Tha Kid qpid

Christian Cuttino
Jul 25, 2024
4 min read

0:00

Hello there! I go by the name of "Tha Kid Qpid", QPID (Cupid) for short. I'm 22 years old and I come from the IE 951 area. Being passionate about the arts, music has always played a significant role in my life. Whether it's listening to songs, writing lyrics, singing in school/church choir, or learning to play instruments, music has greatly influenced my journey, ultimately leading to the creation of TKQ. Initially, my persona started as "Capri EZ," chosen randomly from a rap name generator without any particular significance.

Subsequently, I transitioned to Yung Jack Frost, inspired by feedback that my lyrics were sharp and chilling like the first snowfall of winter. $hlumpy was briefly considered, reflecting a phase of experimentation with substances that lasted a year, during which I produced mellow tracks that created a euphoric atmosphere.

After taking a necessary break to prevent burnout and focusing on personal growth, the persona of Qpid emerged with fervor.

What inspires your work? Are there specific themes or subjects you’re drawn to?

Almost your average "Valentine's Day Cupid full of love and joy"... Q-P-I-D 'quiet, perceptive, intellectual, diverse' with a dash of loverboi but shooting shots at anyone who shouldn't interfere.

The inspiration for my work? Let me break it down... The ability to communicate wasn't an open option for me. Not because I didn't want to, it wasn't offered nor taken into consideration. I was an outcast growing up, the idea of me being a part of anything didn't really stand out much, so keeping to myself and being out of the way was the norm for me. With no one to express thoughts, emotions, or situations, it builds over time and soon all that bottling up sort of explodes. And when you think with emotion instead of strategy... things get ugly. I guess music was always there for me, one can say it was my therapist. Knowing what I feel and sharing my view. Each and every song is a chapter of my life, never lied or exaggerated in a track. Out for all to witness as if it's show and tell.

I elucidate with perfection how I am, what's made me who I am, why I am like this. Listen closely to the beat, lyrics, and tone.

2. **Creative Process:**

To start off, I don't wake up in the morning and think, "Hmm, I think I'll make a song today." It just hits, doesn't matter where or when. But when it does, I make sure it isn't so impulsive; there has to be intention, a reasonable need. And once I know, go big or go home. Never half-assing if there's a part of you being put into it. But my mind races with ideas, I note the most relevant, why it's that, how it should come off, my cadence, charisma, and most importantly the sound I can imagine with it.

Once a beat is found and bought, trust me, the paper catches fire when I begin to put it all together. Within 5 minutes, I'm setting to record. I give it my all in one take, and the thought turned to vision has become reality.

Again, my mood is a key factor, which is why there are so many diverse projects. You could have a love song playing, and suddenly you get that dark bouncy vibe hitting you out of nowhere. I guess I really am a jack of all genres.

Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into a creative mindset?

When in the process of creating, it isn't necessary for any pre-gaming, use of a substance, or anything I'd do before getting to work. As mentioned earlier, it can be anytime, anywhere - if it seems legit and possible, I allow the flow to take over.

How would you describe your artistic style?

Anyone you ask will tell you differently, "Oh, he's got that gothic/street style" to "he's a lover and a heartless fool," but in my words, I'm everything in between. That's what art is, it's what you want it to be. How you perceive it, I evolve each and every day. There's no telling if I'm hip-hop, rock, etc. A literal multi-genre expert, I'd say.

Are there any particular techniques or mediums you prefer to work with? Why?

They say "to each their own" and it's true. I've met freestylers, some who take weeks or months on lyrics.

I prefer to use pen and paper and let the beat take control. I can and have made a song in a matter of hours, including the mixing, but taking my time is also important.

Writing each word down with a sense of purpose on the song lets me memorize better and keeps me focused on the theme. The way my pen smoothly smears a thin line is like smoke of the blunt moving in the air, so smooth and in its own way.

What are some challenges you face as an artist, and how do you overcome them?

It isn't all gloomy or upsetting though! Look at it this way. I was able to turn what was once absolutely nothing and within a matter of time, transform it into something that will one day become someone's "everything". I get to demonstrate my talent and see how the attribute I mostly struggled with is being molded by my own two hands into the very thing I could call my savior: music. It's all there. It exists. And I share my journey to let others know, you aren't alone in this world. You're unique in your own way. It may seem like it's difficult to find your calling, but for someone who's faced and spoken to death many times, you're still here and you have a job to do. I suppose that's the best result to come out of this. My reward is knowing my art is out there for the public to admire, and I hope to make it big because I still struggle in a variety of ways to this day. When, not if, I blow up, I can stay at ease knowing I attained and can provide what I didn't and couldn't way back then.

What kind of musical experiences do you enjoy the most