Kidda

Kidda is a UK electronic and pop act associated with breakbeat, big beat, funk and dance. The project is led by Ste McGregor, who emerges in Brighton in early 1999 after an incident on the river Tees and begins developing a sample-heavy style built from vinyl, old equipment and a strong emphasis on hooks, drops and party-oriented rhythms.

Early releases and name changes

McGregor first records under the name Gadji, a project rooted in soul, funk, Latin and breakbeat influences. Puma Strut releases a 7-inch under that name, marking his first appearance on record. He later adopts the Kidda name and moves away from hip hop’s narrower boundaries while keeping a sample-led approach.

Recordings and labels

Catkills Records hears a demo of five tracks and goes on to release the Shoe Cash and Word Booty EPs in 2004 and 2005. Kidda also signs an album deal with Skint Records in 2005. The album takes a long time to complete because of extensive sampling and the use of existing musical sources. Lee “Muddy” Baker handles sample replays and co-production.

Collaborators and guests

The album brings in a range of vocalists and collaborators, including Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, Blak Twang, Psycho Les of The Beatnuts and Big City, Jim Oxborrow of smallwhitelight, and Laura Vane. Kidda also records and releases two albums of soul-based Beastie Boys remixes, titled On The Bus To N.Y.C. and Fake Boogie Tapes.

Reception, radio and DJ work

Kidda’s releases receive support from BBC Radio 1 and from Norman Jay, including play in club and radio settings such as The Blueroom, Carnival, New York City and the Big Chill. He also performs as a DJ, holding a monthly residency at London’s Heavenly Social and playing in Bristol, Manchester, Lithuania and Brighton.

Other work

Before and alongside his recording career, McGregor makes animated promotional work for Midfield General, including Midfielding, and for Lo Fidelity Allstars, including Sleeping Faster, as well as for tribute acts. He also remixes Pepe Deluxe for a Catskills remix release and contributes a Kidda/Fatboy mash-up that Norman Jay includes on a remix album. In addition, he builds and maintains the Kidda website, kiddamusic.com.