We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Khari Joyner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Khari below.

Hi Khari, thanks for joining us today. How has Covid changed your business model?

I would say the biggest change for Covid and my business model (especially as an independent contractor who does a lot of sole proprietary work) was the ability to create opportunities to provide to people remotely, in the form of creative/performing arts and opportunities for people to consume art in a different way. Instead of the traditional venues of seeing live performances and shows, during COVID this process was largely turned into a virtual experience where people could still receive high level art but through the means of digital consumption, online platforms that could serve to offer these performances, and in some cases, even showcasing my talents in more intimate spaces with a small number of people (for example, 10 or less in a living room space).

Khari, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a professional musician (cellist), who spends a lot of time teaching but also is self-employed as an independent contractor. I have performed most of my life, since young, and studied in a variety of formats for classical music training and then after studying in a conservatory, did a lot of freelance work as a musician working with a variety of interdisciplinary artists (actors, dancers, etc.) and also even performing for corporate events or others. Some of the examples of services are live music, recorded music for events such as weddings, parties, corporate events, and also music that can be used or set to various types of platforms. I typically find myself to be well versed in what I do, performing a variety of genres of music and I would say this is something I am most proud of in particular.

I really thrive off of interdisciplinary art forms and the way in which music, visual arts, dance, theater, and other art forms (such as film and/or photography) all intersect where there lies opportunity to create storytelling, ultimately.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I would say the most rewarding aspect is the ability to continue to meet other people through the stories I learn about, as well as the stories I tell. There is a constant exchange of ideas in music-making, (art-making) through world travel, and unpacking the narratives of so many lives in the past, present, and future. I think this aspect of learning about the human condition through art is something that is not necessarily always afforded in other professions, and I highly value it. I also value the freedom and flexibility to enjoy having a different day of the week, to look forward to something different while still building upon the goal ahead.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

In particular, that there is sometimes a clear endgoal to a short-term project, but also, sometimes, a never -ending or undefined long-term goal to a project that is not anywhere near visible or in sight. This sometimes takes the form of trying to work on a project that starts small, takes a detour, another detour, a step backwards, five steps forward, etc. to the point at which you, as the creative, are completely lost in the project. THIS, however, is a part of the growth and journey of a creative/artist. Often, you are working on one song you write, or story to tell, and you let your mind, heart, and vision take a direction that you see naturally and organically unfolds. You might also make sacrifices in the process. This includes turning down other opportunities to finish your project, working more hours of the day, etc. But in the end, you find that it is all worth it because you are 100% invested in yourself and your dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kharijoyner.com
• Instagram: kars_and_music
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KhariRJoyner

Image Credits
Tara Rayburn, Brian Wallenberg,