Following the release of our ‘Ones To Watch’ list for 2021, ‘In The Spotlight’ offers the chance to get to know our picks more intimately and find out why we fell in love with them.

You’ve heard about the artists that we’re most excited for this year. Now, get ready to hear from the artists themselves as we shine a spotlight on their personality, the year just past, and their most anticipated musical artists. This week, we catch up with KiD RAiN, the Yorkshire-based TikTok sensation who bound onto the scene and has spent the last year grafting in the hopes of his voice getting heard. Gathering over 12,000 monthly Spotify listeners since his debut at the start of 2020, I’d say his attempts have been successful. He ended his first year in music with the much-anticipated Bored Of Love EP, which contained a fusion of sounds inspired by the likes of Lauv, Yungblud and Charlie Puth. KiD RAiN’s first release of 2021 is the highly anticipated, energetic track 123, so what a better time than now to learn the workings of his mastermind brain?!

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

I think it’s different for everyone, it’s important to play to your strengths and weaknesses. For me being an artist is all about writing, creating a sound/narrative that no-one else in the world could do exactly, because it’s truly you. Which means sometimes you have to be very honest, and sometimes you have to make musical decisions that not everyone will understand, but that’s ok because you’re being truly yourself.

Are there any behind-the-scenes stories of recording your Bored Of Love EP that you can share with us?

The title track, Bored Of Love, nearly broke me. I did at least 65 mixes of that song, and I quit around 11 times before I got it to where I was happy with it. I can’t even open the project file anymore because it gives me nightmares.

How would you describe the project to someone at a dinner party that’s never heard of you?

“POP, POP, VERY POP.” I’d love to see people’s reactions to this answer, especially the cool kids that pretend to hate pop music haha!

What advice would you give to your pre-lockdown self?

Take TikTok seriously. It’s going to be the biggest platform in the world in a few months.

How would you sum up your 2020 in one sentence?

Hungover.

Name one thing you can’t imagine life without?

Coleslaw. I have it with every meal, no joke.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can do a pretty good Alan Rickman impression, like 6/10.

What are your hopes and dreams for 2021?

I really want to play a show if live music comes back. I’m itching to play these songs live and I have so many ideas for an amazing show!

Which artists excite you the most this year?

I’ve been writing a lot with Liv Harland. She has an amazing voice and huge fanbase. I think she’s going to have a great year.

And finally, what does your music say about you?

Too honest for your own good, idiotic and fun.