Getting to interview amazing new and exciting talent is part of my job I find so wonderful. Now and then we see brilliant new singers pop up and when you realise you are in the presence of a new rising star it sends shivers down my spine. I had the pleasure of meeting, photographing and interviewing the incredible Kit Rice recently. We chatted for hours and I left loving this chap so much, he and I sat and chatted for well over 2 hours all about his life journey, music and style. He bowled me over how wonderful he was…he is a rising star and one name to really lookout for.
Kit is not only a truly versatile artist with a wealth of musical knowledge behind him but he is a graduate of the prestigious BRIT school, established songwriter and classical violinist making him an emerging talent to really watch out for in the coming year!
Kit’s first iTunes release, Not on My Time EP was self – produced and released in December 2011, followed swiftly by Lies EP in February 2012 which attracted attention from music agents based in Central London.
At just 21, Kit’s debut album Stay Gone was completed with well known producer Cam Blackwood who is known for his work with artists including; Cee – Lo Green and Jamiroquai. His first single BYOB, was released on November 11th 2013 with the music video attracting wide spread attention from both the UK and the US.
Kit has performed numerous gigs at venues around the country including celeb spots such as The Ice Bar and XOYO. Kit was crowned the winner of The Bedford’s Song Slam in 2012 after wowing the judges with original tracks from his album and he has played live acoustic sessions on main radio stations including BBC Radio London.
Q. Who did you listen to growing up?
A. I listened to a lot of Prince growing up, Whitney and Maria but mostly, with loads of Celine. I listened to classical music mostly when growing up. For years at Brit school I didn’t listen to anything with words. Then I went on to being a Dub Step DJ for a while!
Q. Where do you take your inspiration from when writing songs
A. I have tons of posters in my room from Prince, Snoop dog to Lady GaGa. If I am having a bad day I cam look up and just think what would they do and it normally does the trick.
Q. You love to perform live, where would be the ultimate place to have a gig.
A. Kensington roof gardens, the actual balcony and strip it back, that would have to be the best place as I love the intimacy and the vibrant nature of the place, obviously Wembley would be incredible but for now that would tick the box. I love intimacy of the smaller venues.
Q. If you could collaborate with any other artist who would it be
A. Prince…he’s just the greatest. Defiantly Prince and brandy a she’s my vocal inspiration
Q. Your latest release has a really cool video, I particularly love the guy on roller skates! Where would you love to shoot a great video, your dream location?
A. This was shot in a dance theatre owned by my parents, it was a really cool, but my favourite place to shoot would be on a huge yacht just like a JLO inspired version. The new video called NONSENSE out on the 1st of July is really great and the video for that is …well basically nonsense!! You will have to wait to see it, it also will have a 48 hour free down loads too.
Q. I see from your twitter….I haven’t been stalking you just researching! You love a good selfie, if you could have a picture with anyone, who would it be? Anyone even from the past?!
A. Prince….I love taking pictures with loads of people. SHOTS is amazing app that Justin Bieber made famous and you can connect with fans that way. I love to connect with my fans.
Q. What do you love about fashion and do you have a certain look that you are trying to create.
A. I take a lot of influence from the likes of David Bowie, and Snoop dog. Lady Gaga is one amazing and cool lady. My look is all about looking strong, cool and a bit different.
Q. What can we expect from you over the next 12 months.
A. The new album will be out by the end of the year and now its about promoting myself. Getting myself out there and showing the world what I have to offer. Its very exciting.
Q. If you could play live for anyone who would it be
A. I have played in front of Nelson Mandela and that was incredible and very cool. Price would obviously be one all time great that I would love to play live for. To see what he would think..Even if he said dude your doing it all wrong!! HAHA!
Q. What is your vision for the future.
A. I want everyone to have heard the album as I was in a really good place when I wrote it and I am incredibly proud of it.. There are some really nice songs about my life on there.
Q. Tell us something we need to know about Kit! What’s your message?!!
A. LVE MUSIC…everything is played live, with strings bows etc. Keep it going and get people inspired. Peace and Love.
Watch Kits last BYOB Video
Follow Kit on Twitter @KitMusicUK and pop over to say Hi. Come say hi to me @sarahbacchus and check out our online lifestyle magazine over at SLBStyle.com. For information regarding my Photographic work here is the link to the Sarahbacchus.com site
This interview and shoot was held at the beautiful Mamounia Lounge in Mayfair, I want to thank them for their hospitality and for allowing me to take over an entire room for a few hours! Tweet them @MamounialLounge