Experimental Pop Artist CHILD Discusses His Brand New Track, ‘Cover Up,’ His Biggest Inspirations, Signing With AESTHETYK and Much More!

Get to know the massively talented experimental pop artist, CHILD! She continues to have a grown-up year and hides nothing in his latest single, “Cover Up.” It is his third release in 2020 and was officially released on October 16th.

Check out “Cover Up” here:

This song reaches out to the rejected, disappointed, misjudged, suppressed, and anxious,” explains CHILD.

“It’s a gentle assurance that they aren’t alone. The lyrics serve as an exchange between two individuals: one attempting to hide; the other drawing them out – out into safety and self-definition. The song is an invitation to feel, to heal, and to keep moving forward. It’s my redemption story and I know it can be others’ too.”

“Cover Up” follows CHILD’s previous two releases, “Nothing to Say,” which VARIANCE called a “spellbinding track…showcasing [CHILD’s] frothy vocals over mysteriously haunting lyrics;” and “The Encounter,” a critically acclaimed debut that quickly amassed several hundred thousand streams on Spotify.

Born and raised in New England and currently based in Raleigh, NC, CHILD encapsulates what often makes alternative pop music so remarkable – familiar melodies and hooks, as well as evocative lyrical depth. It’s no surprise that CHILD draws influence from artists like James Blake, Bon Iver, The Tallest Man On Earth, Coldplay, and Billie Eilish.

CHILD is one of the first artists to sign with AESTHETYK, founded by music industry veteran, Matt Ingle. Ingle’s penchant for unearthing innovative and inspiring artists is something he has enthusiastically carried on for over 20 years. He created AESTHETYK as a way to offer emerging songwriters and musicians an opportunity for incubation, helping them cultivate a signature and meaningful sound, as well as brand and ethic for a mass audience.

Learn more about CHILD in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So how are you keeping busy and musical these days during the pandemic? How are you staying connected to your fans? Are you finding that social media is even more useful now?

In 2019, 90% of my work became out of the house. Aside from less live gigs, day-to-day remains the same, but with more music content to steward. As a recently launched artist, most of your fans are friends. Nevertheless, we’re seeing more new faces than ever before. Brazil, Germany, U.K., the list goes on. I am thankful to have a team (@AESTHETYK & my wife @katelyncoogan) involved in @childtheartist social content… they’re so gifted, you can tell when I am trying to post — not too pretty!

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be a musician? What do you think motivates you day in and day out? How has that drive changed since you first starting writing songs?

It was while playing an alto sax, 10 years old—learning Mighty Mighty Bosstones hooks by ear off the radio (before YouTube). 

I could write a new song unlike anything ever heard—that sense of creative-limitlessness intrigues me. I always knew it to be possible, but it wasn’t until Producer Nicki Bala (@balamandala) came into my story did I experience the reality of it with music/songwriting, etc.

How do you think your hometown has influenced the kind of music that you make? If not, why is that?

CHILD is unique to Raleigh, NC. These first 3 singles happened in Highland Park (Northeast LA). Culturally, it’s a different DNA out west. This certainly affected the sound & lyrics. If anything, Raleigh challenges me to preserve that differentiator. “Set apart” is the best place to begin your music.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Was your family and friends always supportive of this career choice? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing?

I am proud to have a family who fostered music. They are permission givers & supporters. My mother’s family consisted of polka-bands & percussion, while my fathers great-grand-dad played the [live] backing music during silent-films.

If I weren’t a musician I would, instead, be the wealthiest man in the world. Just kidding.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? Is there anything you wish you could go back and tell your younger self about this industry?

It was surprising to hear my community’s feedback… things like “this is what you’re meant to do”, etc. They’ve imparted so much courage!

The unforeseen challenge with a music career is the length of down-time in between the next “break”—be it playlists, good press, etc. Everyone desires a meteoric-rise—but the character development, as well as the testing of your vision that takes places in a gradual “rise” is far more valuable. …No substitute for a pure heart!

I entered during one of the more turbulent times in US history, even for the Music Industry itself. The ever-evolving landscape of this sector is all I’ve known. I would tell a younger me, or younger artist in general—“the only quick thing that can happen is quitting. Commit to the process!”

How did you come up with your artist name? Was it hard to find something that fit your sound and vision?

We listed 30 names. Events surrounding the name of CHILD made it most-significant—setting it apart. Myself & my wife Katelyn shared the list with co-producers Nicki & Aalok Bala over Facetime. When I got to that name they interrupted saying, “CHILD—thats your name.” They didn’t know it at the time, but it was the confirmation we were [secretly] waiting for.

Tell us what it’s like being the first artist to sign with AESTHETYK and music industry veteran Matt Ingle who actually used to be our All Access Christian Editor?! What sets this label a part from all the rest?

Matt, and what we now know as AESTHETYK, came at the perfect time. His reputation proceeded the call, and to be recognized first was rewarding—to say the least. Having a history myself in vocational ministry, Matt and I are capable of understanding each other on all levels; it has made for a smooth ride.

AESTHETYK was born to be resilient. It launched during a global pandemic that benched the live-music industry & shutdown nations; marketing new artists parallel to the most boisterous election of US history… no other [indie] label is that tenacious. It’s an artist-boutique—so the level of relationship is high between Matt and the AESTHETYK artists. It’s no question CHILD is his favorite. Kidding, again!

Let’s talk about your newest single, “Cover Up.” What was the inspiration for this track?  How does it compare to anything else you have released?

Amidst the symbolic/figurative nature of my lyrics, “Cover Up” is the most literal of my collection. It’s a dialogue that reveals my personal journey thru a bitter insecurity. In the words & melodies you can hear a gentle assurance, “It’s going to be okay, I understand you.”

Do you have plans to release more new music soon and a full collection of new songs?

We are particularly excited for the next single—finishing up as we speak! It’s big & bold, yet delicate. We’re glad to share more soon!

A full collection is on the horizon, as well as collaborations, and more! 2021 will bring a new dimension.

What musicians would you absolutely love to work with in the future? Who has consistently been inspiring you and the music that you make?

Currently, it’s Ludwig Goransson and Joji. I would be interested in working with Labrinth (cowrite/producing). Collaborating with Darren King percussively would be wild. I’d like to collab with more female neo-soul artists as well… the Ari Lennox/Solange/SZA stream. In a different hemisphere, an up-and-coming guy Jim-E Stack—he’s nailing this futuristic 80s grime sound. Curious what would happen creatively with Rubin or Timbaland [like everyone else]… better yet, the “next” Rick or Timbaland—whomever that might be!

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

Come to a LIVE experience and find out!