Today we’d like to introduce you to Cloud Kid.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Cloud Kid, (Jose), I was born in North Carolina, raised in New Orleans and later moved to Atlanta, so my life has always been full of music and the need to express myself. I grew attached to music very young. My father was early an influence in my music taste playing classic and alternative rock. The city of New Orleans also opened my ear up to Jazz and even Bounce music. I was so intrigued by the numerous street performers and deep music history. My mother allowed me to join the band in middle school playing the Clarinet. Once I was old enough to figure out the internet I quickly found out about electronic music from artists like Excision, Skrillex & Martin Garrix. I began my production journey at 12 after downloading a demo version of FL Studio making electronic dance music and jersey club remixes under the alias “Gravity, which I’ve since archived except for one track. In 2016 I released a jersey club remix of “One Dance” which has amassed over 30,000 streams. It wasn’t until about 2016 (my freshman year) I began creating & releasing music under the producer name “Cloud Kid” with sample based/alternative hip hop/rap production. I learned how to play piano, trumpet and trombone in the marching band while also learning how to record, mix and master songs. I’d earn a few placements here and there throughout the years from classmates. I wouldn’t not drop my first official single until February 2020 featuring Mako Cash, titled “GTA9INE”. In 2021 I released 2 singles, “Wolverine” & “Wolfsbane” with my close friend Zeem. I would then spend the next 3 years working on my first collaboration album, “The Hotbox” with another close friend of mine, Juice2Geeked. I spent those three years obsessing over every minute detail of every instrument. In the end Juice was the one who gave me the push to finally release it in January 2024. The entire year we promoted the album with multiple live performances at live drop mics, showcase/festivals. The project has since then surpassed 10,000 streams on Spotify & Apple Music. In beginning of 2025 I decided to reset and figure out my next moves within my personal life. One of our last and biggest shows was opening up for Lil Tony in January 2025. That show opened my eyes to the possibilities of what this can really be if I keep going. The show was packed out (150+ ppl) and everyone knew his songs word for word. It was beautiful and inspiring. I had a new vision. In March 2025 that was all derailed when I was involved in a major accident that totaled my new car and sidelined me from performing until December 2025. Those months were filled with doubt,depression,anxiety. Physical therapy after physical therapy. I felt completely isolated from even music but thankfully I am surrounded by a wonderful supportive group of family and friends that helped me get back to myself again. I have now since then made a full (as much as possible) recovery and have began creating music, performing on stage again, and plan on dropping my next self produced EP titled “Recovery”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Recently one of my biggest hurdles was overcoming a car accident last year. I had multiple herniated discs and ligament damage in my spine as well as a TBI and needed multiple procedures and months of physical therapy. But I just worked through the mental and physical anguish with God, along with the doctors and the lawyers. I also realize I struggle a lot with mental barriers in life whether it be my overthinking of small details or just working myself up with anxiety before every show. From ages 16-20 I was medicated for depression and anxiety. I have since then found healthy habits that work for me and no logger suffer from depression. Anxiety still gets me here and there but overall I have made HUGE leaps and bounds in the betterment of my mental health and happiness
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a producer/beatmaker/dj mostly know for my heavy and obscure sample based production and ethereal soundscapes. I am most proud of my first collaboration album “The Hotbox” I spent 3 years working on it and it has been received well from my peers and strangers alike.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I don’t necessarily view myself as a risk taker. I do think it’s necessary sometimes to achieve a goal especially if that risk is outside the box or your pushing something new forward. For example, I can say I took a risk with the sounds of my album straying away from the traditional sound of Atlanta and exploring drumless underground hip hop while lyrically maintaining modern topics that can resonate with listeners in a fun environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cloudkid.music/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloud.kid
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cl0udk1d777
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/lCJjnp1sqWJdNRvPQk
Image Credits
1-3 by @elas7ic on IG
4 by @SayeUniverse
