as an artist. I just do it under a different name. You know?
Best punchline you ever wrote?
fuck outta here
What are you currently working on? Did you release something in the past?
I’m currently touring to promote my fifth solo studio album. The name of the tour is ’The Ark Of The Covenant’. It’s named for the album. It’s been a lot of work, but I think I’ll be able to look back on this experience with great joy. You know, first things first, but I try to have fun with everything I do. If I bring that excitement to the stage, the crowd see’s it and they want to join in on the fun. You know that.
Last but not least: Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Will I sign to a major? Yeah, I’ll sign the right kind of contract to a proper alliance. I mean, as you know there’s pros & cons to every event horizon but the overall will cannot be stifled. I say this and mean, the pros of a major contract is of course money, but more importantly, access to experienced professionals whom of which have probably you in someway, at some point in time and can help you achieve the career success that you promised to yourself as a child. I suppose the cons are lack of certain freedoms but how creative or free can you be with limited access or bank?
Any last words?
I’ve learned not to shout to many heads out because, you know, it’s the ones that’s closest to you that, if given the opportunity, will foil your attempts at a better life for yourself or your family. And as far as the city? I’m basically, literally homeless. I’m on tour, making money in different cities, learning about taxes in different states and districts but I haven’t decided where to plant roots yet. Check back a little later, maybe I’ll shout the people of that place out.
Where can we contact you?
BALi-KiD: https://soundcloud.com/bali-kid
Thank you for your time. We wish you and your career the success it deserves.
--
This interview was done by Amanda Aselia, a long time blogger and entertainment journalist specialized in the underground hip hop music field.
Want to get featured too? Apply here to get interviewed!
