Interview takes place on June 17, 2023 at El Pueblito Patio in Houston, TX
The story of The Kiddos is one of brotherhood.
Unless we’re getting technical, of course, in which case it is the story of two high school choir friends and one of their cousins.
That’s right–Houston pop-rock band, The Kiddos, formed out of sheer determination in 2019 when Kiko Leal (guitar/vocals) and Cesar Juarez (keyboard/vocals) simply decided to start a band. What, like it’s hard?
“I literally never even touched a bass guitar before I practiced for the first time,” laughs Joseph Riffin (bass), boldly asked to join the band by his cousin, Cesar. “When we all started, we didn’t know how to play instruments,” Kiko admits.
“[Cesar] just owned a keyboard. I played guitar for, like, a couple months off and on,” he continues. “[But]…you know, as kids grow, they evolve, they find their style, they change their sound up–that’s kind of what we are and what we started."
Now, four years later, The Kiddos are celebrating the release of their newest EP, “Your Future Is Now,” at El Pueblito Patio. As they prepare to go on stage in the 100 degree heat, they reflect on the meaning behind their music.
“With every release, there’s a story. There’s something we want the audience to see and hear. And it all comes from a source…a trauma, a turmoil we went through.” Whether it’s family, relationship, or self-image issues, “We all kind of [have] our own battles,” he says.
That being said, “You can either dwell on it,” Kiko says, “or you can walk out of the fire and create something cool.” That kind of attitude is what led to the creation of their new EP, which the boys believe is their best one yet. “I think we’ve finally found our sound,” Joseph says, describing their unique blend of futuristic pop and alternative rock.
One of the main features of the new EP, however, is not a sound: it is a theme, summarized by the title, “Your Future Is Now.” What does that phrase mean to the band? Well on one hand, “You can’t wait for your life to happen,” Cesar says. “You gotta actively make your life happen.”
On the other hand, however, “The Shia Lebeouf video. ‘JUST DO IT!’ That’s pretty much it,” Kiko and the boys laugh.
Pop culture reference aside, it’s funny how the group continues to jump between serious reflections and playful jokes about their music. As the interview goes on, this reveals quite the “brotherly” dynamic between the members. “We argue like brothers, we make jokes like brothers,” Cesar says. “We give each other black eyes, but we kiss and make up,” Kiko laughs.
Of course, the true spirit of brotherhood does come with some level of self-sacrifice. “We all sort of sacrifice something sometimes to be [and] to do what we do now,” Kiko says. “None of us take that for granted, so we all appreciate and value one another…because we each play a role, and without one of them, we would tank.”
With that kind of outlook, it sounds like the band is in it for the long haul. “We keep getting knocked down, but we keep getting back up,” Kiko says. Expect more music, more collaborations, and definitely more shows. “I wanna be known for creating this vibe at all our shows,” he reflects. “Something of love, something of respect and caring and kindness.”
“I love you,” Kiko says. “You matter. You’re important. And your future is now.”
For more inspiration, follow @thekiddos_music on Instagram and check out their YouTube channel, @thekiddosofficialmusic. For booking information contact thekiddosband@gmail.com.
Photos and Story by Shelby Mathews
*Originally published 7/7/2023 on Houston Music Classified's first website.
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