Simple Kid

Last updated

Simple Kid
Simple Kid, Guilfest 2004 (11861716876).jpg
Background information
Birth nameKieran Mac Feely
Origin Cork, Ireland
Genres Alternative
Electronica
Folk
Industrial rock
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica
Labels2m, Vector Recordings, Gentlemen Recordings, Yep Roc Records

Simple Kid, real name Kieran Mac Feely [1] (also spelled Ciaran McFeely [2] ), is an Irish-born solo musical artist.

Contents

History

Simple Kid's approach to recording involved recording to an 8-track cassette player then fed into his computer where he applied more modern techniques to create finished songs. He mixed and mastered the tracks on albums 1 and 2 on his own equipment. His style of remixing and sampling has been compared to Fatboy Slim's, although Simple Kid used his own recordings as sources. More often his sound is compared to the similarly eclectic and deliberately ramshackle Beck. [3]

Simple Kid's influences included folk, country (he prominently featured banjos and slide guitar in his work), glam rock (particularly T. Rex) and late 1960s big pop arrangements of records, such as The Beatles's White Album . Before becoming Simple Kid, MacFeely was a member of The Young Offenders. Forming when he was 17, the band was composed of a group of friends from Cork, Ireland. The group attempted to release an album in America but met with failure and broke up. [3]

Television appearances included Later... with Jools Holland , Late Night with Conan O'Brien , The Late Late Show and Other Voices on RTÉ. He was also the subject of a Channel 4 (4 Play) short documentary and appeared on TFI Friday with The Young Offenders. His first album was also promoted extensively in the US by DJ Nic Harcourt on KCRW's daily radio program Morning Becomes Eclectic. [4]

His second album, 2, was released by Country Gentleman Recordings in October 2006 in the UK, and by Yep Roc Records in August 2007 in the U.S. 2 was included in Mojo Magazine's top 50 albums of the year, was CD of the week in The Times culture section and had positive reviews in the NME , The Guardian , Time Out and the Independent on Sunday . Rolling Stone also featured Simple Kid as a breakthrough act for 2007.

The track "Lil' King Kong" from two was featured in a Saturn automobile advertisement in the US, [5] as well as in an advertisement in the UK for the mobile phone operator Orange. "Lil' King Kong" also featured in the film, Jumper in 2008.

In early 2011, it was announced on the artist's official website that there would be no further music nor tours by Simple Kid. Despite this announcement, a new Simple Kid single, The Road, appeared for sale in Spring 2012. [6] An unreleased track "Snakes and Ladders" is archived on BBC Sounds [7] it was recorded in 2013 for BBCs Radio 4 series "Forever Young" and details the trials and tribulations of balancing professional musicianship with the prospect of raising a family. The song is a duet with his pregnant wife; "Put your hand on my belly, I think we're getting ready for a family home".


In December 2018 Simple Kid started to release new music again. Song titles include Lost in Space (The Forgotten Man), The End Of America, I Think We're Gonna Be Good Friends, Nobel Prize, The Only Child, If You Could Talk to Your Teenage Self?, The Last Bus Home, Robot Lion and Grey Ghost and Only When We're Young. Several of these songs were compiled as the album Simple Kid 3: Health & Safety, released in July 2022. [8] Simple Kid returned to performing in April 2023 after a 15 year hiatus. [9]

Discography

1 (a.k.a. Simple Kid 1 or SK1)

Released September 2003 (UK), June 2004 (US)

  1. "Hello"
  2. "Truck On" #38 UK
  3. "Staring at the Sun"
  4. "The Average Man"
  5. "The Commuter"
  6. "Drugs"
  7. "Loves an Enigma"
  8. "Supertramps and Superstars"
  9. "Kids Don't Care"
  10. "Breakups Breakdowns"
  11. "No News"

2 (a.k.a. Simple Kid 2 or SK2)

Released October 2006 (UK), August 2007 (US)

  1. "Lil' King Kong"
  2. "Self Help Book"
  3. "The Twenty Something"
  4. "Old Domestic Cat"
  5. "Serotonin"
  6. "A Song of Stone"
  7. "The Ballad of Elton John"
  8. "You"
  9. "Oh Heart, Don't Be Bitter"
  10. "Mommy N Daddy"
  11. "Loves an Enigma Part II"

Simple Kid 3: Health & Safety

Released July 2022

  1. "The Road"
  2. "Only When We're Young"
  3. "Robot Lion and Grey Ghost"
  4. "Cry Baby"
  5. "Failed Musician"
  6. "If You Could Talk To Your Teenage Self?"
  7. "The End of America?"
  8. "Nobel Prize"
  9. "Lost in Space (Forgotten Man)"
  10. "Freaks"
  11. "One Day Off From Your Life (Lockdown Theme)"
  12. "Last Bus Home"
  13. "The Middle Ages"
  14. "Trampolining"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simple Minds</span> Scottish rock band

