Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kirkland Green. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kirkland , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I think the natural answer to this question is ”yes”. Who doesn’t want to be doing the thing they love the second they start loving it, right? That’s what I thought initially. I was so upset by the fact that I was writing music, but not recording. I was singing in my room when I wanted to be singing at Jazz Fest. It was extremely difficult to understand that being an artist would take time. I grew up in a small rural town in central Louisiana. I believe it’s still classified as a village. It wasn’t until my environment changed, that I was able to conceptualize a world in the arts. I graduated from LSU with a degree in Political Science and reignited my love for performance in my final year of undergrad with local musical theatre. Even then, recording and producing an album would take a backseat to practicality. I would go on to teach in the public school system (PSS), wait out a global pandemic, get involved in the non-profit sector, become a development director, and question myself a billion times before my debut album would even become a thought. And do I regret this process? No. Following this path allowed me to learn so much about myself and my artistry; some of those hardships and high points made me a better writer, and the connections and business sensibilities I gained are unmatched. Not to mention the fact that I got to provide arts education for many kids along the way. I feel confident that everything happens in its time. And now is my time.

Kirkland , 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?

My name is Kirkland Green, sometimes known as “Riffdaddy”. I am a professional singer, musician, theatre performer, arts educator, and creative director. I started my career in performance in 2017. That year changed my life because it was the first time I had been officially paid to sing, dance, and act. In 2017 I felt as though my musical theatre career was soaring beyond imagination. Most of my limited free time was spent performing for some amazing New Orleans theatre companies. Some of the most notable include JPAS, Le Petit de Vieux Carre, and Rivertown. During this time, I was also teaching High School Social Studies and writing songs, some of which would land on my most recent project–Unrequited. After leaving the PSS, I dove headfirst into arts education. At this point, I had truly realized what I have to offer. While teaching, I was able to instill confidence in children, allow them to conceptualize different life perspectives, and serve as a confidant when life circumstances failed to show them how loved and cared for they are. I knew that if I wanted to make a difference beyond my own individual art, I would need to explore education and policy, specifically in the arts field. In 2020, I joined the board of Governors for Theatre Baton Rouge and served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Chair, ensuring a place in the organization for people who look like me. Helping children and peer performers navigate their arts journeys gave me the strength to do the same. By 2021 I had met some life-long friends and band-mates. With Matt Kruft (Guitar), Evan Paydon (Bass), and Brayden Turner (Drums), KG and The Analog Machine was born. We started off playing the good ole funk standards one would hope to hear on the Frenchman strip, slowly playing bigger stages and incorporating my originals into the mix. I underwent the recording process and decided that my debut album “Unrequited” would be released in August 2024. And now, under the name Kirkland Green, I am playing shows beyond my wildest dreams. In addition to my solo gigs, I am a member of the vocal ensemble, “The Asylum Chorus”, serve as the Creative Director for Mess Arts, reside on the board for the emerging theatre company– Kaleidoscope Theatre, and am producing a mobile concert series called “City Sounds”. The work is far from done, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best thing a society can do to support artists is to show up, and give them the space to create and grow. I believe the hardest thing about being an artist is the uncertainty. Gigging isn’t consistent. Many performers take on side hustles just to remain afloat in a world that thrives on the forward motion of capitalism. Furthermore, until recent ordinances, gigging musicians have struggled to secure a living wage. This is especially heinous in New Orleans, a city that thrives as a result of the musicians who contribute to its rich culture. So, as music lovers the answer is simple, show up! On January 17th, I am launching my passion project “City Sounds”.This mobile concert series was conceptualized from some of the live music gatherings I’ve shared with my closest friends on rooftops, in backyards, or even in living rooms. I’ve developed the theory that good music and good friends usually go hand in hand. The aim is to bring the music to different parts of New Orleans, so that friends can support from the comfort of their own neighborhoods. This space will create a lane for musicians, visual artists, and vendors to share their passions with the community. And, it will give the community the chance to show up for its hard working artists. My ultimate goal is to create safe spaces where good art can thrive and self-sustain.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think about this all the time; if Ursula snatched my voice, I’m not sure I would survive. Singing is my passion. Performing is my passion. Education is my passion. As an artist, I get to cross genres…I get to create; my voice tells a narrative. And this fact is made even more special when people want to hear what that voice has to say. Art is expression, and music is a global form of communication that transcends a language barrier. In being my most authentic self, I get to share what I love and help people process their emotions through the hardships and high points that I’ve experienced. I don’t think there’s a better reward than that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kirklandgreenmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_riffdaddy_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theriffdaddy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkland-green-2836b6a9/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirklandgreen1164

Image Credits

Ari Ross
Traven Stout
Scott Heinrichsen
Haley Lowenthal