We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kenny Enriquez . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kenny below.
Alright, Kenny thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
So You Wanna Drum?
I’ve never been a stranger to taking risks. When I was seventeen years old I was attending an art magnet school in Downtown Pomona, Ca called The School of Arts and Enterprise. It was a school like any other school but with people who knew they wanted to do something artistic or creative in the long run. When I started attending I took a class named Commercial Ensemble which focused on performing live music at different venues in Downtown Pomona. I was always a guitar player so naturally I gravitated towards it and performed a solid year with the band. When the next year came, things completely changed for me in the most unexpecting way.
When I signed up to take Commercial Ensemble again I was confronted by the music teacher. He mentioned he had sixteen guitarist in his class and no drummers. In the end he wanted me to play drums for the whole year but I never touched a drum set in my life. I asked him, ” Are you going to teach me?” He replied, “No, I don’t know how to play drums.” My choices were learn the drums or gtfo of my class. That day changed my life forever and thanks to that choice I am the person I am today.
I started learning all I could about drums since that day. I would sit all day in class playing and practicing trying to figure out the craft of drumming. I would listen to my favorite artists and I would air drum the parts since I didn’t own a drum set at home. I remember even asking myself if all of this was worth it since I was so bad at it but I kept going and till this day I’ve been drumming nonstop for the past fourteen years.
If I never took the risk of learning how to play the drums I think I wouldn’t be doing music today. Thanks to taking that risk I’ve played festivals for many well known artists. I have played all over California and Las Vegas with some amazing bands. I have worked with many professional individuals in the music industry and met some awesome characters in the process. It is safe to say I am a drummer after all these chaotic years. Next time you are presented with a risk, don’t be afraid to take your the leap of faith.
Kenny, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Kenny Ravage and I am a drummer based out of Los Angeles, Ca. I currently drum for rock band Black Mercy Riffs. I started working professionally in the music industry in 2016 and since then I have made it my life purpose to learn this industry inside and out and become legendary like the greats. My creative work is really simple. I compose music with the intent that its going to help someone in someway or another. Let it be emotionally or destructively. I am proud to say I am in a band where the music really matters and is given the time it truly deserves because its really just an extension of our soul on track. As a group we strive to let people know they are not alone in this universe no matter how fucked up things get.
Black Mercy Riffs are a bunch of misfits who never fit into society’s standards. Whose music speaks volumes for the right ears listening. Black Mercy Riffs are based in Los Angeles Ca and we formed in late 2019. The band consist of members Riot Rob, Kenny Ravage, Fabio Molina, and Uli The Tyrant. While things are always changing in the music industry, Black Mercy Riffs understand somethings can’t change. Raw, explosive, energy, and these four are filled with it. Our sound can best be described as “rock n roll for the heavy soul.”
We plan on releasing our album, ” Laid to Rest” December 25th 2023 as a big thank you to everyone who has been there for us since the beginning so keep an eye out for that! The album will be released digitally on all platforms for everyone’s enjoyment.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Being able to finish. There are so many people who plan and never finish so I think being able to just finish what you started is the most rewarding aspect of being artist or creative. You manifested something you only saw in your mind and brought it to life for others to enjoy.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During this whole music journey we have lost five bass players and two guitarist. Imagine losing a member every year and having all these plans that keep getting pushed back?
Its taken seven long years to get this far and we don’t plan on stopping now.
The words of ACDC:
It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ‘n’ roll.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Kennyravage @TheBlackMercyRiffs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kennyravage/
- Twitter: @KennyRavage
- Youtube: BlackMercyRiffs
Image Credits
Memo Villasenor