Simple Minds are a Scottish rock band formed in Glasgow in 1977, becoming best known internationally for their song "Don't You " (1985), which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Other commercially successful singles include "Promised You a Miracle" (1982), "Glittering Prize" (1982), "Someone Somewhere in Summertime" (1982), "Waterfront" (1983), "Alive and Kicking" (1985), "Sanctify Yourself" (1986), "Let There Be Love" (1991), "She's a River" (1995), and the UK number one single "Belfast Child" (1989).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sparks (band)</span> American rock and pop band

Sparks is an American pop and rock duo formed by brothers Ron (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals) in Los Angeles. The duo is noted for their quirky approach to songwriting; their music is often accompanied by sophisticated and acerbic lyrics—often about women, and sometimes containing literary or cinematic references—and an idiosyncratic, theatrical stage presence, typified by the contrast between Russell's animated, hyperactive frontman antics and Ron's deadpan scowling. Russell Mael has a distinctive wide-ranging voice, while Ron Mael plays keyboards in an intricate and rhythmic style. Their frequently changing styles and visual presentations have kept the band at the forefront of modern, artful pop music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Pierce</span> American musician

Chris Pierce is an American singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, radio host, educator, public speaker, wine producer and officiant born and based in California.

<i>Mr. Fantasy</i> 1967 studio album by Traffic

Mr. Fantasy is the debut album by English rock band Traffic, released in December 1967. The recording included group members Jim Capaldi, Steve Winwood, Chris Wood, and Dave Mason; Mason temporarily left the band shortly after the album was released. The album reached the number 16 position in the UK Albums Chart, and number 88 on the Billboard Top LPs chart in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Duke Spirit</span> English rock band

The Duke Spirit are an English rock band formed in London in 2003 and now based between the UK and Australia. Their sound has been seen as a melding of influences ranging from alternative rock bands such as The Jesus and Mary Chain and Spiritualized, the tremulous rock'n'roll of bands such as The Gun Club and The Patti Smith Group, to distinctive rhythmic Atlantic soul and Motown influences. Singer Liela Moss has released several solo records and also performs together with Toby Butler in the electro-rock duo Roman Remains. Drummer, Olly Betts is also an established record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Sultans of Ping</span> Irish band

The Sultans of Ping are an Irish band formed in 1988 by Niall O'Flaherty, Pat O'Connell, Paul Fennelly and Ger Lyons. The band's name is a play on the 1978 Dire Straits song "Sultans of Swing", dating from a time when "it was sacrilege to say anything whatsoever funny or nasty about Dire Straits".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm from Barcelona</span> Swedish pop group

I'm from Barcelona is a Swedish pop group from Jönköping, Sweden, best known for its 29 band members and eclectic mix of instruments such as clarinets, saxophones, flutes, trumpets, banjos, accordions, kazoos, guitars, drums, and keyboards among others. While most band members provide backing vocals on releases and during live performances, Emanuel Lundgren is founder, principal songwriter and lead singer for the group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goldspot</span> American band

Goldspot is a New York–based band. Founded by singer/songwriter/producer and television and film composer Siddhartha Khosla, the group has since received critical acclaim for its debut album Tally of the Yes Men and second album And The Elephant is Dancing. The band released its third full-length, Aerogramme, in 2013.

Kids in Glass Houses are a Welsh pop rock band from Cardiff. The band achieved success on the strength of the singles "Give Me What I Want" and "Saturday" from their debut album Smart Casual in 2008. The band released their second album Dirt in early 2010, releasing four singles, most notably "Matters at All". The band's third album, In Gold Blood, was released on 15 August 2011. Their fourth album, Peace, was released on 30 September 2013. The band announced their split in January 2014 and played their final show at Cardiff's Great Hall on 31 October 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taio Cruz</span> English singer and songwriter (born 1980)

Jacob Taio Cruz is an English singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer. In 2008, he released his debut album Departure, which he wrote, arranged and produced. The album achieved certified gold status in the United Kingdom and earned him a Music of Black Origin Awards (MOBO) nomination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Braid My Hair</span> 2002 single by Mario

