The evolution of Kyle Walters is nearly complete. His former self may be gone forever. And while it may have taken longer than he anticipated to launch this chapter of his career, whether intentionally or not, Future Someone has ultimately become one of 2023’s most intriguing acts. With a slew of singles slated for release in the spring and summer, and a whole hell of a lot still to say and do, one thing’s undeniable: He’s just getting started. We recently had a talk with Kyle Walters, and he explained his past, present and luminous future. Find out the great conversation below:
Having played in a handful of bands over the years, big picture: what does Future Someone represent to you and what are your goals?
Future someone represents all of the educational moments from previous bands and my subsequent maturity. I know for a fact that I did not have the confidence to start this project at a younger age. There’s things I had to learn in order to grow as a musician—whether it be the language of music, stage presence, or just simply knowing what I want. Life experience molded me and put me right where I am and this is exactly what I should be doing. I never believed in myself as much as I do now.
And as uncomfortable as it can be at times, I want to keep growing and evolving and see how far I can chase my vision. My future self should not be identical to my present self. Goal-wise, I want to keep writing and producing music that makes me excited to share it and perform it live. If it connects with people and makes them feel something, that’s an added bonus. It would also be cool to co-write or produce other musicians and bands I admire, but that will happen when it’s meant to happen.
Operating in what many consider the best city in the world, how does New York City inspire your art?
There is limitless beauty and inspiration here, so you have to always keep your senses open. It’s easy to get jaded and not stop and appreciate your environment, but it could be something as simple as sitting on a bench and just gazing—at people, the light, architecture, negative space. Then you tune into sounds—passing conversations or birds. Even the buzz of the city—the energy can be so palpable at times.
But somehow it all adds up and affects me in a positive way. It allows me to fill my “creativity well” so I can draw from it when it’s time to sit down and write. And the level of the well can change at any given moment, so you have to protect that inspiration and translate it as fast as possible. When you can, it’s the most beautiful feeling. Otherwise, next time, baby.
What is the music scene like in your particular neighborhood?
I don’t keep close tabs on local shows or attend that many in the east village, except for one venue—and that’s Nublu. It is my absolute favorite spot to hang and watch live music. It’s jazz centric, but there’s all sorts of experimental jams and sets that happen. I’ve never left and not been amazed at the talent in the room. That’s kind of where my head is at when it comes to checking out shows these days.
What under-the-radar bands in NYC do you respect and think our audience should also be checking out?
I don’t know if they’re underground anymore, but Gustaf! My friend Christine plays bass in that band and they have amazing energy live. They’re super fun to watch. Catch them when you can.
Your brother, Kevin Walters, is also known as a go-to musician operating in New Jersey, and we understand he contributed drums to some of the new music (including your single “I Hope You Find What You Are Looking For”).
He did! It’s been great. He has a sick recording set up and when I have ideas I want to try out, he’s been more than helpful laying drums down. Most of the time I’ll provide a road map, but he always manages to throw in extra stuff that’s magic. Thanks, bro!
What’s it been like working with him? Do you both get each other on a different level?
Oh, totally. From jamming in our parents’ basements as kids to sharing a stage, there’s definitely a bond. There’s been a thread as long as we’ve been playing instruments.
Listen to Future Someone’s “I Hope You Find Whatever You Are Looking For” on YouTube:
What’s some of your favorite recording gear? And where do you purchase most of it?
Living in the city isn’t conducive to having a large recording footprint, so I’ve kept it lean by relying on a lot of digital gear. I’m a big fan of Arturia and UVI for soft synths and effects. Universal Audio’s Apollo Twin has been a lifeline for an interface. My ASM Hydrasynth keyboard was a recent acquisition last year, and that thing is a beast! It’s quite literally an inspiration machine. I don’t think they need any more praise, but Sweetwater has been my go-to for most stuff. If there’s vintage gear I have my eye on, I use Reverb.
Who would you love to work with? Any dream collaborations?
Producer wise, I would say Brian Eno, Rick Rubin, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Shawn Everett, or Eric Valentine. Artist-wise, I would say Damon Albarn, Beck, Kevin Parker, James Blake, or Haim. There’s a lot of variety in my answer, but I think any of the above people would shift me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I have so much respect for each of them and the sounds they’ve achieved for whatever project it is they’re working on. If I can make one of those happen, I’d die. Happy, of course.
And while we’re here… any dream tours you’d like to experience with Future Someone?
Dream tours could be Haim, Arcade Fire, St. Vincent, The 1975, or even Harry Styles. Why the hell not!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians striving to make a name for themselves?
I think conviction and perseverance are two pillars that need to be unbreakable. Belief in yourself, showing up for yourself, having faith you will continue to grow and evolve and get better, and believing in your art matter so, so much. No matter what’s going on on the sidelines, you gotta keep your head down and trust your vision. And perseverance is for the days that you don’t want to do a damn thing.
The days that are frustrating because you can’t find the spark or you don’t know where to take the song—Just keep going. You gotta sit down and do the work. One of my favorite quotes ever is from Picasso. He said, “Inspirations exists, but it has to find you working.” And any time I’ve felt uninspired, tired, or lazy but have broken past a barrier because I sat down and did the work, I’ve thought about that quote and how much truth it holds. You just gotta keep going.
Follow Future Someone on Instagram.
Photo courtesy of Future Someone
