'Go crazy or go home': Kid British talk to Skiddle ahead of their Funkademia set

Manchester’s Kid British channel ska, indie and hip hop, and with an approach heavily rooted in their home-town the 7-strong band take much of their inspiration from their environment. 

But that’s not to say they’re mimicking Factory Records, Oasis et al. Kid British revel in their mélange of sounds where the on-stage show is anything but dull. With emotionally-charged music comes intense live performances - where no two ears are left unattended. 

This weekend the Kid British guys will turn their musical knowledge, skills and energy to to the decks with a slot at one of Manchester's most popular club nights; Funkademia. 

Jasmine Phull caught up with the guys to talk lyrical inspiration, live shows, and how their hometown manifests itself in their music.

Your lyrics are very opinionated and even emotionally-charged. Have you ever avidly sought out emotionally-challenging situations in order to be musically inspired?

Ha ha! No, we have never purposely put ourselves in a certain situation in order to write a song. We draw inspiration from everyday life and no two days are the same

Do you have a preference between touring and staying put? Do you find being on the road suppresses your creative output, or inspires it?

I prefer to be on the road. When you broaden your horizons you will discover new things, new towns, meet new people etc. This will help inspire new ideas. Plus it's mint seeing what we have created in the studio come to life when we play it live.

Do you have a preference between support slots and your own headlining shows? Do you find one more effective than the other?

There's nothing quite like playing in front of your own supporters. The rush that you get from them singing your songs back to you is second to none. Support slots are great as you're playing in front of people that may not have ever willingly come to watch you. It gives you a chance to win people over and build on your fan base. Also it's always good to challenge yourself and see how your songs stand up in front of another band's audience.

First album you bought?

I always struggle with this question. It was either Michael Jackson 'Thriller' on vinyl, or Marvin Gaye 'Greatest Hits' on CD. I just remember playing them both to death! I'm guessing it was the Jacko album as it was on vinyl, and I can't see myself buying a vinyl if CDs were available.

How important is the live aspect of a Kid British show? Are your onstage characters and their antics all part of the shows?

I think the live aspect is the most important part. KB is all about the vibe. Like you said earlier - our music is emotionally charged so when it's performed live it's nuts! People can't help but be drawn in to our vibe. Go crazy or go home.

How much time do you put into practicing performing live, if at all?

We try and get together and practise at least twice a week. It's difficult to do anymore than that as some of us have other jobs, children etc. If we have a tour approaching we will double the amount we practice leading up to the tour.

What music did you listen to growing up? Did you have influences (friends, family) around you that shaped where you are at today?

Growing up I was proper into my house and garage music. My dad is a rasta so would always be blasting reggae music, and my step dad introduced me to more eclectic sounds like Nat King Cole, Hall and Oates... I guess that's why I'm into everything now.

Is Kid British into the whole social media aspect of reaching out to fans? Do you see its benefits?

I can't lie, I'm addicted to Twitter! I'm very opinionated so I’m always tweeting something. I dunno if anyone is listening but I suppose it's better than walking down the street talking to myself.

How important is Manchester to the band and its identity? Does its past or its present play a big role? If so, how?

Manchester is extremely important to us as this is the town where we draw the bulk of our inspiration. The bands of the past have a bit of an influence on us but I don't think we can be compared to any past Manchester band. I think change is a good thing as long as you're contributing to its history in a good way. If you stay the same you get left behind. A lot of new Manchester bands need to remember that.

You released your Northern Stories EP in February. Are you working towards any releases/projects?

Yep, we got a great response to the NS EP so we will be putting something else out but it wont be until sometime in the new year.

Catch Kid British DJing at Funkademia on Saturday 15th October. Advance tickets are available here. 

See all upcoming Funkademia nights

See more Kid British news and events

Tickets are no longer available for this event