firekid
photo by Harper Smith for Atlantic Records
Dilon Hodges, aka firekid, is a Southern-raised 20-something who knows how to blend old country bluegrass with the addictive pop vibes favored by today’s generation. With champion-level guitar skills and a penchant for innovation, firekid has carved a unique niche for himself.
We had the chance to ask him some questions about his inspirations and aspirations. Check out the interview below.
firekid will be performing at the Camp House downtown on Saturday, Oct. 24. Tickets are $10 in advance and available online.
For someone who isn’t familiar with your music, what is one thing people should know about firekid?
I'm an artist born and raised in Muscle Shoals, AL. I grew up playing bluegrass guitar, but firekid is mixture of roots music and pop production.
When and how did you first start putting your music out?
I've been making albums and self-releasing music since I was 12. I'd burn the CDs myself and sell them at local restaurants and bookstores; however, the firekid project started on soundcloud. We put out a song called "Magic Mountain" back in March.
How has releasing your album felt in regards to public reception and your own personal reactions?
My favorite reaction to the project has come from my contacts. I've been talking about the music to friends and family for over a year, but my phone has been blowing up since the record came out. Any time my song is on the radio or featured somewhere online, I get a text from someone!
Who has been one of your favorite artists you have seen lately?
Beck puts on one heck of a show. He's someone who has a huge body of work to draw from and an amazing band. I also recently enjoyed a Run The Jewels show.
You are touring extensively through the states in the next couple of months, what are you looking forward to most?
East Tennessee and the Carolinas have always been some of my favorite places to visit. Playing shows in the area always feels like a mini vacation.
Your music had been described as everything from “frothy pop-rock” to bluegrass and country. Who would you say are some of your top influences?
I draw from quite a few disparate places. The most prevalent sources might be my bluegrass guitar idols: Doc Watson and Tony Rice. If someone was to ride in van with us, they might hear marching music like Sousa, old school hip-hop like Run DMC, metal like Metallica, or electronic music like Kraftwerk all in an hour.
What is your favorite show you’ve played, whether because of location/venue/audience etc.?
I've had great experiences across the country but in Midwest, specifically Minneapolis. Crowds there always seem receptive to our unique brand.
What would be your dream venue to perform at?
Always wanted to play the Ryman in Nashville. In the past, I've had a few opportunities to play there as a back-up singer, but I turned them down. I want my first time to be my own.
Are there any artists you would want to collaborate with?
Probably too many to name, although I've long obsessed over Danger Mouse's work. He's one of the few musicians who has been able to cohesively combine acoustic and electronic music.
How much thought do you put into making a tracklist or setlist of your songs for albums or shows?
The track list for the album went through 10+ revisions until everyone involved felt it was perfect. Set lists can vary from show to show depending on the environment. We can size up our sound or size it down if we need to. We also try to not repeat covers that we do.
You have recently gotten into chiptune music. What do you like most about it?
Working within a set of limitations has always inspired me. Making music on a GameBoy is full of limitations. It requires you to innovate which can spark creativity.
Have things changed much since signing a record deal? If so, how?
I haven't noticed much of a change personally. I certainly have more respect from peers, but I still eat at Taco Bell.
Why the name firekid? And what were you doing when you first came up with it?
Most of my friends were in their 50s when I was first learning guitar at age 11. They alway called me "the kid". When I stared working with producer Sam Hollander, he called me "kid" and it sort of stuck when he told me that my guitar skills were "fire". I was in New Braunfels, TX eating a hotdog at Greune Hall when he called with the idea that it should be the name of the project.
What was the last song stuck in your head?
Unfortunately..."Then The Morning Comes" by Smash Mouth
What is the best advice you have been given?
"Creed sucks, you should play bluegrass instead."