London-based outfit KIDS have released their new single, Night Bus. We asked Beau from the band the BIG questions . . .
KIDS' music tells the story of band leaders and life-long friends Beau Blaise and Alex Harvey, and the new track follows their first singles, Alcohol & Cigarettes and Settle Down, which were released earlier this year.
Speaking about Night Bus, the band say, "It's about those nights out that turn into nightmares. Relationship arguments that completely take over.
"Sometimes the best thing to do is to walk away. We wanted to capture the moment of getting on a cold lonely London bus as you reflect on how these bad experiences can turn into good memories."
KIDS have supported Gang of Youths, appeared at Leopallooza (headlined by Metronomy and Sleaford Mods), The Great Escape and Live at Leeds Fest and had support from the BBC with plays on Radio 1 and Introducing by Nels Hylton and Jess Iszatt, and John Kennedy at Radio X and the Student Music Network.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I couldn’t touch my toes 'til last year. Last year, I tried to touch my toes every day, I’m a firm believer in ... persevere and you will achieve.
How would you describe your music?
Emotional little snapshots of our lives which hopefully teach you something. Sound-wise, we take pride in bending genres going from heartfelt hazy indie melodies to funky riffs to punk rap verses. Sometimes soft and intimate, sometimes lairy and loud, always true to our lives.
Who are your musical inspirations?
That’s a tricky one ‘cos we draw inspiration from so many places. Musical inspirations that sound the most like us would be Mike Skinner, Jamie T, Slowthai, Easy Life and Damon Albarn (both Blur + Gorillaz). But honestly, we listen to so much stuff, our music often tells stories so people like Kano, Johnny Cash, Kendrick and Bob Dylan are all masters of that. But equally I think you could say we’re inspired by the Chemical Brothers when our songs have fat beats or Cat Stevens when we’re writing a more pretty classic song.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Don't know if this was the first one ever but was definitely in the first bunch. Me and Alex (from the band) got cheap tickets to see Jay-Z in the Roundhouse in Camden. We were 13. It was mental and inspiring and TBH I don’t think we realised how lucky we were to see such a legend in such a small (for his popularity) venue.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Probably either The Eminem Show or Arctic Monkeys' Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. Guess you can hear a bit of both in our music now…. Good to know I’m sticking to my guns LOL.
What's your favourite song right now?
Father Time by Kendrick. The production, delivery and messaging are all incredible. It deals with the message of dealing with toxic male traits, an issue which I relate to and something that we talk about in our next single Worthy.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Am I grind blind, Frightened sometimes, Mixing white wine with wine" - Mike Skinner, Slow Song. It makes me laugh every time, I've too been frightened mixing white wine with wine…. + it was the first thing that came to mind.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Belle and Sebastian - If She Wants Me. If I was to listen to one song forever, I would want it to cover happiness and sadness in one and I think this song does that perfectly… Plus, what's a better message than "If I could do just one near perfect thing, I’d be happy".
Where can people find your music/more information?
All music is on all major platforms, links to that and all our social accounts can be found here as well as tickets to our next London headline show on 16 March which is gonna be a biggie!
