Posted on: October 12, 2017 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

What’s your story? How’d you fall into rap?

I’m approaching on the two year mark of my debut. I’d been writing music privately since about the age of 15 and doing ‘rap battles’ in high school. It wasn’t until my dad got us tickets in 2014 for the ‘Monster Tour’ to see Eminem & Rihanna in Detroit that changed my life! The opportunity to see Eminem in concert close up was inspirational, not to mention driving around 8 mile, checking out the neighbourhood where he grew up and getting a glimpse of his new crib outside the city was an experience and trip I’ll never forget! Then, while driving back to Canada my dad mentioned he was going to write me a rap song about the experience, I laughed and said “yeah right”! Well a few months later he shocked me! The song comprised of the months leading up to the concert, him gaining an understanding of Eminem’s music and his creative genius, the Hip Hop culture in general, the landscape of the day and the crazy events afterward all packaged into one amazing track. It was at that moment I decided I wasn’t going to keep my stories hidden and showcase my thirst for writing.

 

Who are you listening to right now?

I’m currently listening to Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, A Boogie, Kodak Black, Wiz Kalifa, Scarlxrd, XXXTentacion, Gucci Mane, Playboi Carti, Nav, Future, Ugly God, Migos, Hopsin, Eminem and I also listen to a lot of unknown artists as well.

 

How has your style evolved and changed over the time since you first started? Where do you think that your flow will go to in the months and years in the future?

My sound has evolved very quickly! Right after my first two tracks there is a definitive style transition into my third single ‘Make Money’. This song really started to define who I was as an artist and has continued into my latest three singles ‘Stylin’ On You’, ‘Finessa’ and the current release ‘Flossin’, which showcase todays new school trend while creating a one-of-a-kind ‘wavy’ vibe.

 

Flossin is your latest single. What have people had to say about the release so far?

My fans completely love the new single and the rest of my music portfolio. I’ve had a number of Dj’s, online radio stations, bloggers, websites, mixtapes and A&R’s support the new release (as well as all of my previous work). I’ve also been selected for a number of high profile music campaigns and was the cover feature artist on YoungMoney Unsign Hype Vol.18 where ‘Flossin’ scored the #1 spot on the mixtape through Grind Nation. I’m always trying to showcase a unique sound and listening experience which is important in today’s industry in order to separate myself from the pack. As mentioned earlier, I like to try and incorporate the new school feel while adding some old school vibe delivering it in a way like no other artist. I use creative concepts, unique hooks and showcase everything through the process of my writing abilities. The feedback and support I’ve received through social media has been insane and I’m ‘Thankful’ for the support, which ironically is the title for the song my dad wrote me!

 

What differences in terms of lifestyle, music, or anything have you seen between Toronto and the other areas that you have visited?

As mentioned I’m approaching on the two year mark now of my debut come this November. The initial game plan laid out by my manager was to achieve a social media presence, get my music onto as many music platforms as possible, see how well it was received and really establish an online foundation with a core following first. The intention was that we structure this over a two year period and then add the dimension of live performances to further make a name for myself, which would be to perform locally at nightclubs, bars etc, and then look into other Canadian and US markets. Part of the reason for this being I’m only 18, turn 19 at the end of October, so getting gigs at the age of 17 and 18 didn’t make much sense with the age of majority in Canada being 19. Now that I’m 19 (later this month) the plan is to start networking these exact avenues. We’ve recently linked up with LME (Landmark Events) and I’m scheduled as a featured artist this winter for some of their Toronto and Montreal shows – so I’m very excited for the opportunity, and grateful to my manager for having made this connection and appreciative to the team over at LME. I’ve also had a few local venues and promoters reach out inviting me to perform, but we respectfully declined as not to deviate from our development plan. My manager also wanted to make sure that I did my due-diligence with performance training including rehearsals with Dj’s so that I was prepared professionally for live shows. I also had a Booking Agency, Kangaroo Bookings, based in France ask me to join their artist roster (and did), but currently have them on hold until we give the green light to start booking me for International events. I’ve also had a number of high profile A&R’s who have worked with major artists select my music for a number of different campaigns including radio placement, sync licensing opportunities etc. I’ve had talent agencies ask me to join their artist roster and also signed a 1 year deal with Bentley Records, an International Record Label based in New York City. So again, things have been moving really quickly with my music all around the world and establishing a presence online. Therefore I haven’t seen any ‘differences’ in other areas compared to Toronto because we haven’t physically ventured into other cities but I’m sure as my music career develops I’ll be excited for those future experiences.

How have you gotten more of your fans – social media (e.g. Snapchat, IG, Facebook, Twitter) or traditional word of mouth? Have you noticed anything different between these types of fans?

The majority of my fans have come through Twitter, Instagram and Soundcloud. I’m also on ReverbNation where we recently hit #1 Worldwide on the Hip Hop Charts. We’ve also spent a lot of time concentrating within the Spotify space as it seems to be one of the more popular cutting edge streaming platforms and obviously on iTUNES. We’re in 280+ stores around the world but it really comes down to which of these preferred music platforms fans prefer listening on.

How should people find your music? Are there any singles or mixtapes coming out that they should look into buying?

My music can pretty much be found everywhere as mentioned earlier including Spotify, iTUNES, Amazon Music, Google Play, Soundcloud, YouTube, ReverbNation, my Website, Twitter (which has links redirecting you to certain sites) and when you’re on my Soundcloud, ReverbNation or YouTube they all have links to all of the other platforms. Just simply search ‘Shay-D Kid’.

 

SPOTIFY ARTIST PAGE:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AHbQCIv9o9p0fcsPhKHSe

 

iTUNES ARTIST PAGE:

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/shay-d-kid/id1160538104

 

SOUNDCLOUD:

https://soundcloud.com/shay-d-kid

 

YOUTUBE:

http://www.youtube.com/c/ShayDKid

 

TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/ShayD_Kid

 

ARTIST WEBSITE:

http://www.shay-dkid.com/

 

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/shaydkid/

 

INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/shayd_kid/

 

REVERBNATION:

https://www.reverbnation.com/shaydkid

 

We’re also looking to put together an EP, ready this winter so definitely keep an eye out but all of my last four tracks have been released within the year so have a listen. Previously, our game plan had been to focus on singles, trying to get one song out every 3-5 months giving each track their respective promotional attention. So, during this time period I’ve been writing a ton and now have a library of songs waiting, so my manager feels this is the right time to release an EP and get those tracks out! So I’m excited to be working on this project over the next few months.

 

Do you have any final thoughts for NeuFutur readers?

To the NeuFutur readers I’m grateful to have this platform to showcase my music and have you as a potential fan through the creative expression of writing which is something I love to do. I truly appreciate each and every fan and if you follow me on social media you will understand. I try my best to stay in touch with each and every person and as often as possible. I truly appreciate the support, much love always Shay-D!

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