Ourselves Podcast How RealestK Went from a $40 Music Video to Millions of Streams
In this exclusive interview, rising R&B star RealestK sits down to discuss his meteoric rise from the depths of Toronto’s music scene to TikTok stardom. He reveals how he cracked the TikTok algorithm, turning covers into a dedicated fanbase and leveraging viral momentum to build a real music career. RealestK shares intimate details about his personal struggles, including dealing with an eating disorder, and how his relentless passion for music kept him going. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of his viral hits like 'Wait For Me' and 'Toxic,' created with minimal resources yet resonating with millions. He also opens up about the pressures of sudden fame, touring challenges, and the pivotal advice from his family that fueled his success. This candid conversation offers a raw look into the life of one of music’s most promising young talents.
00:00 Intro
01:26 Family and Cultural Influences
03:59 Discovering Music Passion
07:28 The Birth of Realest K
10:40 TikTok Strategy and Success
16:09 Building a Core Audience
19:00 First Viral Hit: Wait For Me
22:23 Navigating Early Success
29:50 Balancing Life and Music
37:43 The Breakthrough Moment
38:05 Discovering the Perfect Beat
44:38 Struggles with Social Media
45:43 The Viral Chandelier Video
46:01 School and Social Media Clash
57:55 The Big Break
01:04:24 Proving Yourself in the Industry
01:05:38 Navigating the Business Side
01:07:13 Financial Success and Lessons Learned
01:08:28 The Reality of Major Labels
01:21:59 Touring with NAV and Overcoming Adversity
01:30:23 Lessons from Performing Live
01:39:16 Advice for Aspiring Artists
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