The ambitious south Londoner Vince Kidd has accomplished a fair amount in his 22 years and this Olympic year is set to ignite the music industry.
Vince is a walking oxymoron – his grunge-punk image isn’t what you’d to expect to see against a soft, soulful sound. After signing with Sony and being picked as part of MTV’s “Brand New for 2012” campaign earlier in the year, Wonderland caught up with the kohl-eyed wonder kid to find out about his inspirations, his love for London and Leon Jackson.
If you had to sum up your music in three words, what would they be?
It’s hard to sum yourself up in three words, I’m complex like all humans and I change from day to day. I’m a normal 22 year old in that sense – some days I feel crazy and silly, others I’m more serious. Today I feel anxious – I don’t know why. One thing I always am is passionate about the things I love.
How would you describe the Vince Kidd sound?
I’m making a pop record, but not like most pop music you hear on the radio – I call it pop cause I don’t wanna pigeon-hole my music. If I wanna do throwback soul one day so be it, if I want 808 beats and auto-tune the next, I’ll do that. The record sounds like mine because it just does, but it’s versatile. One key ingredient is SOUL. Most of the songs I keep have been written with a hangover, cause you’re more in tune with your sub conscious and that’s when you get the best shit. With regards to my look, again anything goes. Wear whatever you like with a shit-load of confidence. If you come to a live show, I think you’ll see how it all comes together.
Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
LIFE. The first artist I truly fell in love with was Winehouse, though. “Frank” was my bible. I love Terence Trent, Lewis Taylor, Lauryn Hill – emotive soul voices. My dream as a kid was to be in a gospel choir, then I started rebelling and listening to hip hop and rock ‘n’ roll.
Who are you championing for big things in 2012?
Labrinth, Etta Bond, The Royal Palms, E.L.E, Lianne La Havas, Azealia Banks, Rita Ora and Kelz and Scarlett’s Rose.
You’ve also worked alongside X Factor winner Leon Jackson on a few songs. Are you good friends or was it purely a working relationship?
We’re friends, he’s actually really very talented and a unique character. He just called me one day and wanted to hang out I was in the studio and came down and got involved. It was real spontaneous, and I think that shows in the lyrics – it’s controversial ’cause we were just having fun, not caring who would hear it. I love how the song he has co-written with us is the most unlikely song an X Factor winner would ever pen.
What can we expect from your full length album?
Expect the unexpected.
The video for single “Sick Love” was pretty controversial, featuring nurse-dwarves and nuns in S&M wear. As a creative do you like to push the boundaries of visual stimulation?
Absolutely.
How important would you say that image is to a recording artist?
It’s not important to everyone I guess, but to me it’s so much a part of what I do, and another way to express myself.
What can we expect from Vince Kidd this coming year?
I’m really ambitious, so am dreaming big. The main thing for me this year is to get this record out there.
Words: Shane Hawkins
Images: Kevin Morosky