"I just like to try and be bright and positive currently, to not worry too much about stereotypes and what we think we need to wear, its a way to express yourself and help with your emotions and personal growth."
Will AKA 220 Kid has gone from making music in his bedroom with stage fright, to now DJing to over 10,000 people four times in one weekend. We chat exclusively to British DJ/producer 220 KID about what it felt like to play Reading and Leeds Festival and the journey to produce his latest track with LANY, 'Stupid Feelings'.
Featuring: 220 KID, Photographer: Ben McQuaide, MUA: Laura Kate, Styling: Adele Cany, Clothing: Lacoste.
Hey 220 KID, how have you been?
Hey I have been good, just taking some self care time!
Can you tell us about how you got into music?
I have always been around music through my family but the desire to make music was something I realised later in life, I knew I had a dream and a calling and that I wasn't doing it but couldn't work it out then as I realised I took the big step into trying it and from there as a friend passed away I knew I needed to chase this dream.
Which artists did you listen to growing up and who do you listen to now?
I loved a wide range from Motown to soul, Bee Gees, pop punk like The All-American Rejects, Justin Timberlake, Slipknot, such a wide range just trying to understand all types of story telling and music production. It's pretty similar now I'm always exploring new music, actually back into pop punk oldies and other artists like MGK.
Featuring: 220 KID, Photographer: Ben McQuaide, MUA: Laura Kate, Styling: Adele Cany, Clothing: Nike.
What is your earliest music memory?
Maybe watching Bee Gees play somewhere or getting my first cassette which was The Wombles haha!
How would you describe your fashion style and does this influence the creative direction for your visuals?
I just like to try and be bright and positive currently, to not worry too much about stereotypes and what we think we need to wear, it's a way to express yourself and help with your emotions and personal growth. Yes I think so, I have a great team around so I can't take the credit Adele Cany has been massive in helping me find confidence in what I wear and how I carry myself.
Featuring: 220 KID, Photographer: Ben McQuaide, MUA: Laura Kate, Styling: Adele Cany, Clothing: Adidas.
Your Reading and Leeds Festival sets looked incredible, how was the experience and to have such big crowds at your shows?
It was mental, I've gone from being in my bedroom and having stage fright to 10,000 people 4 times in a weekend which was mad, it was very beautiful to see everyone just wanting to enjoy themselves and have a great time.
What’s your favourite thing about playing live?
Just knowing everyones having fun, I give it my all when I play and try to let people forget the world outside.
You recently released a track with LANY, could you explain the process of making the single?
Started with the bare bones of the song in the UK with my collaborators Billen Ted, Conor Blake and Jordan Shaw and then we got on zoom with Paul from LANY who took it to the place it's at now, it was very international! Really loved doing it and it sounds amazing i think. Wait till you hear the acoustic version.
Featuring: 220 KID, Photographer: Ben McQuaide, MUA: Laura Kate, Styling: Adele Cany, Clothing: Vintage Universal Studios.
Dream collabs?
MGK, Ryan Tedder, Diana Ross, Sam Smith, Khalid, Lady Gaga.
What’s next for 220 KID and are there any plans in the pipeline for 2022?
More shows! Bringing the chaos to a few cities before Xmas, then another few songs too. Watch this space!