Bio

Kydis watts bio

artist, multi instrumentalist, producer

For 16-year-old Kydis Watts, music isn’t just a hobby—it’s an obsession that comes alive late at night in his bedroom studio. As a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and student in the historic relaunch cohort at Tīpene (St Stephen’s School), Kydis spends his hours hunched over keyboards and laptop screens, chasing the perfect, laid-back "face-scrunch" groove inspired by legends like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu.

What sets Kydis apart is his absolute commitment to creative freedom. He doesn't just make beats; he builds emotional landscapes. His musical journey reached a powerful new chapter when he teamed up with his schoolmate and fellow artist, Tāwai Kingi (Samuel Peterson), to create their standout single, "Makaurau." Kydis composed and produced the entire track from scratch, setting a smoky, soulful R&B foundation, while both boys penned and performed their own deeply personal verses.

Watching their bedroom creation go from a simple idea to a national finalist track in the Play It Strange songwriting competition—and ultimately tracking it inside the legendary Parachute Studios—has been a surreal milestone. For Kydis, "Makaurau" is a reflection of brotherhood, heritage, and the pure joy of making music without rules.

Kydis Watts moves seamlessly through heavy industry environments with a confidence that belies his 16 years. This natural maturity rests firmly on a foundation of world-class mentorship. Over the years, Kydis has been guided by an extraordinary circle, including legendary Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread, top NZ producer Nic Manders, media personality Tim Roxborough, master carver Arekatera (Katz) Maihi, and his Tīpene co-principals, Nathan and Yvette Durie. Through them, he carries a rare wisdom and an unwavering kindness that makes him a blessing to collaborate with.

This deep grounding fuels his fearless musicality. As the sole composer and producer behind his debut single "Makaurau," Kydis crafted a smoky, behind-the-beat neo-soul canvas, writing his own verse alongside co-creator Tāwai Kingi. Backing himself with every experimental decision he makes, Kydis is taking the lessons of the giants before him and molding them into his own signature "face-scrunching" pocket—paving an independent, inspiring path for rangatahi worldwide.