Art Talk by: Maryssa Rose Chavez
Photography by: Jinni J 

Kydd Jones is a name that in the Austin artist community is well known and loved. Kydd was born and raised in Austin, Texas and is someone who is creating music and art work that in a lot of ways is connected to his roots right here in his city. We first met Kydd a couple years ago as we watched him rise to fame throughout the world. Working with artist such as: Gary Clark Jr (Warner Bros), Eric Dingus (OVO), Yelawolf (Shady/Aftermath), Kirko Bangz (300 Entertainment), Max Frost (Atlantic), and many more. 

We were then lucky enough to have ran a shirt design with him in 2021 via Raw Paw Drop Ship, in celebration of Black History month and his single release. This t-shirt, (designed in collaboration with fellow Austin artist, Will Bryant) and his song, entitled 'James Baldwin' , pays homage to James Baldwin, his triumphs, words, actions, and struggles that of which Kydd felt were parallel to his own life. Additionally, the proceeds from the shirts sold were invested in a local non-profit called Austin Learning Academy that has been doing work here in Austin since 1995. 

I am excited for you all to learn more about this 2 time Austin City Limits performer, and 2 time producer of the year, community member and musician. 

Kydd Jones in his Austin Studio, wearing his 'James Baldwin', t-shirt
Photographed by: Jinni J

Maryssa:
Hi Kydd, I am so excited to chat with you and learn more about you and your art practice. This first question is not really a question at all, and more of an invitation for you to free write whatever you’d like and give us a bit of a background as to who you are, and what you do. <3

Kydd:
My name is Kydd Jones and I’m a singer-songwriter/producer/emcee born and raised in Austin, TX. I am a fashion designer and I also dabble in film and other mediums. Basically, I just like being creative.

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Maryssa:
You are a true native Austin local, you grew up here and I think that it's a really special thing especially as someone making music in this city. I would love to learn about how the city of Austin has influenced your art/music making, and maybe link to a few songs that you created about your experience and life here.

Kydd:
Growing up in the city I was always going downtown and seeing art in the streets, listening to music, seeing people walking around everywhere... it was like New York or LA but in our own small town, the Texas way, it was really vibrant.

Jungle - (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df6HS68xQr4At this time)
I was chilling on the Southside and Riverside, mixing with the Latinx community and was trying to learn the city and be more involved with the scene. Jungle was an Austin feel good record as soon as you hear it. It just sounded like Austin when I heard the music.

Alpha Jones - (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgZZPa4DIhw)
This song tells the story of my life and situations I dealt with growing up. Watching my people go through shit and name drop parts of the city where I’ve lived.

Photographed by: Jinni J

Maryssa:
I am listening to your new singles, ‘James Baldwin’ and ‘What You Mean’, and I would love to learn about the sound/lyrical influences in these songs?

Kydd:
I was influenced by older soul records for sure as well more recent R&B songs. I was building the songs off of pure emotion and was taking parts of my life and infusing it into a musical portrait. Also shout out my collaborators on the songs like Bomani Ray Barton and BoomBaptist.

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Maryssa:
Are there artists right now, (can be in any medium) that are really inspiring to you in 2021?

Kydd:
Deborah Roberts is like a cleaner version of Basquiat to me. As somebody from Austin, she is really inspirational.

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Maryssa:
How do you stay creative? Do you have any words of advice for artists working toward making music their full time job?

Kydd:
Stay motivated and stay persistent. You have to be progressive and also be passionate. Think about the long game as well as short term gains. Find a love for your craft that you can’t shake.

Photographed by: Jinni J

Maryssa:
You are a dad and based upon our meeting here at Raw Paw, when you came to pick up your James Baldwin tee, you could tell that there is a strong bond between you and your family. I would love to learn about how being a father has changed or influenced your music.

Kydd:
It made me want to have my music be more impactful and leave a legacy that my son and family could be proud of.

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Maryssa:
Your James Baldwin Drop Ship t-shirt, and single were an absolute hit, people really responded well to this and we are of course are so grateful to have printed these especially because the proceeds were given to Austin Learning Academy. Could you walk us through what you and Will Bryant were envisioning for the design of these shirts and what the James Baldwin the song means to you?

Kydd:
Will Bryant was perfect for this collaboration because his design was unique and has an old-school style that was a great fit for the design. The music was basically making a parallel between James Baldwin’s struggle as a writer and a black man and my own similar path in life.

Maryssa:
Is there a song that you would dub your absolute favorite, or a favorite musician? If yes what are the titles/names, and why that song/artist?

Kydd:

Lauryn Hill is one of my favorite musicians for sure. I’ve definitely been influenced and inspired by Kanye West and Jay-Z.

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Maryssa:
Do you have any features, or projects that you’re excited about right now or ideas that you wish to manifest here soon?

Kydd:
I’m working on an All-Terrain clothing line that I’ll be releasing in Egypt and Austin later this year. I’ll definitely keep y'all in the loop about it!

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Maryssa:
If you have any announcements that you’re really excited about / want to share please free to do that here. This is also a great opportunity to send out some shout outs or share what you're proud of right now!

Kydd:
Shoutout my family, Austin Learning Academy, Raw Paw and everybody else!

Photographed by: Jinni J

I would like to thank Kydd for taking the time to chat with me about the multifaceted art and music that he makes.  He is someone who is really helping to put Austin's rap, and hip hop scene on the map. Especially being that Austin is the long proclaimed 'music capital' and he is able to do this by capturing his experience of growing up in Austin at a time when the city dynamics are changing quickly. His work is a preservation of the city's history and legacy itself. 

You can find Kydd's music streaming on all major streaming platforms, you can stay up to date with the art and music he is making via his Instagram and Website.