HH: Tell us where you're from and how you got the name The Soul Kids.

Soul Kids: We hail from the Eastside of Pittsburgh. Some of us are Pittsburgh nomads. As for our name, we were in a session and as usual, talking about the state of music and how the radio is lacking a down to earth feel. After joking around with a few names, Tek threw the name in the air, and we all thought it was perfect for us. The Soul Kids represent timeless music, and diversity. That's definitely what we're about.

HH: Who are the members of the group and what do they each bring to the table?

Soul Kids: There are three main members of the group; Tek Bennet, Clara Kent, and DayDreamzs. We are a production team as well as a music group. Tek Bennet is the Master of all Trades. He sings Soul and Rock vocals, is a Emcee, Songwriter and Producer. Clara Kent is the Arrangement Specialist of the group. She is a Singer/Songwriter, Emcee and Visual artist. DayDreamzs brings the Hip-Hop flavor to The Soul Kids with his sample production style. We also have people who are affiliated and are doing their thing in music, fashion, promotions, and video production.

HH: How would you describe The Soul Kids' music?

Soul Kids: Our music gives you that "vibe out" feeling. That's why our motto is "giving you that feel good music", the goal is to bring back substance, diversity and fun to music. We are very eclectic, so you can never expect cut and dry from us.

HH: If you weren't making music, what would you be doing?

Soul Kids: It's hard to think of us doing anything else really. Mostly, it would have to do with music or the arts. Tek most likely would be a photographer or fashion designer, Clara would be a painter or behind the scenes in music, DayDreamzs would probably go into Dj'ing. Either way, we couldn't think of doing anything outside of Art and Music.

HH: Your album, "Introducing...The Soul Kids" only has 3 tracks on it. How did you decide on that number?

Soul Kids: "Introducing...The Soul Kids" is really a sampler, its all one track. We wanted to give people something that opens them up for our future projects. Sometimes less is more. When you listen to it, it gives you the feeling that your becoming tuned into our music. That's why each song is titled as 'channel' and in between each track is static. We want the listener to feel that they are experiencing something more then a free EP.

HH: You say that The Soul Kids makes "feel good music" (and I agree!). What does "feel good music" mean to you?

Soul Kids: Feel Good Music is nostalgic, fun, enlightening, real, down to earth, and diverse. You know the feeling you get when you reminisce while listening to a certain song. It takes you to that place, or feeling of "the good ol' days". That's what Feel Good Music is. That what The Soul Kids are about.

HH: Do you have any upcoming projects or shows? What can we expect to see from you in the next 6 months or so?

Soul Kids: We have a few things in the works. Our goal right now is to get some visual work done. Videos and photos so people can see what we are about. We are working on solo and collective projects as well. As for shows, we have a few lined up for April and May, but right now our focus is getting some jams out there for you all to rock to until the summer

HH: What's your opinion of the current state of rap/hip hop music today?

Soul Kids: Hip-Hop is going back to the grassroot days, people are taking control of the business aspect. The internet plays a huge role in that. Self education on music business is more accessible, and social networking is good for self promotion. Blogs and websites are very influential in music right now too. If your on blogs and websites, your music has potential to spread out to a wide network of people plus the affiliates of that site. Sonically, Hip-Hop is really starting to become Hip-Pop in the mainstream world. It's not as honest and real as it used to be. The party songs can only go but so far. Hip-hop is a culture, and a art, and it seems some of the artist have forgetten that. Content and substance doesn't always mean "conscious rapper". It just means self expression. All and all, is one of the most diverse genres and we couldn't imagine not being apart of the culture.

HH: Are there any local and/or industry artists that you would like to work with? If so, who and why?

Soul Kids: Off the top of our heads...Justice Street Poets, Mario Dines and AV of The Soul Vibe, Charon Don, B.White, Lady Homi, Da Kreek, Folkland and Divine Seven would be some dope collabs. We could go on and on. There are so many dope acts in this city, we hope to work with everyone eventually. We are all about unifying and creating new sounds. The only way to do that is to work with artist that bring that to the table. We are a production team too, so making music for people is our goal as well.

HH: In your own words, what does it mean to be "Proud To Be Local?"

Soul Kids: When you hear Proud to be Local, you think of a conglomerate or unit. People that support each other, give each other room to show and prove, and people that are open to diversity in the local scene. Proud to be Local means to be unified.

HH: Go ahead & give ya shout outs!

Soul Kids: Shout out to Flyy Revolutionary Hustler, Shauna Mishel, Blog or Die, BrainofBmw.com, MusikJunkies.com, Kyle Resto of Junkies Beats, Roc of Team Rocket, Magno of Fam420, Fonz E Mac, Stoney, DPT and to all of our supporters! More music to come.