Malcolm Da Kid
Malcolm Da Kid makes music for the visionary. The singer/songwriter out of New York, New York combines his passion for music, fashion, and photography to drive his creative direction. He began making music back in 8th grade, a hobby that would evolve into the discography we see today: six singles along with his Popular Loner EP. The latter brings listeners on a musical journey with tracks like “Air Out The Room” and “Cocoon” giving off distinct soundscapes. His latest project, the music video for “Talk Nice,” is set to release tomorrow, July 10th! We recently spoke to Malcolm Da Kid about his musical upbringing, favorite pastimes, and more! Scroll down to read our full Q&A with the artist!
Malcolm Da Kid! Thanks for speaking with us today. Tell us a little bit about yourself! How did you get started making music?
I started making music back when I was in the 8th grade. I would hang out with some of my friends and we would just rap to hip hop beats thinking we was going to be the next YMCMB. By the time I reached High School, making music became way more than just writing words in my notebook. I used it as a form of therapy to rap about things on my mind that was hard for me to say out loud if that makes sense. When I started college, that’s when I became more confident with my sound and started wanting to make art. Music is my art.
You’ve been releasing your songs for a few years now – how has your sound changed during this time?
My sound has changed so much and I think it’s only natural for that to happen because people’s perspectives change over time. I’m starting to feel that I’m becoming more in touch with myself and that reflects in my music as well.
Is there a specific process that goes into making a Malcolm Da Kid song?
I think my process is based on how I feel. I could be in the worse mood, so I’ll put on a beat to make myself feel better then I start to write. It could be the opposite too. I could be in the best mood and still throw on a beat to work on a song. It’s a weird process, but I guess it works pretty well for me.
How do you deal with those moments where you’re in a creative funk?
I take a step away from the music and do some living. I view creative funks as a sign to take a break for a bit. It’ll be hard to paint on a canvas without having any inspiration right? In order to get my creative juices flowing, I have to go out and find some inspiration.
Let’s talk about the EP – Popular Loner is a whole vibe. Any backstory behind the name?
I always felt like I been a loner most my life, but technically I was never really alone. It’s more of a mental thing than a physical thing. I would be at a setting hanging out with people, but still felt alone. Some would consider me to be popular because I’m pretty cool with a lot of people, but I was still lonely. I’m not the only person who ever felt this way before so naming the project “Popular Loner” was almost like a shout out to anyone who felt the way I did.
Do you have a favorite line from a song off the project?
Hmm.. I think my favorite line is “I got my hand in paint, and I paint the picture of a better cycle.” I always been a believer that in order to change the world, it has to start with you. Therefore, I paint the message of hope in my music. Although the world can be harsh, it doesn’t hurt to imagine what the world could be like then reflect that into the universe.
The “Talk Nice” music video just dropped, too. Walk us through the inspiration for the video!
“Talk Nice” was that type of song on the project I wanted to have fun with so I wanted to make the music video fun but with a sprinkle of my other passion, fashion. The music video is supposed to be a fashion show with looks styled by me and my brother, Christherula, in collaboration with his “Rulamag.” I wanted crazy effects in the video so I had to get DeviledHex to record and edit it. Honestly, it came out just the way I pictured it with the help of everyone that was involved in the video. Shout out to all the models, it wouldn’t have been done without them.
If you were to make a Mount Rushmore of artists, which four are you putting up there and why?
I hate picking a top four, but I have to go with J Cole, Kanye West, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar. Honorable mention would be ASAP Rocky. All four of those artists continue to excel their art each and every time they release music. It’s always an exciting feeling when these artists drop (love them or hate them) because people always wonder what they will do next. That’s the type of artist I want to be. I want people to wonder what I will do next and be able to give people something fresh and new. I threw ASAP Rocky as a honorable mention because his fashion style mixed with the creativity of his visuals has always gave me inspiration.
Describe your music with just three words.
Thoughtful. Vibe. Me.
Those were the first words that came to mind, so I’m rolling with it!
What are some of the things that you enjoy doing outside of the studio?
I love doing photography because it’s another way for me to be creative and meet new people. I enjoy thrifting and styling pieces together because I just love clothes. I also enjoy reading outside surrounded by nature because it brings me a sense of peace.
“Talk Nice” Music Video!
Do these hobbies influence your music at all?
I feel like my hobbies align with each other so they do influence my music. Fashion is important to me when I want to make a music video or create a visual for any of my songs. Photography helps me see the world through different lenses which helps if I ever want to tell a visual story with pictures through my music. I tend to mention my hobbies in some of my songs too.
What can we expect from Malcolm Da Kid for the rest of 2021?
You can expect more music and more art. I’m already working on some new tracks but I want to take a different approach with them. This time around I really want to dig deep and talk about things that would probably make me uncomfortable, but in a good way. It’s always interesting to explore with art.
When Malcolm Da Kid makes it to LA, _______________.
I’m going everywhere! I want to see it all and feel out the vibe. I also want to meet some creatives and build more connections.