The MouthSoap sat in on an exclusive first listen to Kid Brunswick’s new single “4am,” an impassioned exploration into his journey to recovery.
Hosted by Nashville music producer Blake McLain, the event kicked off with a chill Kid Brunswick sitting in his in-home creative studio he calls a “man cave,” where he has produced some of his most vulnerable music. A few posters, including a retro style poster print of 1990s Seattle grunge band Nirvana, are plastered on the wall behind him. As fans and media await his presence, Kid Brunswick doesn’t appear shaken by the fact that his single is dropping at midnight. In his swag demeanor he lights a cigarette, cool as a cucumber. He briefly introduces himself and his single, “4am,” before turning the record on.
What comes through the speakers is a sonically masterful and guitar heavy song with a vocal angst only someone with a textured past could belt out. Kid Brunswick follows up, explaining the technical orchestration of the single from his very own computer. His unexacting approach creates a very laid-back vibe, yet Kid Brunswick’s passion is evident when he explains how he used layers of vocal harmonies and musical instruments to build the single we know as “4am.”
Using Logic, he stacked guitar chords, including a distorted guitar, some guitar feedback and a down-pitched ukelele, to create a grunge rock and pop sound reminiscent of the emerging alternative rock scene birthed three decades ago. He remembers the words of his mother, “Every great musician and every great producer has their own sound.”
Listen to Kid Brunswick’s New Single “4am”
To have such great musical taste and influences, it’s mind-blowing that Kid Brunswick was a toddler in the late ’90s, nearly missing all of the extraordinary impact of the alternative rock renaissance that occurred during that era.
Growing up in West London, the 22-year-old artist, born Harry James, didn’t have many friends and felt like he had nothing going for himself, except for his music. It was a dark period for him that he labels as “horrible years.”
To cope, he would capsulate himself into producing music for rappers, later transitioning to writing verses for others. Equipped with classical training from a Catholic school he attended, Kid Brunswick began to invest in his own music career. He sent his music to a few labels and before he knew it he was picked up. But, success didn’t come easy.
Follow Kid Brunswick on Instagram
Throughout his adolescence, Kid Brunswick struggled with depression and drug addiction. He admits to having sporadic bouts of hopeful euphoria coupled with desperate moments of questioning his worth. At his lowest, he would attempt to take his own life several times.
Outside of his personal misery, he would witness many friends and acquaintances lose their battle with depression and drug use. It’s a story we hear too often. However, Kid Brunswick was able to shake the fate appointed to those on this path thanks to music. Call it music therapy or what he calls “the gift of desperation.”
“It’s a personal journey, you have to have some understanding of how you feel, then you have to accept it — Then, you can talk to someone,” Kid Brunswick said. “If you’re really desperate you will reach out.”
His experiences have allowed him to approach music more authentically. “I feel like I’m writing way more honestly,” Kid Brunswick said. “You just got to let go and sh– starts happening.” Yet, he’s not impervious of the potential backsliding that often plague those who have recovered from addiction.
In a digital zine, a collage detailing his musical evolution, Kid Brunswick revealed a list of hotlines that he keeps near him for support. The list included Anxiety UK, Young Minds, United States National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, The Jed Foundation and the Mental Health Foundation, to name a few. He also attends support groups every month.
Even with his success in overcoming addiction and establishing a solid music career, he remains humble instructing his team, “I’m not a big artist, let’s just put singles out.” He’s a self-proclaimed nerd who enjoys watching Lord of the Rings. He got his first tattoo, “a skull from a completely random instinct,” behind his ear while in Edinburgh in Scotland. It would later become the logo for his brand.
Follow Kid Brunswick on TikTok
As an artist, Kid Brunswick hopes to create something that impacts the world as much as Nirvana’s Nevermind. His main influence, however, is the Augora Hills, California band Linkin Park, known for effortlessly blending rock with hip hop and creating a highly engaging emotional overtone. “I try to embody that as much as I can,” Kid Brunswick said. “On my next album I scream!”
So, when listeners hear “4am” know that it’s more than just a beautifully jagged guitar and lyrics. “4am” is the extracellular matrix that leads to the heart of a complicated, but dynamic story that many around the world can relate to. Kid Brunswick’s advice to those who can share in his pain is simple. “Start with making your bed every morning.” To him, it’s the small victories that help you build your self-worth.
“4am” can be streamed across platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, and has a music visual in the works.
