Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Kyd the Band

Kyd the Band (a.k.a. Devin Guisande) is writing the next chapter in his already impressive career. For the first time, the Nashville-based artist is stepping out on his own with the release of Season 2: Character Development. The six-track collection finds Kyd the Band reflecting on the pivotal moments in his childhood and adolescence that have shaped who he is today and is the perfect soundtrack for anyone looking to find their place in this chaotic world. Pop Culturalist spoke with Kyd the Band about the EP and being the hero of his own story.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Kyd the Band: I became obsessed with the drums at around one or two. That turned into me playing drums in my church at ten. My first real passion was baseball though. That’s what I wanted to do for a career. When that path was removed from my life, I turned to music and realized I could be just as passionate about it.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Kyd the Band: I’d have to say myself. I don’t say that out of arrogance but simply out of necessity. From the very beginning, I never had anybody pushing me, encouraging me, or mentoring me. And musically I had to discover a lot. I’m really thankful to be very self-driven and motivated.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Kyd the Band: Hands down, my first headlining show. I sold it out, but more importantly, it was the first time in my career where I witnessed, in person, the connection between my music and my fans. It was a super-surreal and humbling feeling.

PC: You’re also an artist who has always taken the path less traveled. Has that ever been a scary prospect? Does that make the success that much more satisfying?
Kyd the Band: Yeah, there have been more moments than I count where I had no idea if music would ever become anything more than a hobby for me. It’s such an uncertain business already, and for me, I’ve always felt like a bit of an underdog. But yeah, the high moments are a lot more satisfying for me because I know I’ve worked for them.

PC: Tell us about your latest single, “Heartbreak Anthem.” What inspired the track?
Kyd the Band: I love heavy music—always have. I’ve also been fascinated with how crowds react to that kind of music at shows. That’s where this song came from.

PC: You’ve toured around the world. What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned on the road that you’ve been able to apply to your career?
Kyd the Band: I spent so long just holed up in studios writing before I ever toured, and during that, I only ever thought about people listening to music at home, in their cars, or anywhere other than in a live show setting. Now, having toured a bunch, I realize there are certain types of songs that work better than others in a live show. So now when I’m writing, I’m more aware of that.

PC: You’re currently in Season 2 of your career, and that EP is out now. What are some of the major differences from Season 1?
Kyd the Band: I think the most obvious difference is that my brother was a part of Season 1. Sonically, I’d say the production feels a little different at times in Season 2. For instance, I’ve only used an electric guitar on one song in Season 2.

PC: Assuming the COVID-19 situation gets better, what does the rest of the year hold for you? What do you want to do?
Kyd the Band: Honestly, I don’t think anybody is going to be able to tour the rest of this year. That sucks, but it’s going to make artists and fans value live shows so much more whenever they come back. So for me, the rest of this year is going to have a lot more music.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Kyd the Band: Kacey Musgraves

PC: First concert you attended?
Kyd the Band: John Mayer

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Kyd the Band: Kings of Leon’s Only by the Night. That album has massive worldwide hits—which I don’t think Kings of Leon cared if that would’ve happened or not—but it’s still cohesive and one hundred percent them.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Kyd the Band: Red Rocks. I checked it off last fall.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Kyd the Band: Water. I’m low maintenance.

To keep up with Kyd the Band, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream Season 2: Character Development today.