Kidnap Kid is a rising star in the “bass music” scene. Picked up by Sheffield’s Squelch and Clap imprint, his latest EP the Apocalypse of John has just topped the Juno chart and shows no signs of sliding. Being the lovely chap he is, Matt took some time to answer our questions and unveils the story behind his name.

How long have you been producing and how did you get into it?

I’ve been producing for about 3 years now. I’d been DJing for a couple of years before that so it just seemed like a natural progression. People lose interest in DJs pretty quickly unless they have music behind their name it seems.

I read somewhere that you write your tracks in headphones which is very impressive considering the depth of your sound. Have you sorted yourself a set of monitors yet?

That was true for the first EP but as soon as a bit of money came in I bought some monitors. I don’t know how I managed without them before!

S&C006 - Kidnap Kid - The Apocalypse of John (17/10) by Squelchandclap

Squelch and Clap are a relatively new Sheffield based label who’ve been very supportive of your work, recently putting out your second EP. How did you get involved with them?

I sent Mike (CEO) a demo when I was trying to get bookings as a DJ. I didn’t have much intention of getting them signed. He asked if I wanted to put them out via Squelch and Clap, and the rest is history! Just stuck around since then really.

Your music is very synth-heavy. What is your synth of choice?

That would be telling…

Daniel Klauser ft. Jasmine Knight - I Told Ya (Kidnap Remix) [Forthcoming Top Billin] by Kidnap kid

Did you start out as a DJ or a producer and which one do you prefer?

I started out as a DJ. I tend to prefer whichever I’m doing at the time. They can be as rewarding / frustrating as each other. I’d say I’m leaning towards production lately.

Could you name three songs that have influences your sound the most and why?

Jacques Greene - The Look. I got massively into this track, and it opened up a whole new pathway for me. I’d not really used vocals in my stuff before and this definitely changed that. 

Loefah - Goat stare. Whilst it’s not similar to the music I write … I still think it has had a massive influence on me. Most of Loefahs stuff does to be honest. He always captures you with an amazing simplicity that is something I strive for. 

Xxxy - Ordinary things. This track managed to stradle both Garage and House, and still be very original. I like to think the stuff I make is similar to this in a way.

What does the future hold for Kidnap Kid?

Plenty more music. I’ve started to get more bookings recently so hopefully I’ll carry on with that. I’ve got the last year of my degree to finish then full time with the music. Maybe I’ll venture down a route less involved with dance music…

Have you ever been kidnapped?

Yes! My name came about after me and some mates got taken to court for faking a kidnapping in KFC. I got ‘kidnapped’ and caused some police frenzy with gun squads and choppers out after us. It was pretty bad. Got away with community service and youth offenders though so can’t complain.

Kidnap Kid - Shouldn’t Be Alone (CDBL remix) //FREE DL by CDBL

The CDBL remix of Shouldn’t Be Alone is available as a free download from the Soundcloud player above.

SH