Q&A: Childhood, Change, and the End of an Era, Spring Term releases the deluxe version of his EP, ‘Kiddo Vol. 2’
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY GRACE FRANKLIN ☆
SPRING TERM IS BUILDING A WORLD OF HIS OWN - and it’s only the beginning. The Indiana-born artist is making music that sounds like spring. Inspired by artists such as Bob Dylan, Ebo Taylor, and Remi Wolf, Spring Term is redefining the indie genre with a refreshing take on DIY pop. His newest release, Kiddo Vol. 2 (Deluxe), closes out his first chapter as he steps into a new phase of artistry.
Kiddo Vol. 2 (Deluxe) expands on Spring Term’s second EP, Kiddo Vol. 2, which builds on his storytelling about childhood, nostalgia, and introspection. The deluxe version features two new singles, “Lean (I Try To)” and “Bug.” Both songs are riddled with lyrical imagery that blurs the line between playfulness and reflection, deepening the conversation between childhood and adulthood that defines Spring Term’s work.
We had the chance to chat with Spring Term about the deluxe EP and how storytelling has influenced his sound. Keep reading to learn more about his music and what’s in store for his next project.
LUNA: The deluxe version of your EP, Kiddo, Vol. 2 is coming out on October 23. It feels like this project marks an important chapter for you. How does this release wrap up that first chapter of your sound and identity?
SPRING TERM: The idea for Spring Term as a project began a few years ago with the tracks “Hey” and “Hopscotch.” Those initial tracks sparked a prompt to introduce myself as an artist to the world by writing songs with a very specific task - a chronological exploration of childhood. It’s been a fun process that has taken me to some unexpected places, but it’s been so exciting to discover who I am today as an artist and songwriter by reflecting on my childhood. This version of Kiddo, Vol. 2 lands the plane on the timeline with songs about first loves, feeling a little too helpless for adulthood, and explorations of what and who can be trusted for rest and advice. It’s a bittersweet moment to say goodbye to this world of music, but I’m excited for the next project (that’s already underway)!
LUNA: How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard your music yet?
SPRING TERM: I like to say “songs that sound like spring.” Playful indie pop with abstract storytelling and textured production.
LUNA: You mixed and produced almost the entire project yourself, yet it has the energy of a full band. How did you approach creating that dynamic as a solo artist?
SPRING TERM: I learned how to play and write music in bands - I think that writing “band songs” is just what I do at my core. Using a lot of vocal layering, live instruments, and getting feedback from a lot of trusted friends along the way make these songs bigger than just me.
LUNA: You’ve said art and film really inspire your music and your overall brand. Can you share a few visual references or specific films that influenced this project’s tone or aesthetic?
SPRING TERM: Sister Corita Kent has been a huge influence on me throughout this project, along with Ellsworth Kelly. They both have a beautiful combination of playfulness, precision and heart behind their work. The Red Balloon was a film I saw for the first time as the first ideas for Spring Term were being born. More recently, Four Adventures of Reinette and Mirabelle has been a huge reference point for this deluxe version of the EP. Moonrise Kingdom and Rushmore have been big influences as well.
LUNA: What kind of story did you want Kiddo to tell overall, and did that vision change as you were making it?
SPRING TERM: The first Kiddo EP was a bit more literal in how it told the story of growing up. Each song was more transparently inspired by specific events of my life, and the instrumental palette was also a bit more specific and restricted. Moving on from there, I wanted to open things up a little bit - still inspired by my actual childhood and adolescence, but there are wider musical influences, production textures, and fairytale-like songwriting found their way into this EP.
LUNA: Would you say Kiddo fits into a larger narrative within your music, or does it stand on its own? Do you see your future projects continuing that story in any way?
SPRING TERM: I think Kiddo will always be a part of Spring Term’s DNA. It’s been an opportunity to discover who I am as an artist along with the audience. Though this marks the end of the ‘Kiddo’ series of EPs, I can’t wait to explore new concepts with new songs while continuing the attitude of joy and honest reflection that has made these songs so special.
LUNA: Who are some of the artists or producers that influenced your sound during this era of Spring Term?
SPRING TERM: Ebo Taylor, Lorde, Bob Dylan, Tierra Whack, Talking Heads, Remi Wolf, David Bowie, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Rostam, Lijadu Sisters, Lou Reed, Arthur Russel, Wheatus, Paul Simon, George Harrison, Haruomi Hosono, HAIM, meija, etc. etc. etc…
LUNA: Your music blends indie rock, pop, and DIY textures in a really cohesive way. How has your process evolved from your earlier releases to now?
SPRING TERM: I’ve learned over the course of 2 EPs how much I need creative ways to get other fingerprints on the songs than my own. For this EP, that looked like anything from my friend Kyle Barkes giving me feedback on mixes, my wife jumping in some group vocals, my sister Claire Dorise crafting visuals, or Eli Smart laying down some lap steel on Velveteen. These other voices add depth and meaning that I could never make up on my own!
Every song is different, though - some start with a voice memo in the car, others a guitar or piano riff, and others a percussion loop that eventually turns in to a song like “Velveteen.”
LUNA: With Kiddo, Vol. 2 closing out this first era, what’s next for Spring Term?
SPRING TERM: More reflecting and being present and sharing life with the people around me! I want to continue to make music that helps people be present to their real lives. I have a lot coming in 2026 that I am very excited about. I just signed with Artist House Records, and I can’t wait to share the new music I’m working with them next year. Also, re-listening to my Christmas songs I co-released with Saint Aubin last year!
