Artists today are expected to do more than just make music — and few balance it all as well as Australia’s Kush K. With his new single “Winning,” Kush K exemplifies what it takes to reach it: discipline, focus, and a relentless drive that balances creative passion with the demands of running a business.

Unlike many rising artists who chase every new trend, Kush K remains grounded in the sound and style he’s perfected over years of work behind the scenes and on the mic. He confesses that “Winning” wasn’t about reinventing his sound but refining it. Collaborating closely with his vocal engineer, the production process was shaped in tandem with the music video — a reverse-engineered workflow that highlights Kush K’s hands-on approach to shaping his artistic identity. This method underscores a larger truth about his work ethic: Kush K meticulously crafts every element, never leaving success to chance.

“Winning” also serves as a clear milestone in Kush K’s career, a sonic statement that moves beyond the hustle and struggle he’s previously chronicled. As he puts it, the track is a celebration of cutting out distractions — fake friends, negativity, and doubt — and zeroing in on the prize. This laser focus is essential given the multiple hats Kush K wears daily: artist, producer, studio owner, and co-runner of Type Shit Records. Juggling these roles isn’t easy, and Kush K admits that compartmentalizing his energy and attention is key to maintaining creative output without burnout.

His journey reveals a vital lesson for independent artists navigating the modern music industry: the line between art and business is blurred, and success demands proficiency in both. Kush K’s respect for the production side, particularly beat making, shines through his insights. Having been a producer before stepping fully into the spotlight, he stresses the craftsmanship involved in making beats — a foundational but often underappreciated aspect of music creation.