That Kid: The Hyperpop Icon Redefining Fashion and Pop Culture

That Kid Releases New Album
That Kid | Image Courtesy of @JSloaneCreative

That Kid: The Hyperpop Icon Redefining Fashion and Pop Culture

That Kid, a hyperpop artist, singer, songwriter, and social media personality from Denver, Colorado, is shaping a new era of pop culture and fashion. Known for his bold, metrosexual, and effeminate style, he’s revolutionizing the music and fashion worlds in the same way David Bowie did in Rock N’ Roll with his Ziggy Stardust persona during the early-70’s as That Kid does it now with X-Rated lyrics catered to lovers of electronic dance music. With his unique blend of hyperpop and Gen Z sensibilities, That Kid is cementing himself as a defining figure for today’s generation. Starting Tuesday September 17th in Nashville, Tennessee, That Kid joins modern club-pop icon 6arelyhuman on a 25-date nationwide tour, taking his infectious energy to new heights.

 

A Hyperpop Trailblazer

That Kid’s style pushes boundaries not only through his fashion choices, but with his lyrics. That Kid’s music may not be for the faint of heart as his nonchalant singing style proves he’s not shy to say what he wants in the most trendsetting way. Since breaking into the scene with the Ayesha Erotica and Slayyyter collaboration “Dial Tone,” which has garnered over 10 million streams, That Kid has continuously evolved. His distinct sound—a fusion of melodic pop, explosive instrumentals, and irreverent, queer-oriented humor—has made him a standout in the hyperpop movement. Collaborating with artists like underscoresChase IconBAYLI, and Terror Jr, That Kid has headlined performances across North America, further solidifying his presence in the underground pop scene.

That Kid TK Ultra
TK Ultra | Image Courtesy of @JSloaneCreative

 

TK ULTRA: A Rave-Induced Masterpiece

That Kid’s latest mixtape, TK ULTRA, showcases his genre-defying versatility and rave-inspired ethos featuring verses from Harmony (aka Girlpool co-founder Harmony Tividad)Ayesha Erotica6arelyhumanChase Icon, and RYL0. The package also includes production/writing from Gold-winning record producer Jon Santana, underscores, David Singer-Vine (of Terror Jr and The Cataracs), and more.

Blending pounding warehouse beats with futuristic pop sounds, TK ULTRA is a liberating, club-ready project that reinforces his underground star power. From the explosive lead single “Q.O.S.D” to the electro-bloghouse nostalgia of “Spencer Needs A Ladder” featuring 6arelyhuman, the mixtape is packed with boundary-pushing tracks that embody hyperpop’s unpredictability.

Standout tracks like “Casino” and “Butterfly Diamond Jeans” highlight That Kid’s ability to mix deep basslines, Eurodance influences, and evocative vocal performances, while collaborations with artists like Chase Icon and RYL0 ensure that every track is a dynamic experience.

 

A Fashion Icon for Gen Z

Beyond his music, That Kid’s influence on fashion is undeniable. His style is a modern-day homage to Bowie’s gender-fluid, avant-garde looks from the Ziggy Stardust era, but with a hyperpop twist. Mixing rave culture with bold, effeminate fashion choices, That Kid has become a symbol of self-expression for Gen Z. He’s creating a space where fashion, music, and individuality intersect in new and exciting ways, making him one of the most original fashion icons of today.

 

The Future of Pop Culture

With his fearless approach to fashion and music, That Kid is more than an underground sensation—he’s a cultural innovator. As he continues to redefine what it means to be a pop star in the hyperpop era, fans can expect more groundbreaking work from the Denver-born artist. And with his upcoming nationwide tour alongside 6arelyhuman, there’s no doubt That Kid’s star will only continue to rise.

For fans of hyperpop, fashion, and the future of pop culture, That Kid is an artist to watch. Catch him live on tour and dive into the eclectic, rave-fueled world of TK ULTRA for a taste of what makes him one of the most exciting artists of our time.

