Kid Bookie is redefining the concept of a rock star with his genre-defying capabilities. The MOBO-nominated artist, who wears Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. for his Schön! 47 digital cover story, is speaking about his new album, Songs For The Living // Songs For The Dead, which exemplifies the power of being an outsider. In a content-saturated world where innovation seems scarce and originality is often replaced by recycled ideas, finding an artist who genuinely brings something fresh to their genre is rare. Yet, by simply being his authentic self, Kid Bookie naturally pushes the boundaries.
“There are a lot of hurdles and barriers you’ve got to go through just by choosing to make rock music because I don’t look like a traditional rock artist,” he says, touching on the fact that he has a knack for experimentation by merging metal and rock with rap elements. “It’s fun because music is a place to practice your rebellion.” Before he became known as Kid Bookie, Tyrone Hill always felt aligned with the anti-mainstream. Growing up in inner-city London, his interests often set him apart from his peers. “I was that kid wearing mismatched Converse, a random tie with a white shirt, just being as punk as I could be,” he recalls. “In school, you get bullied for that. The uniqueness of your character, the beauty of your individuality, gets stripped away to fit in with the crowd.”
Despite his music being a reflection of his internal world, Kid Bookie hopes it will inspire listeners to explore their own lives more deeply. “Think beyond the parameters of what you already know,” he elaborates. “Rock the boat until everyone falls over and you’re the only one standing, and then help everyone up and show them that you have to fall down sometimes.” This free-thinking mindset makes him a dynamic addition to Marshall Records’ roster. Kid Bookie stands for something and isn’t afraid to express it. “Marshall is the embodiment of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” he says. “I speak my mind. I challenge a lot of things. Music isn’t always the safest place. It is the place to be transgressive. And you know what? I am transgressive as a person. So, it’s Marshall to the fucking world, baby.”
top. Maison Margiela
bandana + necklace throughout. Kid Bookie’s own
headphones. Marshall Monitor III A.N.C.
amplifiers.
Marshall JCM800,
Marshall JCM900,
Marshall Silver Jubilee
+ Marshall DSL100H
jacket + trousers.
Maison Margiela
boots. Dr. Martens
drums. Natal Café Racer
in Green Sparkle Black Spilt,
Natal Maple Originals
in Copper Sparkle +
Natal Zenith Forge Black
jacket + trousers. McQ Alexander McQueen
boots. Dr. Martens
opposite
top. Maison Margiela
headphones. Marshall Monitor III A.N.C.
