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

Brody, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

For me it wasn’t a single defining moment that drew me in to being a musician. I had an interest in music at a young age but never acted on it, then found my way back to it at the age of 20. I started teaching myself guitar and writing songs from the get-go and dove into the recording process immediately. From there I kept learning how to write songs and started holding onto a repertoire of covers. I played some open-mic nights and loved the feeling of sharing something I created with a crowd of people and eventually made friends with some local bands that let me open for them. From there I started playing weekly gigs with their lead singers, splitting time and learning from them. They helped me book my first gig at a local bar using their connections and I went on to book more myself. I fell more in love with music with each gig I’d play, constantly learning and getting more comfortable. A few years went by and I started releasing studio recordings and looking for bigger shows, when I found myself opening up for bigger names like Rodney Atkins, Justin Moore and playing shows that were sponsored by the local radio station. Those shows gave me an even bigger adrenaline rush and it’s that satisfying feeling that makes any musician love music. For me, each milestone just makes me love music more and I’m grateful for each and every day I get to pursue this journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

As for how I got into the music industry I pretty much covered that in my previous answer, making connections with a few local bands, playing weekly acoustic gigs with them, then opening for their full bands, then branching out on my own. But right now I think what sets me apart from some other musicians in my niche is that I’m a solo act. I don’t have a band and even opening for bigger acts, I perform alone just me and a guitar. I’ve been told that I should get a band, and maybe one day I will, but for now the rush you get playing to a crowd just you, your voice and a guitar is unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. I can’t hide imperfections behind a band, I have to be on point at all times. Keeping a room or a crowd’s attention as a solo act is no small task, but I enjoy it’s pure nature.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a musician is when someone comes to you and shares how much one of your songs means to them. When someone says “I feel like you wrote that song about me” or when they incorporate one of my songs into their wedding, that is the most rewarding feeling I’ve ever felt. Connecting with people and learning peoples stories makes you want to keep pushing and create more, hoping that something else will mean something to someone else.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I didn’t quite understand before getting into music was the behind the scenes when it came to booking shows, recording music, releasing music, etc. There is so much that goes into it all that you just have to be persistent. When it comes to booking, make connections and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask a bar, “hey do you know who books music here?” The worst they can say is no. For bigger shows and venues having a manager or booking agent helps because a good amount of places won’t take you seriously if it’s just you emailing them asking if they could use an opener. As much as I have tried on my own, I am either shot down or never get a response…but, you never know when someone will get back to you and say yes. Keep trying. Building connections is also a huge part of making a name for yourself and booking shows. Don’t give up.
Recording and releasing music is the other thing I knew nothing about before a few years ago. Getting into a studio is much more expensive than one would think so unless you have an agency or an investor backing you, you most likely won’t be releasing music every month like some of the bigger names you listen to. But again, build your fan base/social media, release a song and work little by little. Having something to show is better than not having anything at all in my opinion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/BrodyKean
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/brodykeanmusic?igshid=Y2ZmNzg0YzQ=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brodykeanmusic2
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/06Prh8AqQyQPfglwsmJn0C?si=P0E6xNvcTQu_I8s3LVXJkQ

Image Credits
Whitt Photography