Kid Goon: A Journey from Skateparks to the Stage
Kid Goon, a rising artist from Whittier, California, has been on a unique journey shaped by the places he calls home and the experiences that have influenced his music. While he’s technically from Whittier, it was La Habra that truly raised him. From skating through the city to spending hours at the skatepark, La Habra became the backdrop for his musical development. “I learned everything I know about music there,” Kid Goon recalls, pointing to the audio engineering class he took in middle school and a guitar teacher who opened his mind to genres and sounds that would later shape his eclectic style.
From Bands to Self-Made Music
Kid Goon’s love for music started with guitar, and initially, his dream was to join a band. However, after spending four years playing guitar, he discovered that his true calling was creating music solo. His first songwriting attempts were influenced by bands like Linkin Park, but he found it challenging to bring those ideas together. It wasn’t until he started writing songs in the style of Sublime and Dirty Heads that everything clicked. “Not only was it way better, it all felt so natural,” he says, reflecting on the moment he wrote his first song. From there, Kid Goon never looked back, consistently writing songs and building his sound.
A Genre-Defying Artist
When asked about his genre, Kid Goon keeps it simple: reggae. But in reality, his sound is anything but conventional. “I think my sound is more of an alternative reggae with hip hop and indie mixed in as well,” he explains. This genre-defying blend is influenced by a wide range of artists, from Russ and Dirty Heads to Mötley Crüe and Sublime. These influences shape Kid Goon’s unique style, where reggae rhythms meet alternative vibes, and hip hop flows blend with indie melodies.
Sunshine and Vibes
Kid Goon’s latest single, “Sunshine,” captures the laid-back, vibey essence that defines his music. Created in collaboration with KeeneVisions, another artist Kid Goon met while performing in Los Angeles, the song was born spontaneously. “We just wrote the song on the spot after he showed me the beat,” Kid Goon says. The result is a smooth, feel-good track about embracing life and enjoying the simple pleasures, like stepping outside for a smoke break. It’s the kind of song that encourages listeners to take a breath, feel the sun, and vibe out to the moment.
The LA Breakthrough
Every artist has a career-defining moment, and for Kid Goon, it was his first performance in Los Angeles. “I was so nervous about being on stage and if anyone would like my song,” he remembers, but the performance turned out better than he could have imagined. The crowd danced, sang the melody back to him, and embraced his music in a way that validated his passion. After the show, things moved quickly: Kid Goon got interviewed for the first time, his song was selected for a radio station, and he walked off stage with 25 new followers. “That’s when the realization hit me—I might actually have a shot at being successful doing what I love.”
Crafting Music with Skate Vibes
Kid Goon’s creative process is as unique as his sound. When making beats, he likes to set the mood with skateboarding videos playing in the background. This visual inspiration sets the vibe for his music, which often carries the carefree, rebellious energy of skate culture. However, when it’s time to write lyrics, he locks in by listening to the beat on repeat until the words flow naturally.
Ready for 10X
As Kid Goon gears up for the 10X Artist Showcase, he’s excited to perform for new faces and connect with an audience that hasn’t heard his music before. “It’s amazing how music brings people together,” he says, and the high-energy, community-driven environment of 10X is the perfect stage for him to share his sound. For Kid Goon, the showcase is about more than just performing—it’s about bringing people together through music.
The Uplifting Message in His Music
At the heart of Kid Goon’s music is a message of positivity. He hopes that when people hear his songs, they feel uplifted, even if just for a moment. Whether he’s getting people to dance or simply nod their heads along to the beat, Kid Goon wants his music to be a source of release and connection for his audience.
What’s Next?
Kid Goon is currently in the early stages of planning his next big project: an EP. But as he continues to write more songs, the project may evolve into a full album. With a goal to release it by next summer, Kid Goon is excited to share even more of his music with the world. As he keeps performing, recording, and honing his craft, one thing is clear: Kid Goon is a name to watch.
From the skateparks of La Habra to the stages of Los Angeles, Kid Goon is carving out his place in the music world with his genre-bending sound and undeniable passion. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come from this talented artist.