Cid D Kid Interview

Words-Art Jefferson
Images courtesy of Cid D Kid, David Cova

In the music industry, titles can become quite confusing. Producers are now the artists, the artists become the deejays and only God knows who does the song writing and so forth. While everyone wants to be that extra someone, only a few people can truly wear versatile hats and genuinely do it well. Producer, Engineer and DJ Brian Cid also known as Cid D Kid is a mastermind when it comes to being able to properly handle multiple aspects of music. His resume backs that up. Having worked on projects which includes Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Terri Walker, Curren$y, pop star Natalia Flores and more, he is not only head engineer at Damon Dash’s DD172/BluRoc recording label but he is also currently working with the legendary House producer Todd Terry.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Cid relocated to the U.S. where he not only studied International Business but also went on to obtain an Engineer Degree in New York City where he still lives. The Lower East Side resident manages the East Village located Sweet Sound Studios where much of the musical magic happens.

As an artist, Cid D Kid has continued to be recognized as a powerhouse as his recent house release “Keep On Rockin'” featuring vocalist Kamille, has stormed the progressive charts. Todd Terry has added Cid’s “Slave to the Beat” track on his ‘Studio Sessions’ album and he is gearing up for more projects that are dropping soon. Cid D Kid’s track record at this point is undisputed and it will be that way for quite a long time.

AJ-You have worked on projects ranging from house and dance down to Hip-Hop and being from L.E.S, which is one of the greatest hubs for melting pots of musical styles and genres, how much of that environment has played a factor in you as a musician?

CDK-I think anyone can agree that the LES is a great place for anybody in a creative field, especially music. Walking through the neighborhood every day on my way to the studio is a great inspiration. LES keeps my mind fresh, it’s full of great venues, people with an awesome sense of style and a terrific underground vibe. At any given day I can just go around the block and check out some great jazz, a rock band, a hip hop act or some house music, which is taking over a lot of the spots. So for me, someone that likes to blend sounds from different genres, this works perfect.

AJ-Considering that you’re quite multifaceted with your ability to easily glide through different elements of music, what’s your initial creative process when taking on a project whether Dance, Hip-Hop or even Pop?

CDK– First thing is to picture in my head the final product. Once I’m in that frame of mind, I start molding the production towards that goal. I just need to feel inspired, that’s all. I need to feel that tickle in my stomach! There is no formula, it can be coming up with the drums first and then some catchy melodies or the other way around. The main thing is to build a strong base and then take it from there.

AJ-Your record “Keep On Rockin’” is doing really well on the Progressive charts. It features the vocalist Kamille. The interesting thing about the track is that it is one of those songs that could stand on it’s own with or without a singer but the vocals on it completely adds a great texture to it. How did you come across her?

CDK-As a recording/mixing engineer I get to work with many talented vocalist at my East Village Studio. Kamille was definitely one that stood out, her voice really caught my attention, it’s very powerful and it comes out very effortlessly. I knew I needed to include her in my project .
While working on “Keep on Rockin'” I was determined to give the song a live feel, so I let her improvise most of it. It was a real fun and easy process because it happened naturally.

AJ-As an engineer, you have worked on tons of projects ranging from Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Snoop, Curren$y, Terri Walker and the list just continues! Nowadays because people can get access to certain software, they believe that they have the ability to properly engineer songs themselves but this is a true art form. What’s your take on the whole topic of the new age “engineer” and even “producer”?

CDK-I think it’s great that technology allows us access to great new tools that facilitate the process a bit more. I am a product of it. But it took me many years to learn the art of making a song, a good song. That’s the one thing that doesn’t come with a software. I believe that even though the technology is there, all the up and coming producers/engineers should be open minded, keep learning the history of music, the different genres, and elements that make a good song. I’ve been producing for about 10 years and I’m still learning, that the beauty of it!

AJ-You’re working with the legendary Todd Terry as well now. How did that working relationship form and how has it been so far because Todd is another genius when it comes to producing music and having his signature sound.

CDK-Todd Terry has been supporting my project from day one. He taught me a very powerful lesson: Do what feels right. As you know, he’s been known for getting away with doing things his way, and that is inspiring. We were both able to relate to that attitude and built our relationship on that. We have a lot of new projects coming out soon.

AJ-You have a number of projects that you’re working on at the moment such as the “The Miami Undercolors” EP and more. Can you talk about the upcoming work?

CDK-I have plenty of material waiting to be released. My next big one is through Kult Records. I’m releasing a 3 track EP called “The Roots”. One of the songs is already circulating in the underground world and it’s receiving great support so far – its called ‘Yerba Buena’ Ft. Mezcal. I’m also working on my next big vocal track and already arranging for a new music video. Expect another smash hit from me this year!

AJ-Finally, what’s your schedule looking like in 2012? Can we catch any upcoming gigs?

CDK-Yes, I’ve been active in NYC this year doing selected shows. I have an upcoming event in the end of the month, information and daily updates will be announced on my FB and twitter, so stay tuned!