The Kynd

Who are The Kynd? Where you’re from, how you met, how long have you been playing together etc

Paul: I’d describe The Kynd as an energetic and melodic power pop indie band. We were originally active, in terms of releasing records, from 1996-2000, and then we reformed in 2021.
Danny: We met as teens at school in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire and formed the band in 1988, initially playing Rockabilly covers, but switching to original material in a power pop/indie vein in 1991. We played together all over the place, all throughout the ’90s, landing a record deal with independent label Go-Go Girl/MGR Records in 1995 and releasing our Andy Bell (of Oasis and Ride) produced debut single “Egotripper” the following year. We released a second single “World’s Finest”; and the album Shakedown in the late ’90s. Both the singles and album garnered some good press and steady sales, which made us something of a cult band at the time.
Paul: We then broke up acrimoniously in 2000. And no, we don’t wanna talk about it!
Danny: But in 2021, prompted in large part by the Covid-19 pandemic, we reunited for some live shows, which were sell-outs.
Paul: Buoyed by the success of those gigs and the growing interest in the band, we began recording our long-awaited second album Timelines last year. We released a new single “Whispers & Tones” in December 2022, which got some good radio exposure on BBC Radio 6 and RadioX. The next single, “Older”, is due out in late February and the new album is out on 10th March 2023, the day after our album launch gig at 93 Feet East.

Who came up with the band name and does it have a story or any meaning behind it?
Paul: The band’s name comes from the writings of horror author H. P. Lovecraft – and it’s pronounced “kind”, by the way! You’d be surprised how many people get that wrong.
Really we just liked the deliberate misspelling of it because it echoed 60’s bands like The Byrds, The Beatles or The Monkees.

If you had to describe the band using just five words, what would they be?
Paul: Powerful. Melodic. Thoughtful. Memorable. Dynamic.

Who are your biggest influences musically?
Paul: The Beatles are our number 1 influence, I’d say.
Danny: Yeah, definitely The Beatles, but also lots of other melodic guitar bands, like The Who, Big Star, R.E.M., Ride, The Byrds, The Charlatans, The Stone Roses, The House of Love, Blur etc.

What’s the band’s biggest claim to fame so far?
Danny: It’s all relative! Recording with one of our musical heroes Andy from Ride, releasing records in Japan and playing Festivals to 1000’s of people all felt pretty good at the time.

What’s your songwriting process?
Paul: We write in lots of different ways, though the words and vocals are almost always handled by me. Sometimes songs come out of jams, sometimes Danny and our bassist Tristan will come up with music that I puts words and vocal melodies over, sometimes I write songs all on his own. Keeping the songwriting process varied helps to prevent us from becoming stale or falling into familiar, tired formulas.

If you could go on tour with any current band or artist, who would it be and why?
Danny: Ride and The Charlatans are playing together in the U.S. right now, that would be cool. Opening for Blur at Wembley Stadium this Summer or touring with Johnny Marr would also work.

If you could put your dream team band together consisting of any musicians from
the past or present who would the band members be?
Danny: How about Michael Stipe on vocals, Bernard Butler & Johnny Marr on Guitar, Paul
McCartney on Bass, and Reni on Drums?

How would you describe your live show to someone who has never seen you
perform before?
Danny: Our live performances are always dynamic, with lots of energy and excitement.
Paul: Without wanting to sound like we’re bragging, being an accomplished and
charismatic live band is something we got a reputation for back in the ’90s and it’s still
something we’re very good at.

Do any of you have any pre-gig or post gig rituals? If so, what and why?
Danny: Not really! Like most bands, a couple of beers beforehand to calm the nerves and
the usual overly critical post-match analysis after.

What would your ultimate rider be if you could have anything without being accused
of being a diva?
Danny: We are a band of simple tastes – some cold continental lager, a couple of bottles
of good red wine and some vegetarian snacks wouldn’t go amiss.

This question is for all band members. If we were to browse your music library what
is the most embarrassing song we might find? Or who is your guilty pleasure artist?
Paul: We don’t believe in guilty musical pleasures. We’re arrogant enough to think that if
we like something then it must be pretty fucking good!

Tell us one thing your fans would be really shocked or surprised to hear or learn
about the band.
Paul: Mind your own business!
Danny: The 90’s were a bit of a blur, but that new Sam Smith video brought back some
memories…

If people want to check you out online where is the best place to go?
Danny: You can find The Kynd on Twitter, Insta, Spotify and Facebook.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KyndThe
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_kynd
Spotify:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKyndUK/

Finally, What does the future hold for the band?
Paul: World domination or soul-crushing obscurity, followed by a bitter break-up!
Danny: Well, our new album Timelines is out on 10 March, so there’s that.
Paul: Honestly, we’d be happy to play some more gigs, gather some more fans, make some more good music, and become a fair bit better known. We don’t want the world – we just want our half!