Born to a musical family, his second cousin a member of influential 60s group The Yardbirds and his father spending weekends performing across local pubs and socials clubs, Liverpool's K I T was always intent on making his own mark on the new music scene, and has now delivered his much-hyped debut single 'Warm'.
Developed by Rich Turvey (Blossoms, The Coral, Vistas) and Mike Halls (Clean Cut Kid), 'Warm' makes for an incredibly fresh and vibrant initial offering from the artist. With its bright and euphoric production mixed effortlessly with his own sweeping vocals, this new gem is sure to reinvigorate any solemn spirit with its uplifting direction.
So with the new single proving to be a smash right now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The guitar, at age 13 after hearing the guitar solo in ‘Belief’ by John Mayer. That was the ‘mind blown’ moment I think most musicians have growing up.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
I think life in general; problems, celebrations, love, anything. I fall into the introverted category, my mind is very loud and songwriting is my way of expressing myself. It’s sometimes easier for me to sing a song about something than talk about it.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Blues music. I was always the odd kid out in school, musically. Everyone was listening to the charts and I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. Studying their playing when I should have been studying my schoolwork. I didn't really listen to much else as a teen.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I would go back to ‘Belief’ as the moment I wanted to pursue the guitar. But it was the John Mayer - Live in LA DVD that made me want to pursue a life in music. I think that’s the moment that made me realise it’s something people can do, and I haven’t thought about anything else since.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Normally an album or song I’m obsessed with, currently that’s Lennon Stella’s “Three. Two. One.” album. If it’s a lovely sunny autumn or winter morning, it’s always Cool Jazz. A go to style would be alt-pop. Like Mansionair or Bob Moses. That’s music I can always listen to in the morning.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Most of my songs have a connection to someone, I like to blend fiction and autobiography so my writing always stems from somewhere. Songwriting is cathartic and sometimes I write about someone or something that I feel I need to write about, sometimes inspiration comes from the back of my brain and I get two lines into writing the first verse and realise.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
So far it has been signing my first record deal with Lab Records. Signing a deal is something growing up I always dreamt of, so to achieve a childhood dream is always very cool. But obviously I’m just starting out and the hard work starts now. I’m super excited for the future.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I’m not really into much else. I love Everton Football Club and I could be described as a “sneakerhead.”
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I think, probably something that helps people like a Paramedic or something similar. But, I haven’t really given it much thought as I’ve always had music on my mind. Even in school when the career’s advisor would tell me to “be more realistic” I’ve never been interested in anything else.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
Make connections and be easy to get on with, no one wants to work with people who are hard work.
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K I T's 'Warm' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.