"Braid My Hair" is a song by American singer Mario. It was written by Warryn Campbell and Harold Lilly and produced by the former for Mario's self-titled debut album (2002), while Lilly is also credited as a vocal producer on the track. A downtempo contemporary R&B song about young love and the intimacy of getting your hair braided, it was conceived late into the production of Mario. Released by J Records in October 2002 as the album's second single, the song reached the top 20 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flowers & Football Tops</span> 2009 single by Glasvegas

"Flowers & Football Tops" is a song by Scottish Indie rock band Glasvegas, taken from their self-titled debut album. The song first appeared in a different recording as the B-side to the band's second single release "Daddy's Gone" in November 2007 on Sane Man Records, and was rerecorded and released as a single in the UK on 23 February 2009. The song was written and composed by the band's singer and guitarist James Allan, who explained that the song is about the murder of Kriss Donald to The Daily Record: "Sometimes when you read things or see things on TV, you can't help but put yourself in the position of people's misfortune. That was on my mind when I heard about the murder of Kriss Donald. It's about a kid who never made it home." The title is a reference to the practice common in Britain of laying shirts of the deceased's preferred football team alongside wreaths of flowers. The flowers and footballs tops may be laid at the graveside, or – as is often the case with a violent death – at the place where they died.

"Respect My Conglomerate" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Busta Rhymes, released on April 4, 2009, as the third single from Back on My B.S. (2009). It is also featured as a bonus track from Jadakiss's third album The Last Kiss (2009). The track features verses from fellow American rappers Jadakiss and Lil Wayne, and features backing vocals by guest vocalist Debby Coda. The song was released digitally on April 4, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Band of Skulls</span> English rock band

Band of Skulls are an English rock band from Southampton, fronted by Russell Marsden. Emma Richardson and Matt Hayward were previously members. The group formed after meeting in college, although Marsden and Hayward have been friends since high school. Band of Skulls have released five studio albums, most recently Love Is All You Love in April 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Bianco</span> American singer-songwriter

James Michael Bianco III is an independent musician, singer, songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles, California.

<i>The Dark Side of the Moon</i> (2009 album) 2009 studio album by The Flaming Lips, Stardeath and White Dwarfs, Henry Rollins and Peaches

The Flaming Lips and Stardeath and White Dwarfs with Henry Rollins and Peaches Doing The Dark Side of the Moon is a collaborative studio album by the psychedelic rock group the Flaming Lips. The album is a complete track-for-track reimagining of Pink Floyd's seminal 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lupen Crook</span> Musical artist

Lupen Crook is an English musician and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JR JR</span> American indie-pop band

JR JR is an American indie-pop band from Detroit, Michigan, founded by Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein. The band also includes drummer Mike Higgins.

<i>Tha Carter V</i> 2018 studio album by Lil Wayne

Tha Carter V is the twelfth studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne. It was released on September 27, 2018, by Young Money Entertainment and Republic Records. The album's release date coincided with the day of Lil Wayne's 36th birthday. The album's features include Swizz Beatz, Kendrick Lamar, Sosamann, Lil Wayne's daughter Reginae Carter, Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, Ashanti, Mack Maine, Travis Scott, Nivea, and the late XXXTentacion, with bonus tracks and the deluxe edition featuring additional appearances from Post Malone, Gucci Mane, Raekwon, and 2 Chainz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich the Kid</span> American rapper (born 1992)

Dimitri Leslie Roger, known professionally as Rich the Kid, is an American rapper and songwriter. After a number of independent mixtapes, he signed with Interscope Records in 2017 to release his debut studio album, The World Is Yours (2018). Supported by the singles "New Freezer" and "Plug Walk", the album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. His second and third studio albums, The World Is Yours 2 (2019) and Boss Man (2020) peaked at numbers four and 24 on the chart, respectively. He has also released the collaborative mixtapes Nobody Safe (2020) with YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and Trust Fund Babies (2021) with Lil Wayne. Furthermore, he founded the record label Rich Forever Music in 2016, through which he has signed rappers Famous Dex and Jay Critch.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41375374.html
  2. ↑ https://www.giaf.ie/festival/event/simple-kid
  3. 1 2 "Simple Kid". vh1.com. Archived from the original on 2 June 2008. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
  4. ↑ "Simple Kid - Live At KCRW - 01-06-04". YouTube . 3 July 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  5. ↑ "Saturn Vue Commercial Music". Tunes on TV. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
  6. ↑ Static Caravan Recordings VAN 243 – Simple Kid – The Road
  7. ↑ "Forever Young - Snakes and Ladders by Simple Kid - BBC Sounds".
  8. ↑ "Simple Kid 3: Health & Safety, by Simple Kid". Bandcamp. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  9. ↑ "Gig review: Simple Kid makes triumphant return for first gig in 15 years". 10 April 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.