Each and every artist that makes up the current-day online music landscape is defined by nothing more than their own sense of individuality. These acts stand out so vividly amongst each other due to how they embrace their individual nature by themselves through their music and image alike, but what makes this scene so fascinating is how they do so collectively in such large numbers at the same time ever-so-constantly.
That is where an artist like 18-year-old phenom Kite comes into play. The Atlanta, Georgia native is essentially one of the most ideal reflections of what these ideas represent towards this entire scene as a whole. This magnificent talent has made an already-experienced career flourish on years end with their one-of-a-kind vocal inflection, superb pop prowess, and an all-around spotless approach to their craft that has made them one of the most defining long-lasting figures out of this burgeoning scene.
Being a member of Goonncity, Helix Tears, and Graveem1nd simultaneously, they have brought with them a dynamic outlook to their artistic presence that seems to find its place in a variety of collectives and other collaborations alike. Though their sound is absolutely untapped, they still find ways to spread it across all parts of this scene they helped to craft and define in the first place. Not only is that another keen representation of what the scene itself stands for, but it also just goes to show how immensely influential an act like this truly is.
But to say that their work is anything close to cemented would be totally disregarding the heights Kite has yet to reach. They certainly have quite the large amount of influence to spread over a wider audience, and that is exactly the goals they intend to set out on in this coming year. What better way to kickstart this run than with a brand new project that will solidify their progress up to this point in one moment’s notice. Set to release this coming February, “Platinum End” will serve this role in such a swift and hopeful manner — encapsulating all that this future icon has stood for up to this point, and what they will stand for moving forward. Even still, there is quite a lot to learn about Kite that will give full context towards their sure-to-be impactful 2021.
LL: Where does your stage name come from?
The name Kite came from when my teachers would mispronounce my real name (Kiet) as “kite” instead of “key-et,” so from my early childhood I always went by kite and picked it up as my artist name.
– – – –
LL: What kinds of music defined your years growing up?
The music that defined my years growing was a lot of Linkin Park, all because of a WWE theme song. That grew into me listening to hardcore bands and emo bands like My Chemical Romance, Blink-182 and Silverstein. My parents never really played music for me or really got me into music like that so I just explored it when I was young. My mom showed me j-rock and j-pop but I didn’t get into that until later.
– – – –
LL: Did any other forms of media inspire you to create?
When I first started making music back in 2017 I was heavily influenced by xxxtentacion and Weiland. That was when I found out about the underground part of SoundCloud… when I found out about Gayboiclique, now known as Prettyboiclique, and it was a weird thing… the kawaii trap, high pitched music. That got me to join my first collective with Kuso Kollective. Shoutout to Kaixan for finding me. I wouldn’t be here without him.
– – – –
LL: Who else from the scene served as an inspiration while you were starting out?
The people from the scene that gave me so much inspiration were definitely people like Kevin Kazi, Weiland, Summrs, Lil Wintr, and Lilbootycall.
LL: So being a member of three collectives at the same time, what can you say about the influence that collectives have on the scene?
It’s really cool that each and every collective has their own cult following and I feel like one day it’ll become a big thing. I feel like we all have influence on each other… so we can keep pushing for what makes us happy. Quinn got me into Goonncity when I was looking for a collective and the people I met there gave me so many connections and friends that I made. I felt like that really put me into this scene because of Quinn. So I would like to thank her for everything.
– – – –
LL: How would you say being involved with three collectives helped your career musically?
Those three collectives really got me trying new things with music and it helped progress with my sound and gave me so much more influence. Being friends with Saturn, blackwinterwells, Misaku Foxx, Kuru, and osquinn helped me try new things because they always had their own sounds so it got me trying to find my sound that I’m happy with.
– – – –
LL: Speaking of your sound, arguably your most defining feature as an artist is your super unique voice and delivery. How did you begin singing with that inflection and approach?
I began singing when I heard about Juice WRLD when he was approaching the scene. I was thinking maybe I should start singing in a more soprano than an alto tone. For my delivery, Lil Uzi Vert heavily influenced how I say things… all because the song “Team Rocket.” Then people started to say I sound like male Britney Spears… and I do kinda see that (laughs).
LL: As far as picking production to compliment your delivery goes, what kinds of things do you look for?
I look for things that are bouncy but still give a sad tone to it. Like with Redpriest, I would always love to hop on his beats because they compliment me so much. I feel like he brings the best out of me.
– – – –
LL: What kinds of moments in your still-young career really stick out as being important or memorable to you personally?
The moments I really loved were when Kuso Kollective was still around and we would go on Discord just to make music. I really miss that, it got me into making more friends with people personally. Also when people would recognize me as an artist at school. It was kinda weird but it really made me want to push even more. Even when early artists like SEBii and Dolly were telling me that they looked up to me in my early career, because now I look up to them.
– – – –
LL: So with your new EP on the horizon, what kinds of things about it make it such a special release?
I feel like this EP really represents what I’ve been feeling, just holding back pent up thoughts letting it all out. I feel like everyone would identify with it, but also enjoy it at the same time.
LL: How does the EP show your growth as an artist up to this point?
This EP will show that my writing and the vocal sound that I have been building up will be at their peaks. Like all the hard work I’ve done to get this far will be here. I want to show everyone how talented I really am.
– – – –
LL: How do you expect to grow in 2021 more than you already have, artistically or otherwise?
I’m just going to stick to my sound right now and keep pushing. Maybe I’ll try new things too… whatever I’m comfortable with in the end. I really want to make more connections, make more friends, and go forward from there. And definitely show my parents that I make good enough money for things, too.
In the end, I really want to thank everyone in Goonncity, Helix Tears, and Graveem1nd for making this happen.