Speaking to SID, Parisian indie-rock duo Kids Return reflect on their journey so far, from the release of their debut album Forever Melodies to playing iconic stages like Red Rocks and Summer Sonic. Blending the nostalgic warmth of ’90s Britpop with the cinematic elegance of French Touch, the band has carved out a distinct sound that resonates globally. With their latest single Teenage Dreams making waves and collaborations with Saint Laurent cementing their cultural presence, Kids Return are proving that their story is only just beginning.

Your music blends elements of 90s Britpop and French Touch — what is it about these eras that inspire you, and how do you reinterpret them for a modern audience?

Britpop has been the musical style we've listened to the most, but more broadly, it’s English rock—from the Beatles to Blur, and also bands like Arctic Monkeys, The Clash, and so on. When we met at school at the age of 14, we swapped iPods filled with our favorite tracks and musical references, and that’s when we developed a real passion for rock. As we grew older, we started discovering French bands like Air and Phoenix, who, in the early 2000s, brought something fresh and unique to the French music scene. They also became role models for French artists like us who sing in English. There’s something so elegant and precise about their sound.

'Teenage Dreams' carries a strong sense of nostalgia. What personal experiences or emotions shaped this track?

It’s a song about a broken friendship. About a childhood friend. The song begins with a mocking tone, then evolves into something melancholic and soothing. Generally speaking, there's a sense of nostalgia in all our songs. Time is a central theme on the album.

You've played some incredible venues, from Red Rocks to Summer Sonic in Tokyo. Is there a particular performance that stands out as a defining moment for Kids Return?

Playing in Japan was a dream for us. From the very beginning, we told ourselves it was one of our ultimate goals. Our name, Kids Return, is inspired by the Japanese film by Takeshi Kitano, and Japanese pop music as well as Joe Hisaishi’s soundtracks were major influences on our first album, Forever Melodies. Ending the tour with a show at Summer Sonic in Tokyo felt like the ultimate reward.

(Answer continues) The festival boss booked us directly after coming across the video we made with Saint Laurent on the rooftops of Paris on YouTube. The concert was incredible, there were 10,000 people in the audience and the energy was amazing. We can’t wait to go back!

Fashion plays a role in your artistic identity, with collaborations with Saint Laurent. How does style influence your music and overall creative vision?

There's something about Saint Laurent that blends elegance and rock, which really resonates with us. In general, image plays a significant role in what we do. Fashion, much like music, reflects the times we’re living in, so there’s a natural connection between the two. Our style evolved between our first and second albums, not because we planned it, but simply as a natural progression.

The Paris indie scene has been thriving in recent years. How do you see yourselves within this landscape, and what excites you most about it?

Yes, there are some amazing new artists at the moment. We’re a bit different because we have our own unique style, and pop rock isn’t the dominant genre in France - especially not when it’s sung in English. There are some fantastic artists we admire, like La Femme, whom we really love, and Billie, with whom we've collaborated. On a different note, Oklou’s latest album is also incredible.

And finally, what do you think SID stands for?

Stuck in DIY? Haha! KR

For latest information and tour dates, visit Kids Return Official Instagram

Kids Return’s latest album 1997, out 4th April, see the official video for Teenage Dreams here:

Kids Return - Teenage Dreams

Editorial: If I Could Turn Back Time

Beauty Editorial: Wonderwall