Cliché: How did you discover your talent for music?
Joe Kidd: I started writing when I was 10 and recording when I was 12. It’s always just been something that I loved to do and was encouraged by others to pursue.
How would you describe your music for those of us who don’t know you?
I call it “Get There Music.” I want my songs to be like a soundtrack for young innovators and entrepreneurs trying to get to the next level in whatever it is they do. It’s definitely not the typical Bay Area sound, but I guess you can describe it as new age west coast smoke music mixed with some hustle/motivation music.
What is the recording process like?
Well, it depends. Most of the time, it’s just me in the studio. That’s when I get straight to work. Normally the songs I plan on recording are already written and finished in my head (or on my phone), so I roll up and vibe to the instrumentals for a minute, then go in and knock them out. But other times the whole team is in the building and that’s when it’s more of a collaborative creative process, all in the midst of a whole lot of red cups and smoke clouds. Some days it’s for a hour, and some days it’s for 10 hours, but I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my music, so I never leave a session until we get it right.
What are your musical inspirations?
Life, where I’ve been, and where I want to go. Every experience new or old can be translated into a song, and I think that’s the true power of an artist.
Are there any central themes that your songs touch on?
Make your own rules. Be your own boss. Smoke/Drink/Party as much as you want as long as you can still buckle down and take care of business when the time comes. Figure out where you want to go and then GET THERE by any means necessary.
What has been your most popular song to date?
The single I have out right now, “Til I’m Gone,” is getting a lot of good feedback and the blogs have been showing love. I’m looking forward to seeing the reaction to some of these new records I have in the works.
What was the inspiration for “Til I’m Gone?”
Just being young and motivated, ready to turn our dreams into reality no matter how long it takes. I know everybody’s felt like that before. It’s also a sort of introduction single to let people know who I am and where I’m coming from.
What was shooting your music video like?
It was an experience to say the least. This was my first music video ever, so I was nervous and excited all at the same time. We had to hike up a cliff with all the equipment, and it was kind of sketchy, but the main location was definitely worth it. My big brother Z was there to help me get in the zone, and shout out to SunnyBeatz and Edgar over at Redwall Studio for believing in the vision and bringing it to life.
Speaking of songs, do you have any upcoming singles or albums coming out this year?
Other than my single “Til Im Gone” that’s available now on iTunes and Google Play, I’ve just been putting the final touches on my debut EP titled The Vision, which should be coming out this summer. We’ll probably drop two more singles off the project and shoot some visuals before the official release. You can follow me on Twitter (@j0ekidd) to stay updated. Plus my 2Xclusive label mates Yung Spitta and YQ will be putting out some new music real soon as well, so definitely be on the look out for the whole team!
Interview with Joe Kidd: Image courtesy of 2Xclusive, Sunset Visionz
