Alright, so first, I’d like you to introduce yourself — your name, what you do, and how long you’ve been doing it for.

"My name is Kay L. I’m a hip-hop artist as well as an activist. I’ve been creating music and performing for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been involved in the creative arts."

Awesome. Let’s start with the first question — what emotion or truth are you most often trying to capture when you create music?

"It’s really whatever I’m feeling in that moment. You try to capture whatever you’re going through — whether that’s happiness, sadness, anger, or even not wanting to talk to anyone. Everyone experiences those emotions, so when you translate them honestly through music, people connect. That’s what I love about music — it’s universal. Even if someone doesn’t know you personally or understand your background, they can still relate to what you’re saying."

Exactly. Can you describe a moment in your life that completely changed how you approach your art?

"Definitely my high school talent show. I did a Michael Jackson performance — he’s my biggest influence. After that, everything changed. I’d go to other schools across the city, and people would recognize me like, “Aren’t you the guy who did Michael Jackson?” Teachers brought it up for weeks, even years afterward. That’s when it clicked — that buzz, that feeling of this is what I’m meant to do. From that day, I never questioned it again. I knew I didn’t want anything else in life."

 It’s wild how one experience can shift your entire perspective and give you that sense of purpose.

"A hundred percent."

So how do you balance vulnerability and self-protection when expressing personal experiences through your music?

"That’s a good one. I think there are some things that should stay private. Everyone — not just artists — needs a bit of mystery. Of course, you want to express what you’re going through, but you don’t have to share every single detail. It’s important to find that balance for your own sanity — to know what to show the world and what to keep for yourself."

I agree. You want people to relate, but you still have parts of yourself that are sacred — that make you who you are.

"Exactly."

How do you define success as an artist, and has that definition evolved over time?

"Honestly, my definition hasn’t really changed. I think we’re all put on this planet to figure out what our talent is — what we’re good at — and then strive within that realm to push culture and humanity forward. That’s success to me: using your talent to make a difference. Whether you’re a construction worker improving lives through your work, a chef making people happy through food, or an artist inspiring others through music — that’s success. If you’ve found what you’re good at, can live off of it, and use it to move humanity forward, you’ve made it. Yeah — and that applies to every craft."

What’s something you want your listeners to feel or realize after hearing your music, beyond just enjoying it?

″Uplifted. I want my music to lift people’s spirits. Music can ease stress, soothe heartbreak, and relieve worry. It can even make you forget about your problems — your bills, your job, everything — for just three minutes. That’s the power of music. There’s nothing else that taps into emotion the way music does. It can completely shift your mood.″

Absolutely. It’s like timeless energy — a song made decades ago can still move someone today.

″Exactly. It’s powerful like that.″

What part of your creative process do you think reveals the most about who you truly are?

″Either writing or performing. Recording doesn’t really show who you are — but when you’re writing, you’re pouring yourself into the lyrics. And when you’re performing, that’s when people really see your personality. Writing is private — no one’s around. Performing, though, is when the world meets the real you.″

When you write, do you usually do it when you’re emotional, or does it just come naturally?
″It’s random for me. It doesn’t come from having a bad day or something specific — it just hits. A lyric or a melody will pop into my head, and I’ll think, ‘Whose song is that?’ Then I realize — it’s mine. Laughs. That’s why I don’t even like to take writing credit sometimes. I feel like the song already exists in the universe — we just meet it. God just chooses certain voices to bring it to life.″

That’s a beautiful way to see it. Have you ever created something that scared you to share?
″Yeah. I had an altercation with the police — it was in the news — and I wrote a song called Revenge. It was angry, raw, and very real. But I was scared to release it because the police knew me by name and face. My parents told me, ‘If that’s how you feel, release it.’ But honestly, I was afraid. I never put it out. I think it would’ve caused more problems than it solved.″

That makes sense. Sometimes it’s better to protect your peace — even when you’re expressing the truth.

