Meet Kana Kuratii” Thompson | Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kana “Kuratii” Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kana “Kuratii”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks has been a very big part of my life and career, especially lately. I feel like fear is what keeps people from taking risks. Once you realize how powerful you really are you realize anything is possible. The challenge of taking risk just feels like part of the plan to me. 1 year ago I moved to Miami with no real plan. I was feeling stagnant in Greensboro and really needed a drastic change. I remember before officially making the decision I was scared. I never lived outside of North Carolina. We all have these expectations of how life is “supposed to go” but God is who carries out the vision. You really have to think “What’s life without risk?”. Fear keeps us away from the dream, the vision. I’m willing to do anything to pursue this music. At this point, if it’s not risky I’m not doing it. Moving to Miami was the best decision of my life thus far. I didn’t necessarily move for music I moved to release myself from distractions. I got to better understand who I am not only as an individual but as an artist as well. Taking that 1 risk changed my life forever.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a self-taught music producer, artist, and engineer. I’ve been doing this for 7 years but music has been a part of me since day 1. During my career, I’ve played multiple instruments and played percussion in the marching band so music is a very important aspect of my life. This career path hasn’t always been easy for me. I’ve gone through a lot of disappointments and honestly, it doesn’t get any easier. What keeps me going is my purpose supersedes any obstacle that I face. I know that what’s for me will always be for me. I love music too much to give up. Plenty of times I’ve been knocked down, doors shut in my face but honestly that is what drives me to keep going. Something about people doubting my abilities makes me go even harder. The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that you have to focus on your purpose. Nothing else matters but the purpose that is aligned between you and God. You have to keep going for that reason. If you stop now what was the past 7 years for? You can get 12 likes on a post and 2 views and none of that matters. All that matters is that you are putting your art into the world. My goal is to change lives. That’s it. I am most proud of my ability to adapt and try new things. I never thought I would be releasing my music as an artist I always saw myself as someone making a difference behind the scenes. I actually enjoy recording myself more than making beats. I feel more creative when I’m engineering a song I wrote. I like to create an experience with my music and that is what I think sets me apart. I’m not here for a quick viral moment I’m here for longevity and impact. I want black boys and girls to know they can do it too. Age doesn’t matter. Skin color doesn’t matter. Just work ethic.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I live in Miami so honestly everything is interesting. I’m really big on good food so I would probably take them to a lot of my favorite food spots. Sunday’s Eatery, Jaya At The Setai, Big Pink, New Hong Kong, Kan Sushi, Yard Bird, The Smorgasburg, and Nickii Beach just to name a few. As far as activities I would go to Bayside Marketplace, Perez Art Museum, Wynwood, and any beach that is not South Beach. Most people who are tourists don’t understand that South Beach is overrated. Miami is so much more than South Beach. I drink and hang out mainly in Wynwood I love Margaritas Mama because they always have $5 shots and great music. I’m pretty much a local in Wynwood. On the weekends you can roam around Wynwood and they are always passing out free drink tickets. One thing I’ve learned about Miami is 85% of the time you can find something free to do. Free is ALWAYS for me. I honestly don’t go out if I have to spend more than $20 to have fun in Miami.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shout-out to God. I went on a journey of taking my self-care seriously and started reading self-help books. To name a few, Ask and It Is Given, The 4 Agreements, The Artist’s Way and Think and Grow Rich are all books that guided me to spiritual clarity. These books helped direct me back to God and helped me change my mindset. To me, it felt as if God was speaking to me through these books. I think about how I always thought I would solely be a producer and would fight the feeling of being anything else. God is who allowed me to open up and change the world by using all of me not just 5% of what I’m capable of.

Website: https://linktr.ee/ChoppedItRecords?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#311421597

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kuratii_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuratiisauceitup?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kuratiithevisionary?si=ENXzoY-IePztROve