Que 9 has been putting work since 2016. His career gained success after the #QueSplash challenge went viral in 2016 when he was 13 years old. Since then, Que9 has slowly been showing the world who he is.
From his single ‘Nobody” reaching almost 10 millions views on Youtube, to his upcoming album with 17 Street Mula, Que 9 continues to apply pressure to his craft. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his main focus was working on his sound and figuring out what his goals are and how he can make them a reality. During his downtime he even taught himself how to record. One thing Que9 made sure to point out is artists find their sound overtime. It’s a process. If it takes you a bit longer to find out, it’s okay.
Today, Que 9 is looking forward to new music. He’s also excited about turning 18 and anticipates dropping a solo project later this year. He hopes to one day collaborate with Toosii and Pluto. We can also look forward to his collaboration with Nike coming out soon since he is very interested in creating his own clothing line. Check out the full interview below.
The Knockturnal: Based on your Instagram account, it seems like you started to be in the spotlight from a young age. How did you get into the music industry?
Que 9: I probably started taking music seriously when I was eight years old. My cousin had a studio in the basement. My uncle went over there and played around to see if they could make music or whatever. One day they had me record a ringtone for their cell phone. That was my first time in the booth and I just always wanted to go back.
The Knockturnal: In 2016, the #Quesplash Challenge from you single “Splash” started to receive a lot of attention on social media. How was this experience for you at only 13?
Que 9: It was crazy. That was probably the first real single I put out and it blew up. So it was kind of crazy to me, it felt like a dream. That’s what I’ve been dreaming about since I started music and it happened so fast. It was crazy.
The Knockturnal: In 2018, you released a single called “Nobody”. Today, the video sits at 9.9 million views. How did it feel to get a million views on this video?
Que 9: It was crazy really. For me to be dreaming about this forever and for it to happen it’s like crazy. It really doesn’t kick in when it first happens. It was crazy.
The Knockturnal: It seems like your music is catered towards the younger audience. Would you agree? If not, is there a certain age group you’re trying to cater to?
Que 9: Back then it was, probably around 2016, 2017, 2018. But now me turning 18, and graduating high school, it’s kind of whoever gravitates towards it. I don’t make music for a specific crowd, it’s whoever likes it.
The Knockturnal: The pandemic has impacted the music industry tremendously. How did you remain productive during this time?
Que 9: It made me kind of just go harder. I had to think out my goals and figure out what I wanted to do. I taught myself how to record myself. I dropped an album during the pandemic from me sitting in the house recording. It just helped me focus and figure out what I needed to do.
TheKnockturnal: What are you looking forward to?
Que 9: Touring definitely, performing again. I haven’t done a live show in over a year. Just getting back on tour, performing, and moving around again.
The Knockturnal: Listening to your music from 2016 till now, I definitely hear the growth in your music and the way your sound has evolved. What are some things you had to work on to achieve the sound you have today?
Que 9: I kind of went into the pandemic trying to accomplish what you said. For people to understand the growth and see the growth. Don’t stop, if you don’t have a sound keep going until you find your sound. You’re probably never going to find what you’re supposed to be right away, it’s going to take some time. Never stop, always try to figure out what your sound is, and what you’re best at.
The Knockturnal: Who are some artists you’re looking forward to working with this year?
Que 9: I want to work with Toosii, Pluto, me and my brother 17th Street Mula. We have an album coming of course. Anybody really. I’m ready to work, we have been in a pandemic and I’m ready to go crazy.
The Knockturnal: Is there anything you’re trying to get into besides music if you had the opportunity?
Que 9: I’m getting into movies, I’m writing my own movie right now so I definitely want to do that. I have a merch deal with Nike so that’s clothing, I want to get into clothing because I’m big on clothes. So writing a movie and creating my own clothing line.
TheKnockturnal: What can we expect to see from you for the rest of the year?
Que 9: I just finished working on me and 17th Street Mula collab album. That’s probably coming out in 3-4 weeks. After that dies out a little bit I’m going to drop my own solo album. That’s what I’m working on right now, staying in the studio making music, figuring out sounds, working.