Getting To Know... Myles Reed & Kevin Kloud

Following on from the love they received for their previous single 'Capone', US duo Myles Reed & Kevin Kloud are back with their latest anthem 'Torque'.

Melding a mixture of RnB, hip-hop and reggaeton vibes on this return, 'Torque' sees the pair in rejuvenated spirits, bringing a wealth of high-energy and good vibes throughout this new offering.

So with their new track available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their past and what has inspired them most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Kevin: I started playing music through piano lessons. Mostly classical and I wasn’t too into it at the time, but I did like Chopin and a lot of the Romantic-era stuff. It wasn’t until I started playing songs that I liked on the piano that I started actually falling in love with the instrument. I would literally sit down for hours and try to play the new Kanye West song or a sad song from a video game or even something I heard in a Korean drama, and that’s probably what led me to producing and making my own music.

Myles: The first instrument I actually fell in love with was the piano because of Looney Toons “Rabbit Rhapsody” episode when Bugs went crazy on the keys. I wish I actually spent the time learning how to play it. But I still love listening to piano music.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

Kevin: I would definitely say life in general. I’d like to think of my discography as a kind of autobiography; snapshots of where I’m at musically, emotionally, what TV shows I’m watching, who I’m hanging out with, or whatever’s going on really. Listening to any of my songs, I can pinpoint the exact moment in time that I made it, and I hope that comes through to whoever is listening to it.

Myles: Most of the inspiration behind my most recent music has been my life and the lifestyle I live. I don’t know how to vocalise how I’m navigating life on an average day, but my music allows me to lend insight into how I’m feeling or what I’m experiencing, even if it’s just a snippet.

What kind of music did you love as a teenager?

Kevin: I grew up listening to mostly hip hop, but growing up in suburban New Jersey, there was definitely a lot of Punk Rock and Frank Sinatra going on. Also special shoutouts to Nujabes, MF Doom, M-Flo, and all the music I was finding on the internet then. Top artists probably something like: Lil Wayne, Sum 41, Dean Martin, People Under the Stairs, and Linkin Park. The most influential albums were easily “808s & Heartbreaks” - Kanye West and “Take Care” - Drake.

Myles: I think my high school years definitely hit the Mac Miller and Kid Cudi wave during high school; there was just just a raw authentic quality that I felt I could relate to. In terms of my favourite album, in high school, I was for sure blasting Watch the Throne. But my top rappers then were Lil Wayne and T.I. though.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

Kevin: 100% no cap: “Crank That” by Soulja Boy 100%. Myspace x Snap Music is a top 5 era in hip hop for me. The 808s just immediately hit different the first time I listened to that song and I downloaded FL Studio the next day to learn how to make beats because of that song. The way he interacted with people online and served his music directly to the people definitely inspired me and I actually started posting my beats online as soon as I started making them.

Myles: Honestly, I can’t remember the first song that made me want to get into hip hop, but I know the first album I ever purchased was Missy Elliot’s Under Construction. I know after that album, I was hooked on the genre.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

Kevin: To be honest, either lofi hip hop radio - beats to relax/study to or some Doris Day type stuff lol. I like to ease into my day with something light while making coffee in the morning. Hits twice as nice if you wake up before sunrise and light a bunch of candles.

Myles: It depends on what type of morning I’m having, but typically I like something smooth in the morning so I listen to R&B and Neo-Soul to start the day usually. This morning was definitely some Maxwell and D’Angelo.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

Kevin: 100% of them and I’m sorry.

Myles: A good amount and I’ve been called out on it too. But what are you going to do about that; music draws from life.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

Kevin: Probably when I was young and had some local Korean-American rappers I looked up to reach out to me on YouTube for beats. Growing up, there weren’t really a lot of Asian musicians doing it and it kinda didn’t seem like an option at the time. They really brought me in and taught me everything I know and let me know that I could do something with my music. Shoutout to my role models Johnnyphlo and Danny Chung.

Myles: Easily performing at the Complex in Oakland. Being able to perform in the Bay with a sold-out crowd is always a hype experience. Definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had performing live.

Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?

Kevin: I’m really into photography. Mostly film. I shoot with a Contax T2 that I carry with me wherever I go. Even if I’m bringing photographers on set for behind the scenes footage, I’m there with my camera taking shots, too. I also do some slice-of-life B-roll footage videos whenever I travel with a Sony A7Rii. A quick plug for my photo finsta: @kloud.pix. That or video games lol. I dabble in the Super Smash Bros community. Shoutout Leffen the goat.

Myles: I think outside of music, one of my bigger passions is fashion. I think the way people express themselves with their apparel gives you insight not only who they are, but how they want the world to see them. It also just really shapes and reflects culture.

If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?

Kevin: I didn’t study anything artistic in college, but if I went back and had to do something other than music, I’d either study statistics for basketball and try to get involved in the NBA or Art History and figure out how to become a museum curator. It is sick to collect artwork I enjoy, uniquely package it for people, and say “here, this is what I like.” Imagine something like @hidden.ny but in person.

Myles: I’m not sure what my job long term would be; I mean I have a side gig now that I know a lot of people would die for. But for real, I just want to do something that impacts people. I’d probably be helping out with some non-profit.

And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?

Kevin: Create every day and show other people what you’re making. If you really want to pursue a career in anything, it should be a part of your daily life and getting over how to turn criticism into feedback early is the key to growth. If you love it, create constantly and the right audience will naturally come to your music. At the same time, marketing is important and don’t forget to learn how to sell yourself.

Myles: My advice would be to just work on your craft every day. I think a lot of people just use the excuse that they don’t have the right inspiration, but a lot of it just comes from putting in the work. I think if you just keep at it, you’ll only improve your sound.

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Myles Reed & Kevin Kloud's new single 'Torque' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.