I recently heard a few songs from upcoming artiste Starboy LA, and I was instantly blown away. His track with Epixode is truly a dancehall banger, and the collaboration he did with Luther is a proof that hiplife is alive and well. Starboy has all the makings of a superstar artiste, and he is definitely the artiste to look out for in 2017. You read it here first. I caught up with him to find out more.
How did you begin your career as an artiste?
L.A: I started my dream to have a career in music from childhood, where I used to sing along any song I heard. I used to hit the table to make beats and create a melody from it. I started recording my own songs in 2007 when a friend and I set up a small studio in his room.  After recording, I would play it to people. The response was a great motivation for me to move to a bigger studio. So, I stepped it up and kept pushing to the next level.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career?
L.A: Some of the challenges I am facing now include the DJs. Some of them won’t play your song until you pay something. Sometimes, even when you pay, they just play it once or twice and stop. How will the fans know that Starboy LA has dropped a dope tune when you don’t promote me on your station? They will constantly play foreign songs and say Ghanaian musicians are not selling, when they are not supporting our own. Also, when you want to feature a top artiste and you approach them, the kind of money they charge you is shocking. However, when you do a song that becomes a hit, then they want to jump on the remix. It’s certainly not easy for upcoming artistes these days. There are not enough platforms in place to help grow our careers. It’s a struggle.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
L.A: I get my inspiration from God, my daily life and the stuff I hear and see around me. I have a song titled ‘Life Of A Hustle’. I was in a car going to the studio, and saw one woman carrying her baby at her back under the hot sun, working. I felt so bad for her, so I asked the taxi driver to stop. I walked to the woman and had a chat with her. I gave her some money, got the inspiration and started writing that song. It’s really about what I see in my daily life, or what I feel like writing about.
How would you describe your music?
L.A: I will describe my type of music as Afro-pop, but I can do all kind of songs. I don’t really like to label my music a certain genre, because I can do different types. I recently did a song with Epixode titled ‘Frienemy’, which is a dancehall song. There is no genre of music I believe I can’t do. I take pride in being as versatile as I can. I love music too much to be pigeon-holed. I do enjoy making Afro-pop and hiplife songs though.
What are you working on currently?
L.A: I’m working on my album and still promoting the song I did with Luther titled ‘Ossemia’. I’m also working on some new songs with some of the top artistes out there right now. The rise to the top is not easy. It’s all about grinding and pushing until you make it. Even after you make it, you need to keep pushing or you will eventually fall off.
What do you hope to achieve through your career? Money? Fame?
L.A: Well, of course, I want to be rich; everybody wants to be rich because life is really terrible when you’re broke. In showbiz, it’s the fame first and then money will follow. When God blesses your work, you definitely go higher! The money and the fame are all part of the package.
Where do you see yourself in the not-too-distant future?
L.A: I see myself at the top of the music food chain. I also want to be able to change people’s lives through my music. I need to make an impact in people’s lives. I want to break records. My music should be remembered long after I’m gone. I want to even win a Grammy!! Everything is possible once you believe, and work hard!!
What advice would you give to upcoming artistes reading this?
L.A: What I can tell them is that they should never give up, and they should be humble. Understand that God has plans for everybody. Eventually, everyone’s time will come, so keep believing. You need to work hard. Don’t expect the doors to be opened for you all the time. Sometimes, you need to break the doors down when they don’t want to let you in.
A message to your fans?
L.A: To my fans all over the world, I say thank you for all the support. Keep the support coming, and I will keep dropping the good songs you know me for. I will never let you down. Add me on Facebook: Starboy La or email my management for business on: Starboyla@yahoo.com/ starboyla47@gmail.com. God bless you all!!