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

Alright, KaCye thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

Michael Neuble!! Growing up at West Angeles Church Of God In Christ, he would allow me to sit behind him and watch him play drums every Sunday! I learned so much from him. Watching and conversing with him. Learning how to play music with Feel and not Fill. How to play as a band and not just yourself! He’s an LA Legend to me and has played on so many Gospel Records. As I grew older, I understood why. I was 7 or 8 years old when I first played drums there. I remember one night service, he went to the restroom knowing music would be played lol I hopped on the kit and my nerves were through the roof lol But it was Green Light from there! As a Kid, that was the craziest moment of my life lol He’s my biggest influence when it comes to Drums and I’ll always make sure people hear that! You hear it in my playing as well. I took a lot of his grooves lol Just my #1 Drummer

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

My name is Ka’Cye Thompkins. Born and Raised in LA! I grew up in a family full of Musicians! A Church Baby lol Playing Drums has always been my heart in music. My mom who’s a known Choir Director/Singer taught me how to keep a straight beat and I was pretty much self taught after that! Growing up in the Thick Skin era of Music was definitely an Experience and Challenging! I knew music was what I wanted to do as a career choice. But I also knew the amount of work I had to put in to be successful. Learning from greats in person and not being afraid to ask questions! We didn’t have Social Media or YouTube! Nor did I have a cell phone as a kid. So I had to hang out at Church Rehearsals and Sheds to get all the Gems and Reps I needed! I was able to sit and watch greats such as: Michael Neuble, Jimmy Neuble, Jason White, Michael Bereal, Reggie Royal, David Ross and many others! Learning from them helped me so much in my playing. Once I became a teenager, my love for Neo Soul and Jazz grew on me. I would watch drummers like Quest Love, Chris Dave, John Blackwell, Buddy Rich and Dennis Chambers. I studied them and got an understanding on how to play Neo Soul and Jazz the right way! With Control and picking your spots.

I think what separates me from others is, I’m comfortable in my own lane. I think a lot of people today struggle with that because of Social Media. People are so pressed for Likes, Views, and Comments. If they don’t get as many likes and views, they feel defeated. For me, that will never be the case. I’ve been blessed to play behind some dope artist such as: Kenny Lattimore, VanJess, Durand Bernard, Lorine Chia, Ventage Taylor, Tia P, Rose Gold, Roman Collins, Philly, Aja Grant, etc and I only average 70-100 likes lol You can still be great at what you do without that stuff!

The main thing I’m proud of is hearing my Mom tell me how proud she is of me! To me, that’s the biggest pat on the back. It’s because of her I’m able to be in the position I’m in today. I’m forever grateful for her and I love her so much! Also, being able to put people in position to succeed in the music game. I have a heart for people and I love helping people win. It’s never about me. It’s so much room to eat in this music game and I feel we all have to eat to survive this game. Especially living in LA lol

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I remember in 2008 I had to make a choice in my music career. Financially I wasn’t okay. That’s the tough part of this business. Having more than one income is a must and I had to learn that the tough way. I started working 9-5 jobs! Something I did not want to do. I was bored and i felt uncomfortable lol But Gigs were slow and I lost motivation to play at the rate I wanted to play. After 2 years working, I was laid off and that honestly woke me up! I started networking more and pushing myself. That took going to Jam Sessions and letting people hear me. Making connections and Prayer! Doors started opening and I since then I’ve been doing great on my end. Of course I have my moments where work is light, but budgeting is key!

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

2016 was the toughest year of my life! I was under a Dark Cloud that whole year. I was Drinking myself to sleep almost every night and was pretty much depressed! I was making bad decisions on who to hang around and my mental was all over the place. During that time I tried to kill myself. Every time I tried, a picture of my daughter was right in my face! I feel she is what kept me here. She’s my heart and I had to realize how insane that would be for her to lose her father like that. I started changing my surroundings and realizing who my real friends are.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Lostfiles_drumology89
• Facebook: Ka’Cye Thompkins