Pentatonix’s Kevin Olusola talked about his debut solo album “Dawn of a Misfit.” For years, Kevin has been known as the beatboxing powerhouse of Pentatonix, as well as for his genre-blending solo videos that frequently pop up in fans’ social feeds. Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight with his long-awaited debut solo album, set to release on May 9.

In a conversation with Brandon Woolum, Kevin shares why now was the right time for a solo album and how he struggled at times with his identity and finding a place to feel accepted and where he belonged.

“This album has been something I’ve been working on for 17 years of my life,” he said. “From the time that God called me into music at 20 years old, I didn’t understand why He called me there. And plus, I was so much dealing with identity. I’m this classical musician who’s also African and Caribbean, and I never felt Black enough. I never felt like I was African enough, academic enough, cultural enough, hip-hop enough to ever fully integrate into the culture of those spaces.”

He also mentioned how He reached out to God for guidance and direction when working on his album.

“Throughout this album, which I think paralleled my internal discovery journey, I asked God, ‘Why am I here? What is my purpose? Why do I make music?’” he said. “And I finally realized it was to amalgamate all those things that make me weird and create my own unique frequency, hoping that somebody else will listen to that as well.”

He also added that those areas or aspects of yourself that make you feel weird or different might be the things that the Lord intends to help you stand out and shine a light where it’s needed.

“The things that made you feel like you were counted out, the things that made you feel weird about yourself, that actually might be the exact things that God has put inside you as a testimony not only to serve others but to change your world,” he said. “It’s your superpower.”

Kevin mentioned how he drew inspiration from an eclectic mix of artists—ranging from Sting to Shaboozey—while staying true to his unique sound.

He also dives into the making of Dark Winter, the album’s lead single, which has a grittier edge than his past solo work and a cathartic energy behind its visually striking music video.

Kevin discussed the creative process behind his reimagined take on Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy. This track not only reworks a classic but also offers a personal glimpse into his childhood through its music video. We also find out if he plans to tour behind the new project.

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”