[Exclusive Interview] Kyd the Band, The Music, and Other Self Reflections
Welcome to the band.
That's the Instagram bio of Devin Guisande, the ambitious and passionate man behind the music of Kyd the Band. The alternative-pop artist has created a very intriguing lane of music that teeters on the line of optimistic tunes and melancholy lyrics. His music reflects the wistful and self-reflective memories the artist writes about. Simply put, all of his emotions and stories are poured into the songs he has already written and released. Nonetheless, he still remains a mystery. It's even hard for me to explain, but the artist's tracks like "Human" and "Easy" just hit some kind of way that makes it difficult to not like them. His music is smooth and in some very odd way, there’s a sense of strength and confidence in the uncertainty he has endured for so long. It's funny to say that there is confidence in uncertainty, but his music tends to have this perfectly blended juxtaposition in all of his compositions. They all sound like drafts of music, not fully complete, and yet they are absolutely polished and finished. At a young age, KTB left his hometown in Northern California to chase after this dream of becoming a recording artist. Today, with roughly eighteen-thousand followers on Instagram and over five-hundred thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, it’s safe to say KTB is climbing that ladder to success.
When he first started, he was sleeping on the floor of his ex-bandmate and brother's room and worked forty hours a week to make ends meet. No matter what trials he faced, KTB kept up the artistry in the hours he had left to spare. He is a multi-instrumentalist, a producer, and a songwriter. Like any good story should go, his hard work paid off when he was finally recognized by artists such as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Robin Schulz, gnash, NF, and ROZES (just to name a few). His time as a prolific songwriter is what brought this young man to the solo career he had always dreamed of. Now, KTB has two singles that are under a Sony/Four Music record deal and is a rising artist on the German airplay charts. He only has 10 tracks out, but all 10 stand on their own and offer a different listening experience. He has recently released his new single “This Time Last Year” which you can listen to HERE.
Something to note about this musician is that the messages behind his music are true stories he intends to share with his fans, and he wants his fans to be able to relate to and learn from the narratives he has embraced and taken part in throughout his life.
I am heartbroken that I wasn't able to make it to his performance opening for NF recently, but I do intend on making it out to a show in the near future.
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Regardless, our interview really excited me and I am so happy to have had the chance to chat with this talented and kind-hearted individual.
Here is our interview:
What got you started in music officially?
I played drums as a kid growing up in church. That’s how it all started but it wasn’t until I was 16 years old that I wrote my first song.
“This Time Last Year” is a literal representation of you and the evolution you have gone through— can you explain what made you want to talk about this topic with your listeners and what went into the process of writing this song?
I always write about my life, and I try to be as self-aware and reflective as I can be. A lot has changed for me in the last 12 to 24 months and I wanted to talk about that. I came up with the title “This Time Last Year” and finished the song in a writing session.
How have the hardships you have faced reflected in or impacted your sound musically and in your own personality?
My hardships have definitely shaped me. As a listener, I really only enjoy music that feels weighty, and I strive to write music in that same fashion. My hardships have also affected me personally, and I’d like to think that those experiences have made me better as a person.
You also mention, "I think artists should have the right to evolve, and that they shouldn't pass up the opportunity to evolve.” —what do you predict or know will be the next evolution of Kyd the Band’s sound?
I like maintaining an element of surprise with my fans, so although I know what the next step is for me musically, I don’t want to give too much info away. Just gonna have to stay tuned...
What is one childhood memory you always remember?
When I was 10, my family lived on a street called Francis Street. There was this kid my age who lived nearby named Jimmy but we called him Jimbob. Jimbob had a jacuzzi in his garage and a fridge that hid this secret stash of IBC root beer. My brother, Jimbob, and I would take a dip in the jacuzzi and drink root beer. I think about those times a lot.
If you could be any beverage (type of coffee, tea, etc.) what would you be?
Probably a milkshake.
What is one word you’d describe yourself with?
Intense.
Of all the music you have written thus far, which was the most groundbreaking song to you personally—the one that made you know it was “the one” to you?
Human. For the first time in a long time I could hear the pain in my own voice every single time I listen to the track.
What’s one thing you’d want your fans to remember always about you?
That I’m trying my best to be someone who is good, and that I’m trying my best to figure out life.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be with?
Tracy Chapman. She’s one of my favorite songwriters. Even the stuff she’s putting out currently hits me in the same way that her classics do.
What’s your detour? (What’s something you’re doing that is different, unexpected, surprising or exciting that fans might not know about? Or a side passion/hidden talent/fun fact?)
Lol I play a lot of adult men’s softball. Like travel tournaments and everything. It’s a good escape for me because my teammates don’t do music and they don’t really understand the world I’m in.
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As I mentioned before, it was an absolute pleasure to be able to interview Kyd the Band, and I really look forward to when we can actually meet in person and when I can see him perform live. His music is moving, and I can say it probably does that to the other hundreds of thousands of fans out there listening to his music. He's got more coming, so be sure to check in!
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