FEATURE
Interview with “Earl The Kid”
Earl the Kid is a London-based hybrid trap/ dubstep artist. He started his musical journey at age 17, where he started producing his first tracks, dragging inspiration from goth/metal/ new wave music and mixing it up with trap and dubstep.
After many years of working in the music industry and promoting events, Earl moved to London to pursue music full time. In the UK capital, he found the right inspiration he needed. Inspired by the surrounding West End vibrant fashion and musical community, Earl found the true essence of the ETK project.
A mix of heavy-hitting trap and bass sounds, completed by a goth style and a mysterious vibe around his character. Earl’s face and identity remain in fact unknown to date. A skull mask covers half of his face and an acquired brit accent hides his roots.
When did you start DJing – and what or who were your early passions and influences?
It started when I was 16 but even before that (thanks to my parents) I have always adored CDs, vinyl and music videos. During a friend’s birthday party I decided to jump in and mix when the actual DJ was outside smoking and I saw that all of them were actually dancing haha. The following day I bought a second-hand midi controller and once I put my first mask on, everything began.
What is about music and/or sound that drew you to it?
Everyone is trying to express an idea, an emotion, a feeling via different channels (writing, painting, etc). I do that via melodies and filthy basslines haha.
What were some of the main challenges and goals when starting out as a DJ and how have they changed over time?
it has always been quite challenging for me but I love it, it is a genuine way to keep me motivated. Main challenges are obviously related to producing a good track/tracks and hope that people will listen to it/them. Mental illness kicks in via fears, insecurities, and so on but it is all about the mindset, if you can handle all of this that is really a deep passion. I love challenges/problems otherwise my life would boring as f**k.
How would you define the job and describe the influence of the DJ?
It is hard to define but it is definitely something deeper than just make people dance. I definitely love the sharing of energy between me and the crowd! During my shows (apart from donuts haha) I am giving my good vibes and my blessings to the audience and it is crazy how I receive that energy back but times two so it keeps me going. Even during the meet and greets it is priceless how I can engage with them and trying to be as inspirational as possible but everything in the limits.
What was your first set-up as DJ like? How and for what reasons has your set-up evolved over the years and what are currently some of the most important pieces of gear for you?
My first set up was just a midi controller plugged via USB to my laptop, cdjs are quite expensive but I go practice on them in the studio. I am currently trying to get used to turntables (I love vinyl, the sound quality is way better).
What’s your upcoming and future plans?
Upcoming: I’m proud to be in the lineup for Unknown Calgary taking part in their Virtual Festival because it’s so peculiar to me to be in a big family of such 40 talented artists from all over the world, united for charity and fundraising.
Future: Once we will be able to travel again, my team and I are throwing another American tour, (I had to reschedule my previous one due to this “apocalypse” haha). After that, we are planning a tour trip to India/China/Indonesia so I literally can’t wait to perform again live and feel the human touch with my people.
What is your ultimate goal at the end of your career?
I donut have an ultimate goal, I have more than one haha. So my goals are:
a- express myself 100% via my melodies and filthy basslines
b- being emphatic with the audience
c- support good causes (I am supporting Music Therapy for Kids here in London, UK)
d- Open a record label in the future and my own festival for upcoming artists ONLY.
e- EAT AS MANY DONUTS AS I CAN (haha I am serious)
What suggestions do you have for other DJs like yourself?
My suggestions to other DJs are just to keep it real and be humble. Money is not the ultimate goal so do not chase them, chase your dreams so do not sell yourself. I always get misunderstood and I love it haha.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would love to thank my family and my friends (only the ones who truly supporting, fake friends can f**k off), my supporters (I do not like to call them “fans”), my management team Gabriele (WI), Arianna (CA), Angel (Co) and Bass Emporium (FL).
My graphic designer aka the one and only @hillyhd (he always catches my vibe and I do not know how he does that but the artworks are just insane). All of the photographers I worked with (Mr. Crop, Keaton Chau, Ryan Sinkler, Megan Pepin, Evan Siahaan).
Last but not least, myself. I am truly grateful for my creativity, my social skills, my gigs, my live streamings, and all the magazines/blogs I am featured in. Thanks, Muzique Magazine for having me.
See you soon Miami.
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