 

****For more info see below and check out our Frank151 interview with That Kid****

That Kid TK Ultra
That Kid | Image Courtesy of Spotify

That Kid is such a great stage name – where did it come from? Is there a story behind the name and what made you decide to go with it?

Thank you! Honestly I’m not really a huge fan of my stage name. The story isn’t that interesting honestly. It was meant to be a placeholder until I found something better but one of the first producers I worked with back in 2017 before I put out “Dial Tone” sent me beats with That Kid in the title so it kind of stuck because I couldn’t come up with anything else. I usually just tell fans to call me TK or Spencer at this point.

You’ve got such an intriguing personal style and charisma, it’s very captivating. – Have you always had an eclectic sense of individuality? 

I’d say so! I don’t know, I’ve always just kind of done what I wanted, dressed how I wanted, and acted how I wanted to. I don’t really care if people don’t like it. I remember as a kid my aunt told me that what others think of me has nothing to with me and that stuck with me. I think when I turned 23 though I definitely kind of came into my own even more somehow. I was always very sure of myself but that year specifically was a turning point.

Who are some of your favorite fashion icons? They don’t have to be in the world of fashion, just people that have inspired your flair.

Honestly my friends are my biggest like source of fashion inspiration. My friends Brook, Gwen, and Iris are super into fashion as well and have put me onto so many different designers and brands. Anytime I hang out with them they all always just give me something from their closets! It’s so sweet! I also tend to get a lot of inspiration from Tumblr. I spend so much time just scrolling through Tumblr. Joanna Kuchta was like my queen in high school. Tumblr never really died like people said it did, lots of people stayed on the platform. I also have to mention Goth Jafar! She’s such an it girl and truly has an eye when it comes to clothes.

What’s your favorite fashion trend at the moment?

Sunglasses in the club. I kind of love looking mysterious at the club or the bar. It also gives you an instant poker face which is nice. I also love the indie sleaze resurgence happening.

What’s your “not-so-much” fashion trend at the moment?

Honestly, I’m really tired of seeing Demonias. They’re really ugly. Love alt fashion but I need people to let those shoes go! Quickly!

You were born in Denver Colorado. Did you grow up there? If so, how was it growing up there? What’s one thing you love about your hometown? What’s one thing you didn’t?

I did grow up in Denver. Honestly, it was pretty quiet growing up in Denver for me. I spent most of my time with my best friends Asia and Brooklyn. Aside from that it was pretty unremarkable! I really enjoyed growing up around so much nature, I don’t really have anything bad to say about Denver. If you asked me when I was another angsty teenager I probably would’ve had a whole list of things that suck but I can’t even remember why I wanted to get out so bad honestly. It’s great!

TK Ultra is your fourth mixtape. Where did the name of the mixtape come from?

I was actually in the car with my good friends Ayesha Erotica and Chase Icon when Ayesha came up with it. I think we were talking about plans for our upcoming group Freakalicious and she said I should do a solo song for the project called TK Ultra. I made a song with that title a month or so later that didn’t make the project but I kept the title cause it is a really fun title! 

You played cello growing up. Was music always your first choice in a professional career? When did you realize music was your passion?

I did play cello but honestly no! I wanted to be an artist at first especially because I have a lot of talent with oil pastels. As I got older I wanted to become an astronomer or a dentist. There was also a brief modeling stint in 2018. Music was always just a hobby and something I did for fun when I would come home from school. I never expected that this would become my career. I’m very happy though that it ended up being something I truly enjoy! I don’t think I realized I was passionate about it entirely until I started the That Kid project.

What’s your process when making music? Do you produce with a team? What comes first: lyrics or beats?

I tend to build really long playlists of songs that inspire me first, then I’ll reach out to a producer, send the playlist, get sent a beat, write over it, and record. It really varies on the song, sometimes I’ll do sessions in person with producers and co-writers, I do a lot of my writing and recording at home though! Sometimes I’ll write with people on FaceTime, it’s always different.

Who are your muses when making music? What inspires you?