″Exactly.″

What keeps you grounded or inspired when you hit creative blocks or moments of self-doubt?
″I don’t really experience self-doubt. The doubt is already all around — from labels, fans, even friends. If you doubt yourself too, you won’t make it. This industry is too cutthroat for that. When I hit creative blocks, I just give it time. You can’t force it. I’ve learned not to impose my ideas on the music — the music tells me what it needs. That’s something spiritual. When I feel stuck, I just wait for the music to speak.″

That’s such a grounded perspective. Everyone has their own process, but understanding your rhythm makes the journey so much healthier.

″Exactly. When you give yourself time, the result is always better.″

If you could talk to your future self as an artist, what would you hope he’s achieved — not just in fame, but in meaning?

″I’d hope my future self has touched a lot of lives. Legacy means more to me than fame. I just want to be remembered in a positive light — to know I impacted people in a real way.″

That’s powerful. I love that. How has the place you live — the culture, the people, the atmosphere — affected your artistry, either positively or in a challenging way?

″Both, honestly. Living here gives us a lot to talk about because of the struggle — how hard it is to make it out of a smaller scene. Calgary isn’t one of the major music hubs. There aren’t a lot of labels or resources, so you have to grind ten times harder. But that’s what makes the reward sweeter — we’ll be able to say, we did it ourselves. And Calgary’s rising. You can feel it — it’s peaking right over the mountaintop. It just needs that final push. One day, it’ll be cool to be from here, just like how it became cool to be from New York or Atlanta. Someone has to make it cool first — and that’s where we’re at right now.″

Exactly. The culture’s building — it’s only a matter of time.
″A hundred percent.″

Alright, last question. What’s next for you, and what are your goals moving forward?
″Next, I’ve got a new music video called Rotate — we’re aiming to release it in November. I’m also going on tour in 2025 with a major R&B artist — can’t announce who yet, but it’s huge. As for goals — they never end. Once you hit one, you already have five more lined up. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon — constantly moving forward. My main goal is just to keep elevating, uplifting people, and doing what I love.″

Okay, let’s start by having you introduce yourself. Give us your name — stage name or performance name if you have one — what you do, and how long you’ve been doing it.

"My name is Amarie. I make music, write poetry, design fashion, and paint — pretty much create anything you can think of. I started writing my own music when I was about 18, but I’d been writing poetry long before that. I just eventually put two and two together — and that’s what created the thing.″

So you already had that essence of tapping into deeper parts of your mind to express yourself.
″Yeah, I was born like that. Laughs. I don’t know — I was writing depressing poetry in grade six. I wasn’t even depressed, but I was in it, you know? It’s crazy — I could understand those feelings even though I was totally fine.″

Let’s jump into the first question. What emotion or truth are you most often trying to capture when you create music?

″A lot of it centers around the beauty of duality — how challenging or dark experiences can be turned into really beautiful things. I actually struggle to write happy songs. Something about them always feels a little fake to me if they’re too cheerful. I need that touch of melancholy; otherwise, it feels phony. I like exploring both sides — the light and the dark — because I think there’s beauty in all of it. I’d say my music reflects non-resistance toward difficult experiences. It has to have that balance — I can make a happy song, but I also have to make a dark one. Usually, both exist within the same piece.″

That makes total sense. Can you describe a moment in your life that completely changed how you approached your art?
″Yes — and it happened a long time ago. I must have been about five years old. I was drawing and had just finished an art piece, and I told my mom, ‘When I grow up, I’m going to be an artist.’ She looked at me and said, ‘Well, do you make art?’ I said yes. Then she said, ‘Then you’re already an artist.’ From that moment on, I was an artist. That simple sentence changed everything for me. There’s never been another path since.″

Wow, that’s beautiful. It’s amazing how something so simple can shift your entire perspective and sense of purpose.

″Exactly. I’m lucky to have parents who let me flourish into what I was meant to become. I remember that moment vividly — it was life-changing.″

How do you balance vulnerability and self-protection when expressing personal experiences through your music?

