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Interview with AM Kidd

Jon Berrien
Latest posts by Jon Berrien (see all)

 With a fresh flow of pop mixed with rugged hip-hop, Cali based AM Kidd has been on the grind makin’ moves. He is a smooth lyricist, delivering on multiple platforms. GroundSounds recently had the chance to chop it up with the Kidd himself, check out the interview below. 

How did you decide on the name AM Kidd?

“AM” came from the initials of my first and last name, Arnold Morales, and “Kidd” was given by a friend because I’m a pretty short guy (haha). I wish I had a cool inspirational story on how the name came around but it was just an impulsive decision that stuck around.

Tell us about the inspiration and story behind “Tell Me That You’ll Be Good”?

Most of my songs are emotionally driven and “Tell Me That You’ll Be Good” was no exception. I wanted to go outside of my comfort zone and experiment with a different sound while still staying true to my style of writing. The beat is complex in it’s own way so I wanted to keep the lyrics simple but strong enough to give my listeners an emotional tug. But as far as the concept, the phrase “tell me that you’ll be good” is something that I hope for in all the people that I’ve met that played a role and left me with something to remember. 

What is your most meaningful or special song to you personally?

When I write, I usually write in the moments. I’m an impulsive writer and creator so when I release a song, it’s strongly relevant at that time for me. With that being said, these feelings come and go. I’m not one to hold on to feelings for a long period of time but if there’s one song I can name that still brings back memories, it would have to be “Smile” that was released back in ‘10. I remember writing it, feeling it, and the lyrics itself have personal memories attached to them.

How did you get started with music and what attracted you to the piano/keyboard?

I’ve been around music all of my life. My entire family is very musically oriented. My Dad plays the guitar, and is currently in a cover band, and my brothers and sisters all play instruments. I fell into it because I was always exposed to it. Writing came around when I was a teenager. I found that writing and voicing my bottled emotions helped me find strength. I chose the piano because I loved the simplicity of the sound. A persons voice can hover over it without making the piece sound crowded. It went hand in hand for me. Lyrics accompanied by the simplistic but powerful ring of keys.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I know a lot of  artists/creators can’t imagine doing anything else when they’ve dedicated most of their life and professional career to this and I am no different. I spend hours and hours writing and producing because music is endlessly evolving. I’m constantly learning new techniques and experimenting with different styles. But if I weren’t making music, I would be behind the boards doing sound engineering. 

How do you typically create your music? Do you start with a beat, lyrics, or just and idea?

Most of the time, it starts with an idea and a one liner that launches the entire concept. It’s like writing an essay and being stuck on the first line. After you finally figure out the opening the line, the rest just flows out. I start to produce the instrumental in my head, trying to get an idea of what sound I want to create. It’s a pretty crazy experience because I can hear the entire song in my head before I translate it to a real record. But it doesn’t always translate well so I start bouncing around ideas until I find a sound that fit’s the lyrics. I first write the lyrics and some base chords and then build the production behind it so everything can match and compliment each other. 

Who has been a big influence within your life and music?

I wasn’t really family oriented when I was younger so I hung around with friends a lot. They became my extended family when my blood family was not around. It’s like that saying, “You are who your friends are”. My friends are people that I’ve grown up with so I’ve seen their struggles and they’ve seen mine. I write about the lifestyle and challenged we faced together or individually. They have helped me grow as a person and as an artist by offering critical advice that has later shaped my character. The affect they have on me influences all of my actions and the music that I create.

What is your all-time favorite album?

My all-time favorite album that I can play front to back repeatedly would be Nas – Illmatic. I’m a huge Nas fan and I grew up listening to him. I remember before every recording session, I would play my favorite songs from him to get pumped up and inspired. You can’t hear it in my music but he is my inspiration when it comes to writing and being honest.

Is one of your goals to get signed or do you enjoy being an independent artist?

As the industry is evolving and technology is advancing, it’s becoming a lot easier for independent artists like myself to be heard. Thanks to music sites and supporters like GroundSounds, us indie artists have found an avenue that cuts the major label out as the middle man. I’m grateful that I still have control of my music as an independent artist but I do want my music to be globally recognized. I think with a major record label, if the deal is right, I can get there. A major record company is almost like steroids for the independent artist. 

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a mixtape so I can broaden my audience. I’m trying new sounds and styles so I can put together a record that can please my current fan base and attract new listeners. Plus, it’ll be free music so that’s always a good thing. I haven’t made any official announcements for it yet since it’s still in the early stages of development. 

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

This might sound cliché but what I’ve learned is that if you stay honest in your music, people will listen. When you’re comfortable being yourself in the music you create, you are developing an identity that people can recognize. Some artists tend to copy with what the trend is and even emulate the sound from current popular artists. No one wants to hear another version of another artist. They want something new and refreshing for the ears. People want a new voice that they can brag to their friends about because “they’ve heard them first”. Be real and honest with yourself and let that seep in your music. Let people know who you are and let it be in your own way. Not everyone will vibe with you but there will be someone who connects with you.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to play a part in the creative aspect of music. Not necessarily be a trend setter, but be a factor in the growing music industry and community. Whether it be by my music or the writing, I hope to be on a platform to give back  in a major way.

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