Meet Local Artist Kidd Sage of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Cooks aka Kidd Sage.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Music has always been a way for me to express myself in a way where everyone can enjoy my experiences. I’ve come along way from writing poetry and my music is still evolving. I always wrote whenever I could and it wasn’t until high school when I became serious. My friends and I used to catch the bus to the library to record music. We all stood around trying to figure out how to work these different softwares for the best quality. Through my connections in Denver, I’ve grown and learned from so many different people. I made my craft marketable, something I can be proud of but also profit from. My sophomore year of college was my first time being booked for a show. That was a huge mile stone & means that all my hard work is paying off. Studio time, music videos, clothing brands, and connecting with local artists, it’s all part of the game. Being an independent artist, I funded my music career thus far from my 9-5.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being an independent artist, the road is never smooth and it takes constant work. Thinking outside the box and moving out of my comfort zone was essential to getting where I am now. In the beginning, I didn’t have a studio or any knowledge of the music industry, only thing I knew how to do was write a song. Through people, I knew I eventually met producers who could school me on how to better my career. Every encounter and every studio session, I always walked away with something, whether it was recording techniques or how to book shows. I made it a habit to pay attention because chances are someone in the room has more information than me. Hands down the hardest thing, however, is getting people interested. You can have the greatest song ever made, but if you aren’t relatable or don’t use social media to its fullest potential chances are you’ll be overlooked. Selling tickets, getting the views, and gaining the exposure are the hardest things an artist does.

What else should we know about you and your work?
When it comes to bodies of work, I feel I’m solid from start to finish. I’ve released several singles since 2017 but it all started to come full circle with my first mixtape “Year of the Sage”. That mixtape encompasses my mind state at the time from the parties, to love, and my environment. From the moment you press play, I felt that the vibes from song to song were amazing for my first mixtape. I released visuals for the lead track “Nlmb” which stands for “Never Leave My Brothers” and is a song for my people’s way of life. The growth however, from “Year of the sage” to my follow up mixtape “Art of Finesse” is outstanding. “Art of Finesse” was a more high energy and cocky version of myself. It was made for parties and whenever you feel like you’re on top of the world. I’m most proud of the consistency and quality of my music, I’m committed to this journey and my work ethic proves that.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would like to thank God and my family for giving me both guidance and wisdom. My friends for staying true through all of our different experiences. I’m blessed for all the people in my life and the knowledge they’ve given me, music-related or otherwise.