Interview by Luke Byatt

We caught up with UK producer, 220 Kid to chat about his blossoming debut, ‘Don’t Need Love’. The single is dominating both the dance and main charts around the world, recently breaking the top 10 at number nine in the Official Charts and number one in the Official Dance Chart in the UK. It has also earned number one spot at US Dance Radio. 220 Kid talks us through the success of the record, his production process, and the future of the project.

Futuremag Music: Hey 220 Kid, how’re you going?

220 Kid: I’m good, living the lockdown life in the UK!

Futuremag Music: I'm not sure where to start with 'Don't Need Love's blossoming success. For a debut, you've knocked it out of the park! How does it feel to have such a strong response in both the UK and internationally?

220 Kid: It’s very overwhelming, the main benefit of lock down has been to process my life completely flipping. Its brilliant though, its taken 7 years to get here so I’m really happy, I had this song for 2 years and we released it 8 months ago so It may seem sudden but its taken a lot of work, shout out to my teams at Polydor (label), AYITA (management) and to Listen Up (radio service); radio has been so key in lockdown for our success! Its quite mad, how different life is now, everything has levelled up off this song - artists I’m working with, opportunities, etcetera… I can pay my rent too!

Futuremag Music: How'd you loop up with GRACEY for 'Don't Need Love'? Could you explain the production and writing process for the single?

220 Kid: Gracey heard the song in a studio with a friend and had a few ideas to help develop it, I was already a fan, different things being one of my most listened to songs last year in Spotify recap! The first demo of the song was an R&B slow jam, I flipped it and added the heavy base and sped it up to a dance track. My mate, Sam and I then added the loving you hook and that was the first addition. As the song developed, more extra musical hooks came in, some melodic tweaks, vocal hooks and some extra base. Finally the mix by Mark took it to the next level… It was really a long term project, moving little pieces of the puzzle to make it the song that it is today. 

Futuremag Music: In addition to the single, you've done a few remixes for San Holo, Mabel, Becky Hill, among others. What's your process of remixing a tune compared to working on an original?

220 Kid: I just like to try and capture the energy and soul of the original, but add my fun but slightly dark edge to it. I have some signature sounds that I think really add my stamp. I also like to chop up the original stems and flip them so it still keeps the original feel. I don’t want to go too far away from the song just add my vibe. 

Futuremag Music: What does the future hold for the 220 Kid project?

220 Kid: Some really exciting collabs are coming up, which I’m excited about, another single, remixes, and just a lot of creative development. I like to take a lead in that side, its a great platform this first single to now showcase my music and ideas to the world. I’m also working on a project to get music equipment and education into areas that may not have access to these resources. The benefit of being a growing act is that my contacts list has grown and the resources I can use too, so its essential to make a difference where possible! 

Futuremag Music: To wrap it up, if 220 Kid was a cocktail what would be in it to best describe the project?

220 Kid: Definitely a Pinacolada, it’s sweet, smooth, comical and fucking pale… Summer isn't my friend.