For the second year in a row, Seattleites got to spend Halloween weekend with Kidnap Kid. Studio 4/4 teamed up with Flammable Sundays for the show at Re-Bar. The London/Sheffield-based producer was also here last year for Upper Left’s Shadows. Hopefully he’ll be back next year so we can keep the tradition going. One can dream, right?
Kidnap Kid, also known as Matt Relton, is best recognized for his deep, house, UK garage style. He’s been active in the industry since 2011 and has toured with highly acclaimed artists such as Disclosure, Gorgon City, and AlunaGeorge. His first major single, Vehl, was released on London-based indie label Black Butter Records and won ‘Best Electronic Song of 2012’ at the iTunes awards. In 2016, he put out the Brokenhearted EP through his own record label, Birds That Fly.
As we walked up to the venue, we were greeted by a long line of eager fans. Many were excited to see Kidnap Kid. Others couldn’t wait to see local acts Sean Majors and Brian Lyons. When we walked inside we saw vibrant Halloween decorations. Skeletons were everywhere; on the walls and around the bar. The costumes were imaginative. An attendee twirled their LED spiral tridant while we watched in awe. We saw someone with an LED mask that looked like it was sprouting from their face. There was even someone who wore a bandit mask and carried a bag full of dolls, aka “Kidnap Kid”. It was brilliant. Breakdancers and shapeshifters showcased their best moves on the dance floor. We knew it was going to be a great night.
An attendee in a homemade LED mask (Photo by Edith Gonzalez)
Before his set, we sat down for a few moments with Kidnap Kid and chatted about what he’s been up to. While still remaining active with Birds That Fly, he kicked off the year by teaming up with Lane 8 and released Aba on Anjunadeep. We talked about what it was like working with Lane 8 and how they wanted to ensure both artist’s styles were well represented in the track. The single earned a nomination for ‘Record of the Year’ at the Electronic Music Awards in LA. While it didn’t win at the EMAs, Kidnap Kid still had a great time at the warehouse style awards ceremony and played a set there.
He’s featured on Anjunabeats Worldwide 07 and has stepped into the Anjuna kitchen twice this year with Lane 8 and Jason Ashworth. His recent single, Where The Sea Swings In Like An Iron Gate, was also released on Anjunadeep and featured in Above & Beyond’s Deep Warm Up Set at ABGT250. Since he’s been active with Anjuna, I started to wonder how he linked up with the team. Turns out he’s known the guys for a few years now and enjoys working with a bigger label and seeing how they operate. Still, he’s most excited about his own label and plans to release more tunes under Birds That Fly in 2018. We can’t wait to hear them.
Fans interact with Kidnap Kid during his set (Photo by Edith Gonzalez)
The venue was packed, the lights were low, and the crowd lit up as Kidnap Kid came out on stage. Evil bunnies and disco queens danced under the dim red lights. Several people came up to the stage to greet Kidnap Kid and shake his hand. Then they would swing the red light hanging over his head for fun. The ambiance was dark and intimate. The energy was friendly and genuine. The best part about the venue is the view is great from wherever you are. Whether it’s in the middle under the disco ball, on the side platform, or even on the stage itself, it’s impossible to have a bad view.
What was the loudest part of the night? When the crowd heard “Moments” and erupted. We watched as people in the bar area ran to the dancefloor for the song. Everyone sang the lyrics together in unison.
Were you at the show this past weekend? Drop a comment below and tell us your favorite moment!
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