Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Kido Killua
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1. What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory connected to music is celebrating with my father. He was the one who introduced me to jazz. As a kid, my parents opened my ears to sounds I wasn’t hearing on TV or the radio, jazz, blues, and soul. Those moments felt different, deeper. That was the first time I understood music as more than entertainment; it was emotion, heritage, and presence. That introduction stayed with me and shaped the way I listen and create today.
2. How did your passion for creating music begin?
My passion for music began naturally. I wasn’t chasing it, it was always around me. I grew up surrounded by music, so it felt normal, almost inevitable. What really clicked was one day when a close friend of mine, DRABY BANKS, a brother, invited me to the studio and told me, “You’re an artist. You don’t even realize it yet.” I dropped a verse, and from that moment, things shifted.
Before that, I was already writing and exchanging ideas with another close friend of mine, an artist from New York. I would send him lyrics and ask for his opinion, and he started pushing me, telling me I should take this seriously. That encouragement mattered. My journey truly began around 2020, and by 2023 I fully committed again, releasing my first single and stepping into music with intention.
3. What’s the story behind your current music project?
The story behind my current project, LongLiveLove, is really about portraying everything I love about music. I chose that title because music showed me love when I needed it the most. There was a period in my life where I was dealing with heavy emotions, my mental health wasn’t in a good place, I was deeply depressed, and I felt disconnected from my purpose.
Music was what kept me moving forward, especially jazz. It’s something I listen to every day. I have this radio station, TSF Jazz, that feels essential to me, it’s my release, my safe space. Long Live Love reflects all the sounds, styles, and emotions that helped me survive and heal.
I told myself that whatever music gave me during that dark time, I wanted to give back. My hope is that anyone who listens to this project can find joy, feel a good atmosphere, and connect with positive energy. More than anything, it’s an offering of love, light, and gratitude.
4. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d describe my sound as a rollercoaster of different universes. I’m big on storytelling, so every song is about taking the listener somewhere, starting in one place and ending in another. My music reflects where I come from and where I’ve lived: you’ll hear Haiti, Canada, the city of Montreal, and my experiences in the United States all blending together.
There’s a strong jazz influence, and when it comes to writing, I’m very orthodox and simple. I study the greats, artists like Lauryn Hill and John Mayer, where simplicity carries depth. On the surface, it might sound smooth and accessible, but there’s always meaning underneath.
It’s not music that follows a traditional radio or label blueprint. It’s honest music, honest art. It comes from the heart, and it’s meant to be felt as much as it’s heard.
5. What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay authentic to myself and not get caught up in chasing streaming numbers or the hype. Those things are just tools. The real value in music is connecting with people being human. Going out, sharing your music, seeing how people react, feeling that energy that’s the ecosystem I care about.
Early on, I realized I couldn’t let the chase for success, the spotlight, or the fast life distract me. I needed to stay focused and grounded. I make hip-hop, and it’s more than just music, it’s a culture. Staying true to that culture and to myself changed the way I create. It made me see music differently: I do it for the love of the craft, for the joy it brings, and for the connections it creates.
6. What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Right now, all I really need is a mic and a laptop. Most of the time, my producer sends me the beats, so I just need something to record, whether it’s a laptop, phone, or going into the studio. But honestly, the most essential part of my process isn’t a tool or software, it’s the people I work with, especially the sound engineer. After I write, practice, and record a demo, that collaboration is where the song really comes to life. The tools are important, but the connection and expertise of the people around you matter even more.
7. Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
There are so many great artists and songs right now, it’s hard to pick. But I mostly listen to artists close to me, people I grew up with or became artists alongside, like JILLY THB,
MISHAËL, KING H, SKAAPE, and BREGS. I hear their music almost every day, and it keeps me inspired.
Beyond my circle, I’m really feeling the London scene. Their R&B and jazz-influenced sound is incredible, the way they’re rapping, the textures, the vibe, it’s fresh and exciting. Honestly, TikTok has been a game-changer for discovering new music. It’s different from radio; it gives artists a chance to reach people directly, and I’ve found so many amazing tracks I wouldn’t have heard otherwise. Music feels more fun and alive because of it.
8. How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My personal life is the core of my music. I write about things I’ve actually experienced, either my own life or moments very close to me. I tell the truth, in my own way. I don’t share every detail, because some things are personal, but the experiences I’ve had shape everything I create. When I say something in a song, it’s real, I’ve lived it, felt it, or seen it firsthand. That authenticity drives my artistic vision and the way I connect with listeners.
9. What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I want listeners to feel joy, love, and a willingness to live, to embrace life and enjoy the moment with a big smile. I also want my music to spark reflection, to make people question themselves in a good way. I’m open to all reactions, good, bad, or ugly, because what matters most is that people feel something, that my music moves them emotionally and leaves an impression.
10. What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The biggest lesson music has taught me is that if you want to do it, you have to be 100% in. You can’t treat it like a side hustle or balance it with a 9-to-5, music demands full commitment. You have to make sacrifices for the art.
Music itself doesn’t always bring money; it’s your personality, your energy, and how you connect with people that open doors, create opportunities, and build your reputation. Discipline is key, and you have to allow yourself to make mistakes and grow from them. Half-hearted effort won’t cut it, you have to be all in.
11. What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I have a few on my list, but for now, I’d say anywhere in the city of Montreal, I don’t really care where. It could be the Olympic Park. I’d also love to perform in New York City, my favorite city,
whether at Madison Square Garden, Broadway, or any legendary spot where so many great artists have been.
I’d love to perform in Gonaive, the city of independence, literally block the streets and go crazy with the people. And of course, Paris has amazing venues, so performing here would be incredible as well.
And one personal dream: my hit record O.N.I.L. (One Night In Lagos). I hope Legos sees me one day so I can perform that song, it would be surreal.
12. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Wow, that’s a crazy question! First, I’d have to say Michael Jackson, he’s the GOAT for me, the greatest artist that ever existed, not just of all time. I’d also love to collaborate with Tabou Combo, and of course Sade, the band itself, if that’s possible.
I’m also open to collaborating with other artists I admire. I’d probably prefer doing more than one because each brings something unique. And I can’t forget Boukman Eksperyans, one of my favorite bands, they’ve been a huge influence on me. Collaborating with any of them would be insane and a dream come true.
13. Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
You can find my music on every platform where it’s available online, from Spotify and YouTube to Google and more. Whatever platform you feel comfortable with, you can find me there. I also have a Linktree that collects all my songs and links in one place, so it’s easy to access everything I’ve released.
14. Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Right now, I’m looking toward 2026, and I hope everyone will enjoy the next project I’m working on. And to European Indie Music who’ve supported me from my first single to my first album, big shout out to you guys platforms, you’ve been part of this journey.
The next project is inspired by my experience in Paris. It’s going to have a little twist, what we call a “French touch.” I’ll keep the title low key for now, but it’s going to be beautiful, full of rap, collaborations, fun, and joy. Paris has its dark side, but it’s also incredible, a blend of cultures
and black musical influences, from soul to jazz. I’ve learned so much being here, and while LongLiveLove was my first chapter, the future looks bright and full of possibilities.
15. What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope listeners discover that life is about the moment. Every song I write captures a moment, and I want people to live it with me, right here, right now. I’m authentic, open-minded, and I don’t see myself as some untouchable star, I’m just another human being trying to contribute my two cents to this world.
As they experience my music, they’ll discover my roots: being Haitian and Canadian is at my core, and my journey has shaped who I am. But more importantly, I want to show that anyone can pursue their dreams. It’s crazy hard, but once you find your focus and lock in, everything falls into place.
Representative video O.N.I.L. Lyrical Video
