Kotic Couture

If you’ve ever danced your heart out at a sold-out basement party or streamed a late-night DJ set on your phone, you’ve felt the pulse of Kotic Couture’s world. In this episode, Baltimore Magazine’s 2023 Best Local Artist shares how she swapped rap verses for turntables, co-founded one of the city’s most inclusive monthly events, and turned a bedroom-studio experiment into the Prototype album—all while building a fiercely supportive community of fellow Black queer creatives. Embracing vulnerability: lessons learned from emceeing full-hour sets before new audiencesPrototype album deep dive: turning a fearless DIY experiment into a cohesive, locally produced projectCurating intentional spaces: co-founding VERSION—one of Baltimore’s most inclusive monthly parties—and sustaining community through venue closures ​Power of word-of-mouth: why personal referrals and community trust can outweigh big marketing budgetsPandemic pivot: adapting from in-person shows to digital drop-ins and stepping back into a scene transformed by new DJsBroadening impact: collaborations with Black Techno Matters and Liberate DC, plus surprise opportunities in fashion and gallery featuresCatch Kotic Couture's first appearance on the podcast here:  This episode was recorded during a season dedicated to creative growth, transformation, and honoring the foundations that helped build Baltimore’s culture.Photo: 

In this episode of the podcast, join host Rob Lee as he engages in an insightful conversation with Kotic Couture(pronounced kāˈädik ko͞oˈto͝or), the dynamic rapper, songwriter, and multifaceted artist, who hails from Baltimore City and stands out with their vivacious gender non-conforming identity, breaking barriers in the music industry. Coming of age in Baltimore's underground art movement and club scene, Kotic Couture blends high-energy club, hip-hop, and poignant lyricism with spoken-word poetry, creating a unique and powerful sound. They gained recognition as an opening act for prominent artists like Azealia Banks, Cupcakke, and BBYMUTHA, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with. In 2020, they released their first album, "Diary of a Dreamer," receiving praise for their introspective and buoyant style. Kotic Couture's creativity, versatility, and colorful persona captivate audiences, making them a truly unique and innovative artist. Don't miss the chance to listen to their exceptional music and experience their unparalleled talent.In this episode, we explore:The diverse and captivating world of Kotic Couture's music, which blends hip-hop, Baltimore club music, soul, and pop to create a truly unique sound.Inspiring conversation as Kotic Couture shares how their experiences growing up on the Eastern Shore have shaped their artistry and fueled their desire to inspire and uplift queer and non-binary youth.The vibrant and close-knit community of Baltimore's underground scene, where authenticity and creativity thrive, as Kotic Couture takes us on a journey through their artistic roots and influences.Uncover the diverse talents of Kotic Couture beyond music, exploring their expertise in makeup artistry and writing, adding an extra layer of creativity to their already multifaceted persona.Join us in this enlightening episode with Kotic Couture who draw inspiration from her experiences growing up on the Eastern Shore and her desire to inspire queer and non-binary youth. Kotic Couture is known for their high-energy performances and her ability to connect with her audience. She is a proud member of the Baltimore underground scene and values the sense of community and authenticity that it provides. In addition to her music, Kotic Couture is also a skilled makeup artist and writer.🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