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British producer and DJ 220 KID has achieved mainstream chart success with his original songs, which combine upbeat house rhythms with intense lyrics about relationships, as well as an eclectic array of remixes. "Don't Need Love," with vocalist Gracey, became a platinum-certified Top Ten hit in 2020. 220 KID then remixed viral star Nathan Evans' rendition of the sea shanty "Wellerman," which reached the top spot in several countries the following year.

William Edward Graydon was born in Oxfordshire in 1989; his father was a former manager for Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. While living in Thame, he formed the pop duo OMYO (Our Music, Your Opinion) with Tom McCorkell. Their song "Lady" was used in an advertisement for British fashion retailer New Look. The pair continued releasing singles on their own Two Six Records, received BBC Radio 1 airplay, and performed at the Wireless Festival.

Graydon began writing solo material, going by the name 220 KID in reference to a charity marathon where he ran 220 miles over seven days. His debut single, "Lights" (featuring Remy), appeared in 2018, followed by two songs with vocalist Chilli Chilton, "Pleasure to Love You" and "Let Me Stay." 220 KID signed with Polydor in 2019, and "Don't Need Love," a collaboration with Gracey, appeared at the end of the year. The track went on to reach number nine in the U.K. and earn a platinum certification, and it was nominated for Song of the Year at the 41st BRIT Awards.

In 2020, 220 KID released the charting single "Too Many Nights" with JC Stewart, and he remixed songs by Little Mix, Tiësto, Anne-Marie featuring Doja Cat, and several others. He also collaborated with Scottish folk singer Nathan Evans and London duo Billen Ted on a dance version of the 19th century New Zealand sea shanty "Wellerman," after Evans' solo rendition had gone viral online, leading to a major-label record deal for the musician. Of the numerous remixes and remakes of the song, 220 KID's version became the biggest hit, reaching number one in the U.K. and seven other countries. He then collaborated with Dillon Francis and Bryn Christopher for the single "Unconditional," and released "Stupid Feelings" with LANY. ~ Paul Simpson

The confessional pop of British singer/songwriter Gracey found its way into the consciousness of pop aficionados through a slew of tracks -- such as "Imposter Syndrome" and "Don't Need Love" -- issued throughout 2019 and beyond.

Raised in the West Sussex town of Haywoods Heath, Gracey (aka Grace Barker) had a feverish love of music early on, writing her first songs at the age of seven. Growing up with two academic brothers to compete with, and her own struggles with academia, she pursued music with a passion. Earning a place at the prestigious Brit School, Barker opted for a musical theater course but spent her own time writing music and uploading snippets to the Internet. After initially auditioning to be part of a girl band, Barker found her way into songwriter Brian Higgins' (Girls Aloud, the Saturdays) Xenomania production house as a songwriter at the age of just 16. A natural at penning instant pop hits, she found herself writing for the likes of Jonas Blue, Olly Murs, and Rita Ora before deciding to branch out on her own.

Adopting the Gracey moniker, she debuted in 2019 with the track "Different Things," then issued a slew of follow-ups including the massive streaming hit "Don't Need Love" with 220 Kid. In 2020, she collected the tracks for her debut EP, The Art of Closure, which also featured her collaboration with Ruel on "Empty Love," and "Like That" with Alexander 23. ~ Rich Wilson