Sometimes you listen to a new band or artist online and think they sound like every other band in the world, ever. You hope to hear something new, original, different, exciting; magical perhaps. We were intrigued to hear about a new Canadian artist who fits the bill. His name, Christopher Edwards, 30 years old from Victoria, BC. His stage name, Kkidss, the new master of Lo-Fi.
It may sound quite unbelievable but within the last 9 months Christopher has written about 500 songs and selected the best 324 of them to be released on 18 albums! His recording process is very simple. Though he used to record with a complex signal chain, using various different wires, recording systems and compressors, Edwards has now changed his vision and tries to live by a simple theory. The theory that 'Less is More'. He records sitting on his bed with his broken Spanish guitar claiming to be looking for truth, not money and fame. He dreams of recording on beaches, sitting next to fires or in the woods, essentially rediscovering his roots where he grew up in the beautiful Canadian countryside. He plans to go back there one day, but first his job at a liquor store and the recording of 18 new albums must take priority.
Kkidds is inspired by many different music genres and he enjoys listening to all kind of different artists. He tells us of his passion for Sonic Youth, that he admires Mazzy Star and fell in love with Patti Smith after reading her book 'Just Kids'. The comparison to Daniel Johnston we suggest albeit an obvious one is still something Christopher is pleased about it. He maintains that their recording processes are the same, that the melodies and lyrics remain simple but honest. He tells us that he understands why people have to compare artists with other artists, but for him what matters is the music and trying to do your own thing without being catalogued. Not an easy but an admirable stance to achieve.
"I can play a good melody over in my head for days. It’s like a drug"
It's here where you realise that Kkidss is a true music fan. As soon as we spoke his first comment was about Scotland and how many of the artists he likes come from there. The Jesus And Mary Chain, Belle and Sebastian, Camera Obscura. His straightforward philosophy on music and life want to inspire people to think differently. According to him, Pop music is a reflection of our times but that doesn't mean it's no time to re-evaluate music in general. Music should be accessible, easy and down-to-earth; essentially you don't need multiples pedals or an expensive guitar to convey feelings and music. Many of the greatest artists and songs came from misery, heartbreak and rejection and we shouldn't be afraid of it.
Throughout our time spent with Kkidss we begin to understand that you shouldn't always take yourself too seriously. His point of view on life may be idealistic and dreamy, but at least it's an honest reflection. However this isn't Edward's first attempt to change the world of music. Several years ago whilst on an audio-engineering production course Christopher Edwards met Matthew Niemann of the band Little Jungles, and as they became friends, a new band called Magic Message was established. They got their hands on a bunch of old cassette tapes called Magic Message, 40 second loop tapes that were used for answering machines, and filled them up with electric guitar feedback.
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