No. 28 - Fit for the Stage with Kevin "KO" Olusola

In this fifth and final episode of a Black History Month music series, Grammy-winning musician Kevin "KO" Olusola joins host JP Reynolds for an exchange about soul posture, the democratization of art making, and being in shape to perform.  About Kevin "KO" Olusola: Kevin Olusola is a Grammy-winning musician, beatboxer, cellist, rapper, record producer, singer, and songwriter. Olusola is best known as the beatboxer of the a capella band Pentatonix. After the group won NBC's The Sing-Off in 2011, they released eleven albums, which all charted in the top 5 of the Billboard 200 charts, have sold over 2 million records, and have amassed more than two billion views on their YouTube channel. Olusola has also been identified as developing the art of "celloboxing" (playing cello and beatboxing simultaneously). In 2015 Olusola released his debut solo EP, Renegade, which further showcased his unique classical, pop, hip-hop, and electronica-influenced mix of cello playing, beatboxing, and singing. His latest solo project, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, was released in April 2020.  About JP Reynolds: Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University. Topics of Conversation: Staying Grounded (4:20) • Soul Posture and Success (7:06) • Setting Our Voices Free (11:38) • Stage Fitness (16:38) • The Power and Problems of Social Media (33:44) • Democratization of Art Making (42:19) • Being a Married Touring Musician (48:17) • Expanding the Musical Palette (56:36) • Joy (59:39)  Suggested Documentaries: What The Health • The Game Changers • Forks Over Knives   Check Out Pentatonix's Latest - The Lucky Ones Theme Songs: "Reset (Hold Your Horse)" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY "Elevate" - JP Reynolds + BACHTROY --- Tap in to JP's work with the podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/jpreynolds