″I’m extremely poetic. I don’t like to be too literal — being overly direct makes me feel exposed. So I express vulnerability through metaphors and imagery. My songs are like parables; they’re vulnerable, but not raw in a literal sense. I’ve written songs that were too direct — especially about my love life — and I just cringe when I listen back. Laughs. For me, being poetic feels more authentic and respectful of my emotions.″

Do you think being too direct brings you back to those moments or makes you relive them?

″Sometimes, yes. I actually wrote a song recently that’s pretty dark but has a happy ending — the beat switches and changes perspective. It’s very literal, and when I listen to it, I do go back there emotionally. But I don’t mind that; I actually like feeling it again. What I avoid is oversharing in a way that feels tacky or unnecessary — especially when it comes to relationships. I just don’t like being that direct.″

That’s real — it’s about protecting your creative boundaries. So when you’re in your creative flow, what does that moment look or feel like for you?
″It’s very high-energy — almost frantic, but in a good way. When I’m writing lyrics, poems, making clothes, or painting, it feels like controlled chaos. Everything’s flying around, but it’s all moving forward. When I’m in that state, I can write a whole song from start to finish in one sitting. I get so excited — like, ‘Oh, this goes hard!’ I’ll recite it over and over until it’s perfect. Those are always my best songs. If I have to force it, I’ll walk away and come back later. The flow has to come naturally — it’s spontaneous and can’t be controlled.″

So you really take advantage of those moments when inspiration hits.

″Exactly. I don’t stop until it’s done. That’s just how I work. Honestly, that’s why I struggle working with other people. I can’t write when I’ve heard the beat being built from scratch — it loses its spark. I need to sit with a finished beat alone, like it’s a date. I’ll listen and let it speak to me: ‘Tell me what you have to say.’ Laughs.″

That’s such a great way to put it — letting the art speak to you. Okay, what’s something you want your listeners to feel or realize after hearing your music, beyond just enjoying it?

″I’d say the most important message is to enjoy your life — even if it’s not exactly how you want it to be right now. Time moves fast, and one day you’ll miss moments you didn’t even appreciate at the time. So enjoy it all — the sad times, the angry times, the love, the loss. The gift is simply to exist.″

That’s beautiful. Okay, let’s circle back — how do you define success as an artist, and has that definition evolved over time?
″Success, to me, is creating work that’s true to yourself — always. You’ll change, your art will change, your perspective will change — but staying true to your experience is everything. Artists are here to translate their experience because we all share common emotions. The fruits of what you create don’t define success — the act of creating itself is success.″

That’s powerful. What part of your creative process do you think reveals the most about who you truly are?

″Definitely the intuitive and spontaneous side of it. With clothes, for example, I’ll look at a piece of fabric or something from a thrift store and it’ll tell me what to do. Same with painting — I’ll start with an abstract background, and suddenly an image appears. I don’t plan — I just follow the feeling. My art, whether it’s music or visual, is entirely emotion-based. I don’t think logically; it’s all intuition.″

That’s so cool — and it really shows how natural your creativity is. Okay, have you ever created something that scared you to share?

″Hmm… maybe not music, but definitely dance. Sometimes I worry how people who don’t know me might perceive me when I move a certain way. But then I remind myself — fear is never a reason not to do something. Unless it’s physically dangerous, I’ll always push past that fear.″

If you met someone who felt that same fear about how people perceive their art, what advice would you give them?

″I’d tell them that all the answers they’re looking for already exist inside them. If you created something and you want to share it — do it. The fears you have about how others will see you usually come from your own perception of yourself. If something you created makes you uncomfortable, it’s probably because you’re scared that what they're gonna think is true — and that’s okay. You have to remind yourself: ‘This is who I am. I created this. There’s nothing wrong with that.’ As an artist, your job is to express your truth — whatever it looks like. Sometimes that truth is modest; sometimes it’s bold. Either way, it’s yours.″

That’s such a powerful perspective. What keeps you grounded or inspired when you hit creative blocks or moments of self-doubt?

″Honestly, I don’t have self-doubt anymore. I just know what’s true for me. I know where I’m going and what I’m meant to do. That comes from a mix of faith and talent — you need both. But I do hit creative roadblocks. When that happens, I don’t force it. I just let life happen, because you need those experiences to create authentic art. Sometimes the ‘block’ becomes the inspiration for the next piece.″

That’s very real. Okay, If you could talk to your future self as an artist — not just about fame, but about meaning — what would you hope she’s achieved?

