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

Hi Alex, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning the steel guitar presents unique challenges compared to the majority of other instruments. It is a non-standard instrument with a limited amount of resources available and a limited amount of musicians who are able to conduct in-person teaching. I was able to key in on specific internet forums, digital video libraries, and contacting key individuals for advice during the learning process.

If I could go back I would have taken more time to attend in-person lessons. These are key as the instructor can help identify poor habits that you may. have developing trying to take on learning the instrument alone.

The most useful skills in learning the steel guitar is intonation (how in tune the note is) and the picking technique associated with using the finger picks on the steel guitar. Having great technique on both the right and left hand will ensure the student can progress more efficiently if key technique is developed early on.

The main obstacle that always stands in the way of learning more is time. But – practice and learning absolutely should be prioritized!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After performing music in smaller venues and live settings for over 10 years – I made the move to Nashville, TN and musical opportunities began to present themselves in many different settings. I started by attending my favorite venues where my friends played regularly on weeknights and started noting songs to study at home in the event that I ever got called to play.

From there – I began doing gigs around town and small demo sessions with producers all over town. Eventually I got a call to audition for a major touring gig and have largely been on the road for the last couple of years playing utility (pedal steel and electric guitar). I also continue to record both in studio settings and my home studio for clients all over the the world.

I am primarily taking on opportunities on the road in live performance/touring as well as still recording steel and utility instruments in recording environments. I’m always able to help an artist develop the atmosphere or signature melodies that the steel guitar ultimately provides. I always refer to it as the ‘icing on the cake’!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I would say the people you meet are unparalleled. Everyone is driven to create, collaborate, and inspire each other. I have never met such fascinating and supportive people in my life. There are good people everywhere in all industries / other areas of life – but in the creative world – I’m not sure there is a great comparison for just how special these individuals are.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes – there is a booked called ‘4000 weeks: time management for mortals’. This book illustrates many examples of how important it is to spend our limited time on earth doing things that we want to do with people we want to do those things with. It highlights that many ‘time management’ books and trainings only try to scientifically help us manage our time, when in reality, time will always manage you. It’s a good book to reflect on doing the things that ultimately matter the most to you and to help prioritize what you should be spending your time doing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @alexkiddo

Image Credits

Danny Ormiston, Dan Synder, Digital Daydream Photography