The combination of fluid wordplay and Bookie’s rock sensibilities are on full display for his latest showing from the forthcoming full length, ‘Cheaper Than Therapy’
Emerging UK multi-talent Kid Bookie has shared another single from his forthcoming full length, Cheaper Than Therapy, and again the versatility that has landed him on rock music’s radar is on full display.
The ever candid, always articulate songwriter offered his assessment of the single and how it stacks up in the collection of tracks on the album. “Like I is a light jab at the infrastructure of the modern industry, the bullshit we let slide based on favoritism; fear; whatever the fuck drives the catalyst of my sentiment; a barrage of humor; some insults, but overall, in jest.”
Absorbing a mesh of musical influences and combining those sensibilities to formulate his own brand of energized flow, Bookie melds driving guitars to complement his lyrical arsenal in a way that not only feels organic but meant for one another.
Speaking specifically about the thematic weight and the personal significance of the album, Bookie explains that Cheaper Than Therapy was crafted “for the outsiders”, those that ultimately value individualism even it means going against the grain. He shares that the album is “a showcase of eclecticism, influence and identity,” he says. “ To be more than the print of a rapper, to express my introspections, my vulnerability, my voice. To challenge who I am more than who I was, unlearning fear and going against the traditional mould.”
Framing his craft within a much more broader social context, the songwriter recently participated in a BBC Three documentary ‘Do Black Lives Still Matter’ along with notable artists such as Nova Twins. Again offering an honest evaluation of not just himself but of the climate for Black alternative artists, the lyricist held no punches the it coms to his intent and the kind of odds he faces in pursuit of his passion.
In the series, Bookie shared “I don’t fit the Black narrative, coz I don’t ‘do music that’s made for Black people… that’s what they [members of the industry] say to me.” He underscores his point, “I’m fighting for that Black kid with the green hair that plays his guitar, I’m supporting the Black girl that dresses up in ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ decorations all the time and wants to push Black alternative culture because she feels isolated.”
Thriving as an outsider, Bookie blend of alternative rock, hip-hop, metal and even niche subcategories like screamo, speak to his creative DNA and his ability to find an intersection of such a vast array of substyles. His ability to weave the all together is no doubt what has earned the collaborative cosign from the likes of Tech N9ne, Griffin Taylor of Vended, Kamiayda, and even the likes of Sid Wilson and Corey Taylor of Slipknot – of all which loan their talents to the final draft of Cheaper Than Therapy.
“Like I” from Kid Bookie is currently available on all streaming platforms and can be experienced below. Cheaper Than Therapy arrives on November 26th and can be pre-ordered – HERE
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