PyroRadio.com caught up with Kid Cudi to discuss the forthcoming album Man on the Moon; End of Days, his difficulty accepting compliments and more.

PyroRadio.com: How would you define Kid Cudi?

Kid Cudi: Very honest and creative as far as the music. I’m a complicated dude in real-life but in the music you definitely see a darker and more intense side to my personality.

PyroRadio.com: You are on the verge of releasing you debut album ‘Man on the Moon: End of Days’, what were your initial ambitions when making the album?

Kid Cudi: I really wanted it to be like you were in a movie theatre with your eyes closed. I really tried to take it to another level and work with producers I could help develop my sound with.

PyroRadio.com: What would you say inspires you when you’re writing?

Kid Cudi: It has to be the mood and it has to be the music. Music gives me the emotion. It’s so strange I can’t explain it. When I hear a song - like the production - I immediately come up with the idea. I come up with the hook then I start pasting the lyrics together little-by-little.

PyroRadio.com: Is there a personal favourite on the album?

Kid Cudi: Yeah, definitely Heart of a Lion and Pursuit of Happiness. Those two joints hit me the most because they are so powerful and epic.

PyroRadio.com: You have quite an eclectic taste; which artists are you currently listening to?

Kid Cudi: Definitely Kings of Leon, MGMT, Kanye West, Jay-Z, OutKast. I vibe and listen to a bunch of shit at random moments.

PyroRadio.com: How did the collaboration with MGMT come about?

Kid Cudi: I’m a huge MGMT fan so when it came time to work on my album I had to reach out to them. I had to do something with them - same with Rat-a-tat. We had the initial meeting, we hung out and I just wanted to vibe with them and play them some of them album and they were into it. I felt that they were interested after hearing the album at what I could bring to the table. Then we started thinking about other projects we can do and working together. It was organic and it came together quite fresh.

PyroRadio.com: The artwork for the album cover is an interesting choice. Why did you choose that one?

Kid Cudi: When we first started getting into the album I wanted to have movie posters that were somewhat iconic and reminiscent of 80’s sci-fi films - very illustrative - like Star Wars or Star Trek, Tron, movies like Blade Runner and I referenced Indiana Jones movies. I just really wanted to have an iconic cover, something mysterious.

PyroRadio.com: Worked with Kanye on 808s and Heartbreak, signed to Kanye’s label, feature on Jay-Z’s latest album Blueprint 3 and you‘ve got one of the most anticipated albums. How does it feel to be in this position so soon?

Kid Cudi: It’s really exciting man. I feel that people are really interested in this album and really interested to see what I’m going to bring to the table, you know what I mean? And that’s what’s so exciting, seeing people interested.

PyroRadio.com: On your blog you made what I thought was an interesting entry titled ‘Science to my Shyness’. One of the points you made was you find it hard accepting compliments. Having been on many credible ‘Artists to Watch in ‘09’ lists is that still the case?

Kid Cudi: I still have a problem with it; I’ve never really worked that out. I spent my whole life being a fuck up and finally being recognised for something food is awesome and overwhelming. Sometimes I just don’t know what to say. Giving a firm ‘thank you’ and ‘I appreciate it’ goes a long way.

Man on the Moon: End of Days will be available to purchase from 14th September

Interview conducted by Marvin Sparks

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