Interviews
Ky Baldwin – Why
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) POP
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Michael Jackson and Ed Sheeran
Q) Talk about the story behind your song “Why.”
A) “Why” just started as a piano melody and the words why do you love me just came out. I then revolved a story around that. The story is really that life is full of ups and downs and when you may be down you may have a close friend that supports you through it. Although the question is “why are you supporting me when I feel so worthless” the message is to allow people to support you when you are down, don’t feel guilty about it and realize that it’s a cycle and in the future you’ll be strong one helping someone through some hard times.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans will connect to?
A) I definitely like my songs to inspire or help people. So, I hope they connect to the message that they are never worthless, to always accept help and it doesn’t mean they are weak. We all need that helping hand at times. And then also to be that helping hand even when a close person might be treating you badly (but not because they are mean, just because they are struggling)
Q) How does the video for the song play into the message of it?
A) So, my family and I create all our videos. We come up with the concepts, my mum films it and I edit it. It is not something any of us had experience in before I started to do it for my own YouTube channel. They are also on a shoestring budget so it’s really finding easy ways to illustrate the song. In this case, we just wanted to find ways to show a friendship between two young people where things aren’t perfect, but they stick together and travel through good times and bad. It’s about how one person, although disappointed, stays strong and supportive of another. So, in the video we have him standing her up, she’s disappointed and he’s guilty, but she stays strong and supportive. The main thing is she doesn’t take it personally because it’s not about her. It’s him battling his own demons.
Q) How do you write your songs? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Although each song is different, I often have a little guitar or piano melody I come up with first – just through fiddling around. When I find one I like I add some words to it. At first, the words may not make any sense it’s just to lock down the melody. Then, I decide on a theme of the song and start to write lyrics to fit into the existing song.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) For this particular song we met a girl in my building that produces music for her band so I played the piano melody and she actually suggested we change it to more guitar based. So, I recorded the guitar and then she put the beats and etc. around it and fleshed it out. Then, it was just about both of us saying, “Why don’t we try this here and see how it sounds” and I decided what I liked. With my next songs I have been working with different producers, but still use the same method. They start with my guitar or piano base melody and build around it and we decide what we like and don’t like together.
Q) What can fans expect from a live Ky Baldwin performance?
A) Definitely variety. Every song is different. Some are dance oriented with heavy beats and heavy production so there will be dancers with me, great choreography and then there will be other numbers that are just me on the guitar under a spotlight. I’ve also written a duet I really like. We hope to be putting a show together in the new year and starting doing gigs around the US.
Q) Will there be an EP or album coming out soon?
A) First quarter of 2017 is the goal, although so many other things need to be lined up. The songs will be ready, but it’s the way it’s delivered, the people we work with, etc. that may decide on a different plan.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Definitely Ed Sheeran. I’d love to write a song with him. Even to just sit in the room and watch him write his own would be invaluable. Then, also like a Mark Ronson or something so I can watch them really work with sounds and music production.
Q) What can fans do to help promote your music?
A) Obviously, downloading or streaming is really helpful. Sharing with friends. Doing a cover or even a little musical.ly is really cool.
Q) You frequently cover other artists’ songs. How do you choose what songs you’ll take on?
A) Definitely just songs I love myself. I don’t put a lot of thought into it. If a song comes out I really like I usually just say let’s do a cover. Some songs like Pink’s “Just Like Fire” I really wanted to do, but it just didn’t suit me at all so we had to let that one go. That happens a lot. It’s actually really difficult to come up with affordable and practical video ideas when you don’t have any money so we just do our best.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) Social media is so great to be able to connect with people that enjoy what you do when you can’t meet them in person. I love hearing from people all over the world. It’s a great honor when someone from The Netherlands says, “You inspired me to enter into our school play,” or something like that. Knowing that inspires me. I’m not great at social media as I’m too busy living and forget to “capture” the moments. Honestly, I’m not much into self promotion. I read what some other kids write and it makes me cringe a little. I could never do that.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Just my deepest thanks for watching the video or subscribing. It’s only the beginning and I think it’s going to be an amazing journey. I love having you along for the ride. I also hope you too find something you love and that you will follow what makes you happy and give it everything you got.
https://www.instagram.com/iamkybaldwin/
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