Introducing Music’s Rising Triple-Threat 220 KID
Emerging talent 220 KID is making massive waves in the dance music scene. A triple threat to the fullest, the UK based artist is a producer, songwriter, and DJ. Over the last two years, he has honed in on his craft, working with a plethora of producers, including the Grammy-nominated Grades, while also writing and creating with artists like Clean Bandit and Camelphat. The producer made his official debut in 2019, with his single ‘Don’t Need Love’ – a collaboration with fellow emerging artist GRACEY. With the high-energy track making the rounds and plans to release more material throughout the year, 220 kid is showing no signs of slowing down.
We were able to chat with him about everything from the inspiration behind his name, working with GRACEY, working as a model ,and so much more…
What inspired your name, 220 KID?
I actually ran 220 miles for charity, about nine marathons in 8 days! It was to raise money for a children’s hospice, soldiers charity, and a cancer charity…it means to me that anything is possible.
When did you first start creating music?
About five years ago, I was flying around Europe, helping build conferences for computers, and I realised If I really got to work and chased my dream, I could be flying around to play music, not sellotape cables down! At the same time, a friend passed away who was very talented but never reached his potential, so I decided it would be selfish not to try and reach mine.
You’ve also worked as a model. Did you face any challenges or roadblocks juggling the producer and modeling hats?
Just self-confidence, I guess in modeling, you’re constantly questioned and told you’re not good enough. So I had to build strong self-esteem, but I think it helped with music.. the contacts, the character it built, paved the way for my career now. I prefer music now, I can have a drink and eat what I want and not have to worry about it affecting my career!
Is there an artist that shaped you musically?
Oh, there are many! From classic songwriters like The Bee Gees, to how Timbaland uses drums and percussion to give energy to his songs, even modern-day lyricists like Dermot Kennedy and pop perfectionists like Max Martin.. every time you hear a song you’re inspired. Whether that’s to think twice about some lyrics to try and make them smarter, or more relatable. It’s all helped shape me greatly.
You’ve worked with Grades, CamelPhat, Maverick Sabre, and more – writing and producing – what’s your creative process when your working with other artists?
I think initially, you have to get to the route of how an artist is feeling because then you can write something genuine, or even if I’m feeling something, then I can discuss it, and you create a bond and get stuck in. Then generally find a chord progression and build from there. I love leaving the mic on and just recording vocal melodies and always use them as instrumentation somehow. But I think the most important bit is to build a connection and a bond as quickly as possible and to grow from there, and then the song will always be relatable and authentic.
Your latest track ‘Don’t Need Love’ is an absolute banger! What inspired the creation of the record?
The song is just about modern love and how it can be so vacuous and easy to just get on your phone and start swiping, when really you need to fight for the right person. It was written by a group of us and developed over two years to just get it perfect! So it’s a mix of a love song with smart lyrics, but we wanted it to really bang, so think we got the production perfect for that.
How did you end up linking with GRACEY on the track?
Gracey was at our label and heard it playing, she had some ideas and loved the song, so she came on board made some great changes, and here we are.
Will you be releasing an EP or album soon?
I have about three albums worth of material, I was writing for this project for two years before starting, so let’s see… but I’ve got some great collaborations coming on board for them and think you’re in for some real special treats actually!
Make sure to check out 220 KID and GRACEY’s visualiser for ‘Don’t Need Love’ below…
