kidd noir: Year 19 (EP)
Emerging artist kidd noir released her highly anticipated EP, Year 19, on 25th October 2024. This collection offers a deeply personal exploration of the emotional landscape that accompanies young adulthood, blending various genres and intimate storytelling to take listeners through the complex and often turbulent experience of adolescence. The EP centers around the pivotal age of 19, a time when many young people stand at a crossroads, trying to make sense of who they are and where they’re headed. With Year 19, kidd noir paints a vivid portrait of this transitional period, capturing both the uncertainty and excitement that come with growing up.
The central theme of the EP is adolescence, and each track reflects a moment from kidd noir’s own life, as she recreates and relives the emotional highs and lows that have shaped her. From confusion and heartbreak to self-doubt, acceptance, and eventual understanding, the music spans a broad emotional spectrum. As kidd noir explains, "Year 19 offers a glimpse into my mind as a young adult. It represents different challenges and stages through diverse soundscapes, all mainly focusing on the guitar to bring these emotions to life." This guitar-driven approach gives the EP an organic, raw quality, allowing the listener to connect with the emotions behind each track.
kidd noir’s musical journey began at a young age, ignited by her love for the guitar. When she was just nine years old, she received her first guitar and began to develop a passion for music. By the time she turned 18, she was producing her own tracks, initially starting by recreating some of her favorite songs before evolving into a more independent, creative artist. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for her distinct sound, which blends elements of alternative R&B, pop, and indie. Drawing on a wide array of influences—from the melancholic introspection of Frank Ocean to the genre-blending style of Dominic Fike—kidd noir has cultivated a unique musical identity that is both fresh and deeply emotional.
In addition to her diverse sonic influences, kidd noir's songwriting is a reflection of her emotional state and the experiences she’s living through at any given moment. Whether it’s a specific life event or a cinematic influence that sparks inspiration, her music serves as a snapshot of her thoughts and feelings during that time. With Year 19, she captures the intricacies of growing up and the process of self-discovery, creating a body of work that resonates with listeners who have navigated similar struggles. The EP is a testament to the transformative power of music, as kidd noir uses her art to process emotions and gain insight into her own life.
Beyond its personal significance, Year 19 is also an invitation for others to reflect on their own journeys. The EP speaks to anyone who has ever faced the uncertainty and excitement of entering adulthood and reminds listeners of the importance of embracing both the present moment and their passions. By sharing her story, kidd noir hopes to inspire others to find beauty in the complexities of growing up, and to remind them that, while the future may be uncertain, it’s always worth embracing the journey.
With Year 19, kidd noir has created a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, offering a sound that reflects the emotional depth and rawness of youth.