220 KID

British producer and DJ 220 KID first reached wide audiences through upbeat house productions laced with emotionally charged relationship themes, while also carving out a parallel reputation via an unpredictable sequence of remixes. His 2020 collaboration “Don’t Need Love” with vocalist Gracey climbed to number nine on the U.K. chart and earned platinum certification; the following year he reworked viral star Nathan Evans’ version of the sea shanty “Wellerman,” sending that single to the top position across multiple territories.

Born William Edward Graydon in Oxfordshire in 1989, he grew up as the son of a former manager for Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. While based in Thame he teamed with Tom McCorkell to launch the pop duo OMYO (Our Music, Your Opinion). Their track “Lady” landed in a campaign for British fashion retailer New Look. Operating from their own Two Six Records imprint, the pair issued further singles that earned BBC Radio 1 rotation and a slot at the Wireless Festival.

Graydon eventually turned to solo work under the alias 220 KID, a name drawn from a charity run covering 220 miles across seven days. His first release, “Lights” featuring Remy, surfaced in 2018, followed by two tracks with vocalist Chilli Chilton—“Pleasure to Love You” and “Let Me Stay.” After signing to Polydor in 2019 he issued “Don’t Need Love” with Gracey late that year; the single later secured its U.K. peak position, platinum status, and a Song of the Year nomination at the 41st BRIT Awards.

During 2020 he placed the charting single “Too Many Nights” with JC Stewart and supplied remixes for Little Mix, Tiësto, Anne-Marie featuring Doja Cat, and additional artists. He also joined Scottish folk singer Nathan Evans and London duo Billen Ted on a dance reworking of the 19th-century New Zealand sea shanty “Wellerman,” created after Evans’ solo take had spread rapidly online and secured the singer a major-label contract. Among the many versions that appeared, 220 KID’s rendition proved the most successful, topping charts in the U.K. and seven further countries. Subsequent releases included the single “Unconditional” with Dillon Francis and Bryn Christopher, as well as “Stupid Feelings” alongside LANY.