Interview - Kind Villain: "Don’t second-guess yourself, because when it comes to being you, you're the best at it".

Kind Villain’s current single ‘I’m A Little Off’ is forging a powerful personal connection with an audience of fans who connect with its first-person reflection of dealing with neurodivergency. Now Kind Villain - a project led by the 21-year-old Tampa Bay musician Ev Frederick - launches the track’s accompanying video for the song as he introduces himself to UK audiences.

LATCH Magazine had a brief chat with Ev last week.

Your new single “I’m A Little Off” feels deeply personal—what was the moment or experience that sparked the creation of this song?

I would say it wasn’t one experience; it sort of built up over time as something that both Paul and I wanted to express. There were several conversations that we had that sparked the idea of creating a song about this, one that inspires neurodivergent people and people in general to embrace everything about themselves, including their flaws. Both myself and a member of Paul’s family are neurodivergent. So it was cool to be able to channel from two perspectives.

You’ve spoken about feeling like “an alien in a room full of people.” How has embracing neurodiversity shaped both your music and your identity as an artist?

Embracing neurodiversity has inspired me to be bolder in general and not to second-guess my creative decisions. I’m not trying to fit in; I want to fit out. There is only one Ev, and there is only one of everybody, so don’t second-guess yourself, because when it comes to being you, you're the best at it. That mindset definitely influences the way that I express myself in a positive way.

The track blends emo, pop-punk, and alt-rock influences—how do you approach combining genres while keeping your sound authentic?

To be honest, it feels natural; it's not something that we overthink too much. I grew up on those genres, and I often present myself that way without really thinking about it. Paul has been working on those genres for years, and his experience definitely helps when combining those elements and achieving that sound.

You worked with multi-Platinum producer Paul Trust on this song—what did that collaboration bring out in you creatively?

Paul is brilliant; as a team we have a way of challenging each other to reach new creative destinations. His attention to detail brings these songs to the next level with depth and emotion. He helps build the song around my vocals and the message of the track such as this song.

The video for “I’m A Little Off” focuses heavily on your raw, direct performance—what was your vision for translating such a personal song into visuals?

I had bounced around a few video ideas that were complicated and more narrative-driven, but I always wanted this song to be personal and for it to be open to each person individually. This song was me being vulnerable about how I felt, so I realised that since it's kind of like a diary, the video should be me being honest and reflecting these emotions in a performance.

You started performing in a local rock bar at just 13—how did those early experiences shape your stage presence and confidence today?

I was able to work with amazing musicians at a young age, and we would do 4-hour-long shows with 60 songs from different genres and artists, and that was a great education for me. As a kid, I had to prove that I belonged fronting these bands that were seasoned adult musicians, so I always showed up to practice and the shows with a fire to make sure I put my best foot forward and to show that I could do it. I performed hundreds of shows before I even turned 18, and that gave me the confidence that I can do this professionally.

Your music often explores themes of vulnerability and self-acceptance. Do you see your work as a form of therapy, or more as a way to connect with others?

It's therapeutic to get these thoughts out of me and to be able to be honest and not hide how I feel. I also love hearing how these songs are able to connect with people on a personal level, and that definitely encourages me to say things that maybe I would not normally because it may be just what somebody needs to hear.

You’ve covered artists ranging from Khalid to Sunday Driver—how do those diverse influences show up in your songwriting?

Great question, there is energy that I feel when I listen to these artists. For example, Khalid makes me feel nostalgic and vulnerable, and Sunday Driver makes me want to have an attitude. Those are two of the ingredients in “I’m A Little Off”, and although the sound is different, the feeling that I get from those artists is definitely showcased in this song. Also, my producer is the former drummer of Sunday Driver, so that brings that attitude and vibe that they have to the project as well.

With your growing recognition and plans for a UK tour, how are you preparing to introduce Kind Villain to a new international audience?

I’ve got some new songs coming that I’m really excited for and a live show that I can’t wait to show the UK!!! I’m A Little Off is just the beginning.

You’ve also got a background in theatre and musical performance—how does that side of your creativity influence your live shows and storytelling?

I don’t want to spoil too much, but I’m a very theatrical performer on stage when performing Kind Villain, and that definitely comes from the theatre world. The way that emotion is portrayed through music in musicals definitely inspires how I approach the vocals of KV songs. If you love dramatic high-energy performances, you’ll love a Kind Villain show.

Listen to Kind Villain on Spotify: