Phoenix singer/songwriter The Kaleidoscope Kid has released the official music video for his single, “Watermelon Kisses.” Taking listeners on a psychedelic trip with his music, his own personal journey saw him living off-the-grid in the woods inside of a cabin, battling an autoimmune disease that almost cost him his life.
Joshua Murphy, aka The Kaleidoscope Kid, was diagnosed with Reiter’s syndrome, a disease that ravages the entire body with crippling arthritis, inflammation, and swelling of the joints, all of which left him unable to leave a hospital bed for months. After countless misdiagnoses left doctors dumbfounded, Kaleidoscope Kid turned to Eastern medicine experimenting with reishi mushrooms and various organic berries to battle the disease. His holistic approach worked and during the time in the woods he also experimented with Hallucinogenic mushrooms sometimes tripping for weeks at a time. He then dedicated his life to music, living inside the Phoenix based recording studio where he would record his first demos that eventually got him signed to indie powerhouse label, Suburban Noize Records.
Watch: The Kaleidoscope Kid – “Watermelon Kisses”
Although a true newcomer to the music scene, Kaleidoscope’s discography was described to The Pier as being a reflection of his own experiences growing up as a grom around skateboarding, visual art, and outdoor escapism. The diversity of his activities and surroundings translated into a varied love for music, bringing about a sonic landscape in his work that echoes his passions and interests.
A fan of an extensive catalog of inspirations that span from Beck, Pink Floyd, to Bob Marley and Sublime, The Kaleidoscope Kid’s work is a reflection of intentionality and passion for the craft. Leaning on his soulful charisma, the Kid takes us on a rhythmic ride, smoothly delivering descriptive lyrics with a melodic flow that allows the listener to virtually see & taste the music.
After signing with Suburban Noize Records and flexing some idiosyncratic flows on “Hold Up”, The Kaleidoscope Kid has returned with a new single and video for “Watermelon Kisses”. With the maturity of ‘old soul, he sings about being young and in love over a funky beat and some breezy acoustic guitars.
“The song was inspired by the beauty of a new relationship. The concept is based around what it feels like to first fall in love with someone,” said The Kaleidoscope Kid. “At the time in my life when the song was written, I had just recovered from a broken heart and I wasn’t sure if I would ever experience that connection again. Shortly after, I met a beautiful woman who inspired the song and reminded me that everything happens for a reason.”
A young Joshua Murphy has created a wonderfully creative musical playground that is an immersive escape from daily life. Armed with some blues-style electric guitar riffs and hip-hop percussion, The Kaleidoscope Kid emerged from his journey living off-grid with a powerful self-titled debut album dropping March 11th, 2022 that will include 9 songs, including the aforementioned “Hold Up” as well as “Watermelon Kisses” along with a special guest feature from Big B. Self-Produced & self-directed, The Kaleidoscope Kid’s journey is only just beginning.
Related Link:
TKK Website
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TTK IG: @thekaleidoscopekid
Article By: Mike Patti
Watch: The Kaleidoscope Kid – “Hold Up”