It really depends on the era! With my first mixtape “Crush” I was listening to “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” and K-pop a lot. “Comedown” I was listening to Drain Gang and “My All” by Mariah Carey a ton, Superstar I was listening to a lot of t.A.t.U. This time around I’d say I mainly was listening to e-Rotic, Uffie, Justice, Deadmau5, and a lot of the artists on this underground electronic label called Child’s Play. 

When it comes to live performances, how do you prep? Do you have a pre-show ritual?

Well I’m about to go on tour with 6arelyhuman so I’ve been doing a lot of prep for it. I’m eating really clean, I’m on the treadmill 4 – 5 days a week, doing lots of vocal exercises, etc. so that’s how I’ve been preparing for that specifically. With the 1 off shows I would do in the past, it would typically just be get glam, show up to soundcheck, scroll social media and have 2 shots of tequila. I’m not drinking on this tour though so it’ll probably just be doing my makeup, sound checking, warming up vocally, and stretching.

Any post-show rituals?

No, not really. I’m a bit boring with that, if I’m not staying to watch a set, it’s usually just taking off my makeup, getting changed, and leaving the venue as soon as possible. Oh and getting paid!

What artist(s) would be your dream collaboration in the future?

Safety Trance, Arca, Charli XCX, Ecco2k, Caroline Polachek, Unicorn Kid, JT, jamesjamesjames, and many more.

If someone was new to electronic music or hyperpop, how would you describe it or pitch it to them? Any electronic music artists you’d recommend someone new to the genre to listen to?

I’d probably just tell them to listen to TK Ultra and find out!

If you could name one character, fiction or nonfiction, who would you say you relate to the most and why?

Honestly maybe Maxine from the movie Maxxxine or Pearl. They both are very determined to make it no matter what and that’s where I’m at in my life. Or Panini from the show Chowder. The whole dynamic between her and Chowder reminds me of me and my boyfriend. 

Who are your favorite public figures of all-time?

Tough question! Well not a lot of people know this but Mariah Carey is my favorite artist of all time. Outside of music though I really like Anna Delvey, Julia Fox, Mia Goth, and Lily Rose Depp.

Give one sentence or 3 words that describe each

  • Q.O.S.D –  Great but the Freakmix outsold
  • Butterfly Diamond JeansFun, flirty, sparkly
  • Do It All NightHard to sing
  • Tila TequilaA club anthem
  • Just Another Day ReduxPerfect for raves
  • Spencer Needs A Ladder (Ft. 6arelyhuman) – Heart of the project
  • CasinoTrashy but in the best way
  • Never Choke (Ft. Chase Icon & Jane’s World) – Nasty, dirty, raunchy
  • Calvin Klein (Ft. Harmony). – Emo, angsty, cheating
  • In The Mouth (Ft. Ayesha Erotica & Baku) – Bimbocore, Y2K, Slay
  • Dirty Shirley (Ft. RYL0) – Cheeky, saucy, pop

 

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CONNECT W/ THAT KID @

Spotify – 108k monthly listeners
Twitter – 29.5k followers
Instagram – 28k followers
YouTube – 11.1k subscribers
TikTok – 11.5k followers
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THAT KID TOUR DATES

9/17/24: Nashville, TN – Exit/In
9/18/24: Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
9/20/24: Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits
9/21/24: Orlando, FL – The Social
9/22/24: Tampa, FL – Crowbar
9/24/24: Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co.
9/25/24: Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
9/26/24: San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
9/29/24: Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
10/1/24: Los Angeles, Echoplex
10/2/24: San Diego, CA – Voodroom, House Of Blues
10/3/24: San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill
10/5/24: Seattle, WA – El Corazon
10/6/24: Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
10/8/24: Denver, CO – Meow Wolf
10/10/24: St. Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall
10/11/24: Chicago, IL – Avondale
10/12/24: Columbus, OH – Ace Of Cups
10/13/24: Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop
10/16/24: Toronto, ON – Velvet Underground
10/17/24: Hamden, CT – The Ballroom at the Outer Space
10/18/24: Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere
10/19/24: Ashbury Park, NJ
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