In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, the role of the songwriter is often unseen, yet their impact resonates through every chart-topping hit. Today, we spotlight Kiddo A.I., a songwriter who has quietly been shaping the sound of modern pop, crafting hits for some of the biggest names in the industry. From Selena Gomez’s infectious melodies to JENNIE and LISA’s groundbreaking solo work, Kiddo A.I.’s touch is undeniable.
This article delves into Kiddo A.I.’s journey, exploring the stories behind some of her most successful collaborations. We’ll uncover the creative processes, inspirations, and challenges that come with writing for global icons, offering a glimpse into the artistry that fuels the music industry’s biggest hits. Get ready to discover the magic behind the music and the woman who’s helping to write the future of pop.
From American Idol Dreams to Hit Songwriter
Kiddo A.I., or Amanda Ibanez, traces her musical aspirations back to her childhood, recalling an ‘American Idol household’ where Adam Lambert’s performances ignited her passion. ‘I would get in front of the TV and sing and my brothers would make fun of me,’ she shares. Despite the teasing, her mother’s belief in her talent led her to a local church youth group, where she honed her songwriting and performance skills.
Starting her career as a self-releasing artist in her teens, Kiddo A.I. describes her journey as a ‘really slow climb.’ It wasn’t until a decade later, after connecting with hit-maker JKash, that she found her footing in the Los Angeles songwriting scene. This connection opened doors, leading her to collaborate with other talented songwriters and even cross paths with the legendary Max Martin.
The ‘Zero to 100’ Moment: Selena Gomez and ‘Calm Down’
Kiddo A.I.’s breakthrough moment arrived three years ago when she collaborated with Selena Gomez on the remix of Rema’s ‘Calm Down,’ a track that soared to No. 3 on the Billboard charts. Reflecting on the experience, she says, ‘I used to watch her as a kid on Wizards of Waverly Place, so it was very full circle.’ This success solidified her decision to focus on songwriting for other artists, a path she describes as ‘less invasive’ with a laugh.
Since then, Kiddo A.I. has contributed to numerous pop hits, including several tracks on Gomez and Benny Blanco’s collaborative album, I Said I Love You First, Le Sserafim’s ‘Crazy,’ and Tyla’s ‘Back to You.’ Her ability to capture the essence of an artist’s vision while adding her unique flair has made her a sought-after collaborator in the industry.
Crafting ‘Sunset Blvd’ with Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez
One of the standout tracks from I Said I Love You First, ‘Sunset Blvd,’ holds a special significance for Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez, as it commemorates their first date. Kiddo A.I. recalls the song’s spontaneous creation: ‘It really came out of nowhere. I think Benny or Michael Pollack was playing the keys, and we all just started singing this hook melody.’
The phrase ‘Sunset Blvd’ emerged organically, resonating with Benny and Selena, who realized it was the location of their first date. Kiddo A.I. explains, ‘It was great to be able to help them say what they wanted to say. We wrote it in, I think, an hour. It basically wrote itself.’ This collaborative effort showcases Kiddo A.I.’s ability to translate personal experiences into relatable and catchy pop anthems.
The Fierce Energy of JENNIE’s ‘like JENNIE’
Kiddo A.I. describes working on ‘like JENNIE’ from BLACKPINK member JENNIE’s solo debut album, Ruby, as ‘such a crazy day.’ The session took place at Diplo’s house in Malibu, where she collaborated with Tayla Parx for the first time. ‘I was very nervous because I was such a fan of both of them,’ she admits.
Initially, the team struggled to find the right direction, but a desire to create something bold and assertive led to the concept of ‘like JENNIE.’ Kiddo A.I. recounts, ‘Tayla and I were like, ‘We need something hard and just so in-your-face. This is Jennie’s song, right? So let’s make a song called “like JENNIE.”’ JENNIE freaked out. She loved it.’ The song’s unapologetic attitude perfectly embodies JENNIE’s fierce persona, solidifying Kiddo A.I.’s reputation for capturing the essence of her collaborators.
Creating a Vibe with LISA’s ‘Chill’
Kiddo A.I. also contributed to another Blackpink member’s solo debut album, LISA’s Alter Ego, with the track ‘Chill.’ She shares, ‘I wrote [this one] with Ali Tamposi and John Byron. We actually came up with the hook before the session, and it just came so naturally.’
While Ali Tamposi is credited with devising the title, Kiddo A.I. recalls that they worked together on several hook ideas before she had to leave town. ‘Ali worked with LISA to finish it, and it came out great. It’s one of my favorites on the album.’ The breezy and relaxed vibe of ‘Chill’ demonstrates Kiddo A.I.’s versatility and her ability to create music that resonates with diverse audiences.
Kiddo A.I.’s journey from an American Idol-inspired dreamer to a sought-after songwriter is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and collaborative spirit. Her ability to connect with artists like Selena Gomez, JENNIE, and LISA, and to translate their stories and visions into chart-topping hits, has solidified her place in the pop music landscape.
As she continues to shape the sound of modern pop, Kiddo A.I.’s influence will undoubtedly continue to grow. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring songwriters and a reminder that the most impactful music often comes from genuine collaboration and a deep understanding of the artist’s voice. Keep an eye on Kiddo A.I. – she’s just getting started.
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