The Stranded Local Q&A: KID:NAP:KIN

This week’s local band highlight comes from KID:NAP:KIN, bringing some kickass guitar licks, exuberant vocal harmonies, and solid bass work to the table. Selling out shows at the Middle East and firmly marking their territory in the Boston music scene, this clean-cut three piece band cemented their spot as a local favorite when they were selected as the Best New Act at the Boston Music Awards in 2007.

After a few line-up changes and one escape to Canada, what started off as a four-piece band has boiled down to an energetic power trio. Since 2005, Dan (vocals, guitar), Pat (drums, vocals), and Jamila (bass, vocals) have steadily built up a solid repertoire, including an EP and two full length albums, Touring The Riot Scene and Hush, Now...

Having performed twice at the venerable SXSW music conference and the Berklee College of Music showcase in New York, these guys are not far from winning over new fans all across the country.

All three members took the time to answer the same five questions Stranded In Stereo always asks:

Hailing from Boston makes us better than all those non-Boston bands because
Gigantic mutant rats prowl the city keeping their beloved bands safe and the stray cat population down.... But being from Boston doesn’t make us better than anyone else.

Name at least three bands that are still around and touring that you’d love to be on a bill with, and think it fits well
The Fall of Troy, Jimi Hendrix (yes, he’s still alive), Rod Stewart (even though he’s dead), Stone Temple Pilots, Apollo Sunshine, New Kids On The Block.

Your favorite Boston venue to perform in is
Jamila: The Middle East
Pat: Great Scott. Killer discounts for drinks (they make em stiff) and Carl books super rad bands.

Are there any genres that influence your music conceptually, rather than sonically? (In that you can’t hear from simply listening to the music, but from getting into the structure or mathematics of the song-writing, etc.)
Anything visual, really; words and shapes, stage performances, film. All of these themes and visuals I’ve got in my head from everything I’ve taken in over the years ends up playing a role in how certain parts come out in our music. Some people see music in colors, I see music in shapes and structures. Certain words generate energy when you visualize them, elements like water or crashing waves vibrate an intense anxiety and recall overwhelming emotions and visions of destruction. While it’s not something that is necessarily conveyed to the listener, these elements make for fun song writing based on visuals and emotion rather than chord structure, patterns and rules.

Your favorite local bar to hit up when not doing the whole band deal is
Pat: Does my living room count? I've got a bar stool.
Jamila: Great Scott
Dan: I prefer diving into an exhilarating political discu...I mean whatever venue gives us drink tickets!

[Myspace] http://www.myspace.com/kidnapkin
Download: "Heroin Grillz" [mp3]