″I would hope that she’s stayed true to herself — still creating art that comes from her truth, not from what others expect or tell her to do.″


Some artists feel pressure to change certain aspects of themselves — whether to sell more, get more plays, or become more popular — just to be more “digestible” for publicity. What are your thoughts on that?

″Yeah, art is unique because it’s based on our personal experiences, so you can’t lose that. And I won’t. Future me — please don’t! laughs But seriously, that’s my responsibility. Because right now, I know I’m not going to sell out. it all circles back to why you’re doing what you’re doing. That’s the foundation — the source that lets you go out and say, “This is how I want to do things, this is my passion, and this is how I see it.”


So hopefully, you stay on that same path in the future. And like you said, it’s about enjoying who you are in the moment and appreciating the process now.

″Exactly. Perspectives change, but you always know why you’re doing what you’re doing.″

That’s so true — and very important. Sometimes people’s hunger for money takes over, and that’s when they sell out, even if they started for the right reasons.

″Right. If something tempting enough dangles in front of you, it can be hard to stay grounded. But that usually comes from a lack of faith. Someone might come up to you and say, ‘Hey, change these things about yourself, and I’ll take you to the top.’ Maybe they’re offering a hundred million dollars, radio play, fame — to become one of the biggest stars in the world. And if that’s what you want, it’s easy to say yes if you don’t have faith that staying true can get you exactly where you’re meant to be. Having no attachment to where it takes you, but trusting that it’ll take you exactly where you need to be — that’s how you stay true to yourself.″

Love that. Okay, second to last question — how has the place you live, the culture, the people, and the atmosphere affected your artistry, either positively or in a challenging way? Living in Calgary, or wherever you’re coming from — what has that experience been like?

″I don’t feel like where I’m from limits me. Sure, maybe I’d sound ‘cooler’ if I was born and raised in New York in the 1950s or something. laughs But here I am! I actually feel like Calgary is a good place for me because there’s just enough opportunity to get started and enough space to create your own path. There’s still so much that hasn’t been done here in the art scene, and that gives me confidence — I don’t really see anyone else in my lane. If I were in a larger, more artist-saturated city, I might feel more competition or pressure to change who I naturally am. But I like being original. I am original — one of a kind. And honestly, just the fact that I live in a first-world country and have every opportunity as a woman to do anything I want — I’m extremely grateful for that″

That’s very true. Alright, last question — what’s next for you, and what’s the goal moving forward? What can people expect?

″Oh, buddy — I’m coming for the top! laughs
What’s next for me? Expansion. That’s my theme for the next year. Things are about to get serious. Everyone who either refused to support me or didn’t take me seriously won’t be able to deny it anymore.″

 
Say it loud, say it proud!

″Exactly — say it loud, say it proud. laughs But seriously, my goal is to invest more into my art and get it seen by more people. From here, it’s onwards and upwards. Just keep going, stay true to yourself, and keep pushing forward — 100%.″

What is your name? Where are you from? And what do you do? And for how long?″My artist name is Sandino. I’m a second-generation Latino-Canadian and a multidisciplinary artist, born and raised in Calgary, AB. I’ve been a practicing artist for 10 years, but a habitual doodler since I was a little boy.″ 

As an artist working in this field, comparison can come along the way. Where do you stand with art, and how does that keep you grounded when creating your art?
″There’s this famous quote that goes, “Art says the things that normal words cannot.” It’s a bit cliché now, but I think there’s truth to that. For me, my art practice is an ongoing conversation with God. Approaching it that way allows me to focus on the work itself, rather than trying to find the right words.″

