Firekid: The Beginnings of a Fiery Story
by Loli Lucaciu
Self-describing itself as “the ghost of Muscle Shoals, Alabama”, firekid is a band whose music is born from the marriage between authentic American roots and modern production. The main players in the creation of the group’s harmonious tunes are Dillon Hodges, from Alabama, reining over the guitar, banjo, and dj-ing aspects, and Josh Kleppin, from Ohio, the master of the drums. The two often times employ other musicians to help create their memorable refrains: it is a collective, harmonious group effort. As for the inspiration for firekid’s music, Dillon recalls not growing up with a diverse record collection. Thus he was able to derive fresh sounding material from the ‘90s and recycle what he likes, all in the same fresh streak of creativity.Dillon, a main motor of vision and the impetus for the band, recalls the symbolic choice for the group’s name:
“I made music under my own name, Dillon Hodges, for a couple of years before starting to work on firekid. The thought of naming it anything other than my own name didn't cross my mind until I realized how different the music sounded from anything I'd done before. I wanted a name that made people think of rebirth, because not only did I feel like I had creatively experienced one myself, but I've also always dreamed that my antiquated style of guitar playing (flatpicking) would be re-imagined or reborn in pop music.”
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz4mo_hZ7UM[/embed] The members are indeed kids on fire. Dillon and Josh, both 24, met at a bluegrass jam session when they were only 15. Their friendship and passion for music blossomed over the years and culminated in Josh calling Dillon to join efforts in creating a few songs in the former’s new home in Los Angeles. Heartfelt and musically enticing, their new songs attracted the attention of producer Sam Holland, who became a main player in promoting and supporting the new melodic nucleus. Almost imperceptibly, the team found itself producing an album and signing with Atlantic Records.
[pullquote] I've also always dreamed that my antiquated style of guitar playing (flatpicking) would be re-imagined or reborn in pop music.”[/pullquote]
Besides the enchanting sounds, what makes firekid so likable for audiences is the members’ openness and approachable demeanor. They are folks like most of us, enjoying music the simple way. This is easily perceptible from their stories of the cross-country tour with main man Alex Clare this past year: “We've learned [that] the best way to save money on tour is to bring an inflatable mattress, so we only have to rent one hotel room per night. Usually we put the blowup bed between the two in the hotel room so they all connect to make one ‘mega bed.’” [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghGub2SXbXs[/embed] The story also reflects the unity of the group. The Alex Clare 2014 “Three Hearts Tour” served to bring them even closer to each other: they are not only associates, but the musicians are friends who invest in their personal ties outside of the musical realm. “We all love movies. This Oscar season we watched every best picture nominee.”What is on the horizon for firekid? The band just recently released their self-titled debut on Sept. 25 and is currently on tour.To hear their smooth, soulful tunes, head to www.firekidmusic.com and www.soundcloud.com/firekidmusic .