K.O. was born and raised in Enid, Okla. and creates because “it what I was born to do, and I’ll do so for however long GOD allows.” K.O.’s ultimate goal is to be a light and when it’s all said and done, have a legacy to say that she made changes and impacted people.
How did you get started?
I grew up in Enid, Okla., the youngest of four. I graduated from Enid High School and went on to get my associates degree at Northern Oklahoma College then my bachelor’s at Langston University. As early as I can remember, music has been a part of my life – my mom owned a night club and was also a DJ. She got me a cassette recorder with a microphone when I was around five or six and I used to drag it everywhere and record myself singing anything. My earliest memory of falling in love with music was seeing the music video for “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston. Growing up I’ve just ventured through different genres and found the things that pique my interest and help me grow.
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
No, growing up I always wanted to be an attorney. I had a lot of relatives that spent a lot of time in courtrooms and went to prison. I always wanted to be someone on the other side that could help people. Plus, I always loved the way attorneys dressed. I watched “Living Single” a lot growing up I wanted to be like Maxine Shaw.
What are your most recent successes / placements / accomplishments / projects and or career highlights?
I had the honor of being featured on the “Fire in Little Africa” album. In the past year I’ve achieved over 100,000 streams to date. I was recognized as Power 103.5’s “LIT Artist of the Year” and recently included in Northern Oklahoma College’s “Faces of NOC.” Through my music, I have accomplished several milestones, having a discography of nine albums, which exceeds that of some artists who have influenced me. It reflects my drive and dedication and I’m proud of that.
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store, or recording studio?
My favorite Oklahoma City venues are Tower Theatre and Beer City Music Hall. If I’m in Tulsa I love Mercury Lounge or The Low Down. I’m an audiophile – I love when I’m performing and the sound system in the venue is top tier. It creates a better show.
Networking and connecting with others who share your dream or vision is a vital aspect to the music industry. Can you share which Oklahoma organizations (if any) have contributed to your success and are there Oklahoma organization you would recommend other connect with? To help further their craft or promotion?
Oklahoma has a pool of different crews and people. Whatever community you can think of in music is out there. In my journey I’ve come across a mix of those. My management, Blacker The Berry, my partner in crime, Trip G, and his Trip N Friends movement, Fire In Little Africa and all of the good people I met on Greenwood.
How can we follow you? Best place to purchase and listen to your music (if applicable)?
You can find me on everything @SheIsKO. I try to do a good job at making it as easy as possible for my supporters to find whatever they’re looking for regarding me. Sheisko.com to keep is simple.
Can you share some advice for someone interested in working in the music industry?
Always choose your art and your happiness. The music industry is a grimey place and maybe that’s just a part of big business but my fight is always to keep my art pure and not tainted by all of the ugly things that come with the industry. I always want to be able to create from an honest and transparent place.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma?
The biggest benefit is most definitely the ability to survive and create. We may not have much access to mainstream opportunities but you can work a job and still be able to create. The creatives here understand that we aren’t Hollywood stars and we don’t just have $5,000 laying around. I think that makes way to do a lot with a little and that’s definitely something I’ve benefited and learned from. Whenever I do have a major budget I’ll know how to maximize and make the best use of it and I contribute all of that to Oklahoma creatives.
Favorite quote (if applicable) and why?
“Remain open. There’s something bigger than you know going on here.” – Iyanla Vanzant
I always feel like regardless of if things are going good or bad there are bigger things happening in the midst of everything going on that you may not understand in the moment, but I feel like once you truly understand that, it can change your life and your perspective.
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