Where did this passion for creating come from? Have you always seen yourself as an artist? Was this always a dream of yours?
″I always had a knack for storytelling — I think it started there. Growing up, I had family who were avid comic book readers and cinephiles who exposed me to a lot of cool stuff really early on. I remember my uncle having an entire collection of Star Wars: Episode One action figures at his place that he wouldn’t let me touch, but I could admire. I think things like that really sparked my imagination and inspired me to start coming up with stories of my own. But it wasn’t until high school that I seriously considered whether I could truly be a storyteller and an artist. It filled my cup — I felt fulfilled doing this kind of work. So no matter how long it took or how hard it got, I knew this was meant for me. See, I don’t care about being some big artist with millions of dollars. For me, the satisfaction comes from people connecting to my work and feeling that same spark I did when I was a kid.″

You've come out with many projects over the years. How do you know when something that you've created is finally ready to be shared publicly?
″For me, it’s a culmination of factors that shape the release of a project — timing, discourse, the ability to effectively communicate an idea, and, frankly, just whatever the hell I feel like making, haha. I don’t think it’s good to be so precious about what you create, because that’s not how people are. People are imperfect — they do great things just as often as they make mistakes. To me, showing all aspects of humanity in that way highlights the beauty of people while also acknowledging the lessons that come with it. I say all this to say — there’s never going to be a perfect time to put something out. Blade Runner came out, and initially, people didn’t get it. But as time went on, it became this cult classic. There are so many cases like that, and I feel like I empathize with that deeply.″

Growing up/Living in Calgary, how have you seen the environment [here] affect the way you create? (good or bad).
″I love my city. It’s a beautiful thing to see how much Calgary has changed since I was a kid. When I decided to become an artist, I was 17 years old — that was in 2014. The Calgary art scene looked very different to me back then. I didn’t grow up in the scene or take part in any creative endeavors, despite having family and friends who were creative. It felt like there was no way for me to have a creative career and stay in Calgary. But with the development of technology and social media, we now have access and platforms that allow us to create and share our work. Getting to see local kids and my peers develop over the years and build careers of their own has been an inspiring process — it’s pushed me to keep growing and improving. With that growth, we now have all these new and exciting artistic communities that continue to tell our stories and show that we’re a city ready for the big leagues. It’s fascinating to watch this creative boom take place in real time. I feel like a documentarian capturing the evolutions in real time. ″

Over the years, have you ever received advice that helped you while in your career path, and if you have, what kind of advice was it?
″I’ve been fortunate to meet and call friends many people across different industries — chefs, athletes, artists, musicians, businesspeople, wanderers, travelers, and more. To talk about art is to talk about life, and I’m grateful for every person’s story that has helped inform my own. I think the biggest piece of advice I’ve received is about perspective — the concept of sonder: the realization that every person has a unique and equally complex life that informs their decisions. Once I understood that, I realized life wasn’t just about me. And yet, I also gained more compassion for myself. In turn, that allowed me to be more compassionate toward others.″

There are people who also aspire to one day do what you do. What's something (contrary to what you've been told) that you would tell someone [maybe some advice] about wanting to be in the field? [Something you would have maybe told yourself when you first started out.]
″I love this question because it’s a big one for me. I didn’t have the best start as an artist. I was an athlete in a previous life, so I believed that quality was the most important thing. But I’ve learned that messaging and integrity go hand in hand. You hear the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” When I was younger, I saw that as a negative. I used to think, “Oh, this person is just playing the game to get what they want. As long as they know people or are popular, they think they’re important.” I resented that idea, because I was always the awkward, weird outsider. I was never someone who was popular or necessarily good with people or groups. But I was always genuine. I meant what I said and did what I said I would do. As I got older, I began to take pride in knowing who I am and what I can do. That initial concept of “who you know” changed for me, because as I stayed true to myself and my work, the right people found me — the right people for me, anyway. You see, a lot of people can say they can do something or pretend to be kind, but people remember how you made them feel. They remember conversations and moments of real connection. That genuine energy became something outside of myself that follows me. I believe that’s what allows me to continue working and meeting more great people in the world. Being an artist is not for the faint of heart, but it’s important work — and, at times, a truly healing process for both the individual and the community. So I’d say, to love art is to love people. Study intently and study broadly. Understand nuance, master your timing, find your voice — and kick some doors open.″

