Today, Jayne caught up with up-and-coming local hip hop artist, 20 year old Tarquin Burford. AKA Platinum Kidd; he has a huge and hopefully career-rocketing weekend coming up!
Platinum Kidd will be performing at the Insideout Festival in Cairns on Sunday. This is Insideout’s inaugural tour, having had great success in both Adelaide and ironically, the home of country music, Tamworth. This weekend, they are coming to Cairns and Platinum Kidd is featuring as one of our local creative talents.
“The lineup is the biggest Australian festival line up ever to be held under Lunar Electric. I am absolutely excited and full of energy to perform alongside icons of the Aussie music industry, let alone live in front of thousands of fans! “
PLATINUM KIDD
Describe yourself in five words (you’re the rapper!)
- Quiet
- Fashionable
- Helpful
- Caring (big time)
- Independent
Tell us about your childhood…
I’m was born in New Zealand but have lived in the Douglas Shire for most of my life. I am one of 13 children and I live in Port Douglas while my parents and seven younger siblings live in Mossman.
I graduated from Mossman High School and everyone knew me as a quiet and shy person. This had loads of people around my age in shock, and tuned in when I started rapping.
So, ‘Platinum Kidd’-where did that come from ? Sounds like you might be your parents’ favourite child…
I first thought of the platinum code on the science chart (pt***) with kidd at the end meaning I am a “kidd” that produces platinum records only.
Then a few friends suggested to change it to “Platinum Kidd” as it would be just as catchy and unique but easier to find and use.
How did your musical career take off? Was music one of your electives at school?
It actually wasn’t! Growing up as a kid watching and listening to “Rage” on ABC always made me want to create some sort of music (sing/rap). I didn’t know where to start though. I would get flash thoughts of me trying, and a sense in my gut that I’d like it if I could make a start!
A year after graduating I was living in New Zealand and moved back to Port Douglas. I met a famous Australian rapper “Chillinit.420” (who is also on the lineup this weekend). Meeting him gave me the extra push I needed. I committed to giving music a serious shot. A couple of my friends supported me in getting started too. From that moment, I decided to go ahead, to rap and to create my own unique sound and movement.
How do you sustain your musical aspirations right now?
I believe I stay strongly committed because I can keep to myself and I’m not chasing to be famous.
I do it because I love making music and again, trying to prove a point and make a change in our region!
I feel that there is a lot of talent going to waste because people are afraid or don’t believe in themselves.
It’s an incredible opportunity to have a sponsor in local burger and bar N17…tell us more about your relationship with the crew at N17.
I am, and will be forever grateful for them to ever have thought about doing it and even doing it in general! They’ve given me a lot of motivation and have also showed a lot of support by playing my music videos in the restaurant and bar.
What are you most looking forward to about this weekend?
I am super excited to be able to gain a unique lifetime memory as well as a wonderful experience!
My first goal when I started making music wasn’t to be successful. It was to prove to the Douglas – Daintree community that you can achieve your dreams if you put your mind to it. And to ignore the people trying to take that away from you. I’m naturally a shy and quiet person, and I believe that once I perform at this festival my point will have been proven. I can then focus on music itself.
What are your long term plans for your career? Where do you see yourself in five and in 10 years?
It depends on how quickly I can grow my platform. If it gets to a point where I’m happy with it, I’d love to give back to the community. I’d love to help put other talented locals on the map-whether it be music, footy or gym. I’d love to help use the platform I’m creating to open doors for others too.
Who is your favourite artist right now?
Apart from myself, Eminem.
Who else inspires you?
Chillinit.420, Kerser, Eminem and 6ix9ine.
And who are you listening to right now ?
Tion Wayne (IFTK).
What’s for dinner?
Hot & Spicy N17 Burger!!
What’s your favourite destination in the Douglas Shire?
Rex Smeal Park.
When you’re not playing and practising, what do you love to do in your free time?
I like to simply be with nature and find peace in my mind. I like to go swimming with friends and doing normal easy stuff with friends, as I tend to overthink and be in my head 24/7-explains why I’m quiet).
What’s on the cards for the rest of the year?
I’m planning on a couple of performances towards the end of the year in Brisbane. I have a podcast/interview planned for July/August in which I have lots to share!
I’m looking into getting some more local gigs, in Cairns or even try to get a Port Douglas one going on!!
Best wishes for the weekend Tarquin, let’s hope it is great fun, and a game changer for your musical career, in a wonderful way! We’ll be sure to keep following your path onwards and up! Thank you for your time.
Where to find and follow Platinum Kidd
Instagram / Platinumkidd
Facebook / Platinum Kidd
Snapchat / TarquinBurford
TikTok / Platinumkidd
Youtube / Platinum Kidd
Soundcloud / Platinum Kidd
INSIDE OUT FESTIVAL
Inside Out is a sideshow festival featuring some of the biggest names in Electronic/Hip Hop/Rap music in this country.
Featuring Chillinit – Youngin Lipz – Kerser – Illy – Day 1 and more.
This is a one night only chance to experience these amazing acts in the unique venue that is Munro Martin Parklands. Get your friends together and come along to celebrate this great Australian line up.
4.30 pm gates open, show starts 6pm for approx 4 hours.
https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC/ticketlinkEvents/music-festivals/inside-out
