The Kid Is Back

In mid 2003, a new face approached Seattle's hardcore scene. His name quickly became one of the most recognized in hardcore, synonymous with the cheesy synths and chipmunk vocals that made dancing irresistible. Kid KaBoom quickly became the favorite hardcore DJ of many party-goers as well as an inspiration to other hardcore DJs. For almost three years he traveled around the NW playing at any show willing to book a hardcore DJ. Those who were familiar with the scene during that time remember him as a staple of the electronic music scene and one of the biggest rising stars known to Seattle's EDM culture. Often appearing on flyers without confirmation, he would perform at those illegitimate bookings so that he could continue to spread the hardcore sound. Everyone wanted a piece of the Kid. No self-respecting party was complete without him.

Then, like a light switch being flicked off, Kid KaBoom's spotlight went out. He stopped appearing on flyers, stopped appearing at parties, and like a hero protecting his identity, disappeared into the night. Many hopeful hardcore DJs arose in his wake, eager to take over the path he had paved with their own take on the cheesy sounds he popularized. The other popular hardcore DJs pushed on. The electronic music scene moved forward, barely stopping to remember the one who had been such an inspiration to others. Still, his legacy stood strong. The cheese synths and pitched-up vocals he helped bring to the spotlight are still a favorite among DJs and party goers alike. Due to the fast rate of turnover in the party world, it wasn't long before Kid KaBoom's name was merely a shadow lurking in the minds of those who remembered him, all but forgotten in the new era of EDM culture.

There wasn't much to explain Kid KaBooms disappearance. There was no scandal or illness or accident to explain his removal from the scene that loved him. He simply chose to take a break and concentrate on other aspects of his life. In the following years, Kid KaBoom spent many of his vacations traveling the globe. He had spent his days as a school lad in Japan while his father worked for the military, and as a result he enjoyed returning during the summer months as an adult. He is proficiently bi-lingual and influenced by Japanese culture; spending much of his free time watching anime.

Kid KaBoom's interest in anime led to the burning passion for drawing and graphics, but Kid KaBoom could never forget his days as a DJ. He spent the down time honing his interests further. He continued to pursuee his love of hard dance and eventually developed a taste for a style of hardcore much different from that of previous days. As Kid KaBoom's taste in music matured, he found a new interest: incorporating the things he loved into something he could pour his heart into.

Now, Kid KaBoom has returned, and although it's the same name held fondly in the minds of old-school party goers, the Kid KaBoom that has emerged has a plethora of new sounds and goals. While still open to the occasional DJ gig, producing his own tracks and managing his collective have been his main passion. Interested no only in the music aspects of the subculture, Kid KaBoom hopes to contribute back to the scene that has given him so much happiness and motivation.

His goals include bundling unique artwork with EDM music, releasing these bundles under a universal label, and producing tracks for this venture (which has become his favorite obsession). The collective, known as Eclectikore, will contain not only his compisitions, but the work of others similarly blessed with unique music and artistic abilities. Under the label, graphics and music combine to an urban twist to create a perfect and natural harmony of artistic expression.

In the recent months, we have begun witnessing Kid KaBoom's return to the Seattle EDM scene. He's brought Freeform and J-core (Japanese Hardcore) to the forefront, hoping to bring a new range of listening preferences to the current trend of hardcore music. While he's not opposed to playing the sounds of his old hardcore days, there has been an obvious change in his focus. But a vastly creative mind doesn't just stop with playing the tunes of other producers. At any given time, Kid KaBoom may have three to five production ideas in the works, where the biggest challenge is sorting one idea for a tune from another. Teamed with Logic and a keyboard, his ideas flourish and meld, waiting for their day in the spotlight.

While the name Kid KaBoom is old to many, it's new to even more. His love for music, his exceptional artistic vision, and his understanding of EDM culture will bring him to a new audience, a new respect, and an elevated career. His return to Seattle's EDM scene will bring a fresh new face under an old hat, and his venture into production will be a jump to the next level of his professional career as he expands his sound with a fresh new twist.

Watch for Kid KaBoom as he brings a new art form to the decks, and goes head to head with one of Seattle's biggest names in hardcore, Ian K, on April 16th at GREENZ, a Tap Tap event. Other spring 2010 shows to look out for are:

Bounce Again - Feb 20th
Ha-Dokoa Budokai - March 27th
Sakura-Con - April 2nd
Down The Rabbit Hole - May 28th

To hear more of what Kid KaBoom has in store, please visit soundcloud.com/kidkaboom.