Trial and error is inevitable when it comes to progression. When you find yourself in a moment of a "crash out/burn out," what is something you do to help yourself pick back up?
″To choose the path of the artist, one must understand that things are not going to happen overnight. I mean, it’s not impossible — just not likely. Patience and grace are key. I’ve felt burnout hundreds, maybe thousands of times over the course of my ten years as an artist. But it’s kind of like the gift that keeps on giving — the more you learn, the more curious you become. You start to notice things you might not have before, and you gain a new appreciation for things you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. I think saying “keep going” can sound a bit cliché, because some people reading this have real lives with real responsibilities that pull them away from their art practice. What I would say instead is: take serious things un-seriously. It’s the only way I can think clearly when I’m in the middle of creating something. Know that it’s okay to step away for a while and come back to it. Life and family come first for me. And it’s from living in those real spaces that I can return to my practice and feel like I’m making something meaningful.″

How do you see your art helping in other areas of your life? Do you find yourself having to live two different personalities?
″I feel as though my art allows me to express myself fully — to communicate my feelings about life and the world in a safe space where people are free to interpret them however they choose. I don’t feel like I have to live a double life, because the stories I share come from my real-life experiences and the lessons I’ve learned from them. Through my art practice, I’ve been able to be more honest with myself and with the world around me. It’s brought me incredible experiences and friendships that I continue to cherish to this day.″

What do people misunderstand about you? What would you say to them?
″This is a tough question… but I try, to the best of my ability, not to think about what others think of me. I focus my energy on my own life and the things I can take care of. I was raised by people who always made it a point to be compassionate toward others — through the good and the bad — and those are values I want to share and pass on. In life, there have been times when I’ve been wrong — dead wrong — and truly, by nothing short of the grace of God, my family, loved ones, and friends, both here and gone, allowed me the space to grow. That kind of grace — that kind of patience — changes a man. I’ve dedicated my life to being an advocate for mental health, healing, the joy that is life, and the lessons that come with grief. So I do what I can with what life has to offer me and continue forward.″

What is next for you? What should we be expecting in the next coming years?
″At this point in my life, I’m just taking it day by day. There’s still so much I want to learn and discover. I want to travel and have new experiences. Creatively, I really believe in independence — I think by doing things this way, I’m able to cultivate new stories and experiences that, when I share them with the world, come from an authentic place.

Thank you so much for listening to my story and for supporting the great work of Blue Hour Magazine. Good luck, and God bless.″

″Hi! I’m Mona — a model, a little content creator, and an aspiring actress based in Calgary. I specialize in fashion, beauty, and editorial work, and I’m passionate about expressing confidence, creativity, and self-love through everything I do. I’m always looking to grow, learn, and connect with others. Whether I’m in front of the camera or collaborating behind the scenes, I bring positive energy, professionalism, and an eagerness to take on new challenges. I’m also open to travel and love making meaningful connections wherever I go.

Lastly, I’m a goofy, chatty person who loves having fun and enjoying everything life has to offer!″

″To me, modeling is one of the most personal forms of art. It’s not just about wearing clothes or posing — it’s about expressing emotion, confidence, and your own story through your presence. Every look, every shoot, every photo is a chance to reveal a different side of yourself. It’s also taught me a lot about self-love and body positivity. The more I model, the more I’ve learned to appreciate the things that make me me. I’ve realized that beauty doesn’t have just one definition, and there’s so much power in embracing your body and energy exactly as you are. Modeling makes me feel confident, creative, and free — and I love using it as a way to inspire others to feel the same.″

″I’d love to be featured as Model of the Month because modeling is something I’m truly passionate about. It’s not just about photos for me — it’s about confidence, creativity, and inspiring others to love themselves exactly as they are. I show up to every opportunity with heart, positivity, and a genuine willingness to grow. Being featured would be an amazing way to share my journey, represent body positivity, and encourage others to chase their dreams no matter where they’re starting from. I want people to see that you can be kind, work hard, and still make bold moves in this industry. And, I’m also a very funny person — so why not? :D″