Blacklite District’s Kyle Pfeiffer on the importance of all-ages rock shows, Minecraft collaborations in music and more

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Music saved Kyle Pfeiffer’s life. 

Growing up in the shadow of his family's struggle with addiction, including the tragic loss of his mother to an overdose when he was just nine, Kyle himself battled through depths of addiction that few could comprehend. But amidst the turmoil, his alter ego, Blacklite District, emerged as a beacon of light, bringing balance to his chaotic world.  

Hailing from suburban Chicago and finding his footing in Spearfish, South Dakota, Kyle's journey with music began earlier than most in his small town. "I got my first drum set when I was seven," he reminisces, thanks to his grandma's Fleetwood Mac VHS tape that sparked his obsession. Ozzy Osbourne's 'No More Tears' became his solace during those years of grief. "That song became my refuge," he reflects. "I've been hooked on music ever since."

By his teenage years, Kyle was fully immersed in the art and business of music, studying its nuances and navigating the industry's changing landscape. He fused his love for rock with influences from rap and EDM, experimenting with sound and honing his craft.

Blacklite District's rise was meteoric, marked by chart-topping hits like "With Me Now" in 2014 and "Cold As Ice" in 2018,  Tracks like "Falling" and "Wishing Dead" continued to captivate audiences, showcasing Kyle's evolution as an artist.  

An avid collector of Pokémon memorabilia and a Minecraft enthusiast himself, Kyle discovered a unique channel through which he could connect with his audience: gaming. Collaborating with Minecraft content creators, he unleashed creative music videos, propelling him to fame with the 2018 hit "Cold As Ice." The track amassed over 100 million streams and peaked at number 35 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart.  This fusion of gaming culture with his music transformed his live performances into vibrant festivals, where gaming, meet-and-greets, and music seamlessly intertwined.

Blacklite District's rise was meteoric, marked by chart-topping hits like "With Me Now" in 2014 and "Cold As Ice" in 2018.  Tracks like "Falling" and "Wishing Dead" continued to captivate audiences, showcasing Kyle's evolution as an artist.  In 2021, Kyle took a reflective turn with autobiographical tracks like "Live Another Day" and "To Live Is To Suffer," delving into his personal struggles and triumphs. 

His 2022 release entitled 1990 was a return to his Rock roots, and at the close of that year, he added more tracks, making it 1990 XL. Added tracks like “Worldwide Controversy” and “I Gambled and I Won” showcase songs of both trauma and triumph, displaying a clear evolution to Blacklite District’s sound, while still providing a sonic journey for new and old fans alike. “I’d like to do this with all of my previous projects,” he explains. “Adding more songs as an XL edition. It’s a nice way to show how far I’ve come.”

Now, in 2024, Kyle returns with renewed vigor, promising an authentic experience for both new and returning listeners. With his music as his compass, he embarks on a new chapter, staying true to the credo that has guided him from the beginning: to provide genuine and compelling music for all who tune in.

Check out this interview here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/