We had the chance to talk with alternative artist Kyd the Band. We got to find out about his journey so far into the music business, his new EP Season 3 and what the writing and recording process was like for it. Plus, we got to find out what he has coming up next!
Beyond the Stage: How did you get started in music?
Kyd the Band: I actually grew up playing drums in my church. Music was always a big part of our household. My mom is an amazing singer and both of my brothers are incredible musicians. I never thought I’d have a career in music but when I was 18 I left the church and music became my refuge. It was the only thing that could get me out of bed in the morning so I started to chase a career in it.
BTS: How would you describe your sound?
KTB: The easiest way I could probably describe is alternative. I know that word gets used a lot right now in music, but I think that’s because it’s a bit of an all-encompassing word. Strictly speaking for my music I’d say within my “alternative” blanket is a bunch of things: pop, rock, rhythmic, rap, etc.
BTS: Who are some of your musical influences?
KTB: As a kid, I was only around Black gospel music. That type of music was my first taste of anything. When I got older and started getting into non-Christian music, I dove into all kinds. I like bands like the Gorillaz and Kings of Leon. I also like 90’s hip-hop.
BTS: Congratulations on your third EP! What was the recording process like for Season 3?
KTB: Thanks so much. The recording process for this EP was a bit different for me just because I’ve never put a project together over the course of a pandemic. I’ve been in an actual studio 3 times this entire year, the rest of the time I’ve been doing everything at home. I’ve never worked on production over the internet and email as much as I had to with this EP, which would make you think that maintaining a certain level of quality might’ve been a problem, but I’m really happy with how everything turned out.
BTS: How many songs did you write for the EP? Was it difficult to cut some to get to six tracks?
KTB: I think I wrote 50-60 for this one. It definitely took a bit of time to narrow down that batch to these 6, but fortunately, I have a great team around me to help me filter through everything I’ve created.
BTS: What was the most challenging part of creating Season 3?
KTB: Probably just knowing I wasn’t gonna be able to go tour and play the songs live for God knows how long. When I’m writing I think about how a song will come off live and that helps inform what I should do. So yeah, that was a bit of a bummer to realize song after song. There will come a day though!
BTS: Going off that, what was the most rewarding part of the creation process for the EP?
KTB: I’d say working on production for “Make It In America.” I did most of that one with my new friend Mark Nilan, Jr. and we just clicked right away and it was the most fun I’ve had working on music in a long time. I’ve been writing songs for so long and I write so much that sometimes I forget how much fun music actually is. It took me back to when I was a kid and I was in my garage playing my drums along to a song that I just learned how to play. Gave me that same sense of wonder.
BTS: Is there a song off the new EP that you’re most excited to perform?
KTB: “Make It In America” or “Roots” will be my favorite live, I think. “Make It In America” is so dynamic and musical, and I have a lot of ideas about what I want to do with it live. But “Roots” is this big and bombastic anthem, and I know that’s gonna be super hyped live.
BTS: What’s next for you?
KTB: I have a lot of visual aid for this EP that I’m gonna be dropping, and I’m really excited about it. Probably my favorite content I’ve ever made. After that, more music. Then who knows where the world will be by that point, hopefully in a much better place.
Keep up with Kyd the Band on social media:
Instagram | YouTube
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