We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelly Scott Nunn Sr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelly Scott below.

Kelly Scott , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The initial spark of my passion for playing music ignited when I witnessed people’s reactions to our released songs and live performances in the studio. As a teenager navigating the world of live performances, I was relatively new to the scene. However, as we began establishing a reputation and noticed genuine interest in our music, I became certain that this would be my lifelong career—whether performing live or in a studio setting.

Observing the audience’s emotional response to a song, particularly the thrill fans experience when hearing a new track for the first time, is truly enchanting. The joy derived from those magical moments, where a fan’s face lights up with overwhelming emotion upon encountering a new song, remains a powerful and enduring experience for me to this day.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey in the music realm began as a musician, initially playing in the church environment. This marked my first substantial experience collaborating with seasoned musicians. As I delved into the local music scene, my involvement with bands extended to statewide tours, eventually expanding to national and international touring.

The turning point came when we ventured into studio recording. The process of recording a band or solo artist fascinated me, and it became clear that my true calling lay in the realm of recording. I took my initial steps by collaborating with local studios until I secured a signing bonus, paving the way for the establishment of my own venture—Sound Source Studios.

At Sound Source Studios, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including podcast production, demo recording, album recording, pre-production or post-production, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), songwriting, and mentorship for artists or groups. Our commitment revolves around ensuring that clients achieve their desired outcomes in their recordings. We pride ourselves on close collaboration with clients, striving to understand and fulfill every need or desire they have in the recording process, fostering a partnership in bringing their vision to life.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One aspect that non-creatives may find challenging to grasp about the creative journey is the nuanced and often unpredictable nature of the creative process. Unlike more conventional career paths, creativity doesn’t always follow a linear trajectory with clear milestones. It involves a continuous exploration of ideas, constant refinement, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.

The creative journey is not solely about the final product; it’s about the journey itself—navigating through inspiration, setbacks, experimentation, and self-discovery. Non-creatives might struggle to understand the intensity of emotional investment that goes into every project. The creative process often involves moments of self-doubt, the courage to take risks, and the vulnerability of putting one’s innermost thoughts and expressions out into the world.

Additionally, the external validation that many professions receive through standard metrics like promotions or salary increases may not be as immediate or tangible in the creative realm. Success in creative endeavors is subjective, and the impact is often measured in terms of personal fulfillment, connection with an audience, or the ability to evoke emotions rather than traditional markers of success.

It’s also crucial to recognize the importance of failure in the creative journey. Non-creatives might struggle to understand that setbacks and failures are not just part of the process but valuable stepping stones for growth and improvement. Each creative endeavor is a learning experience, and resilience in the face of setbacks is a fundamental aspect of the creative mindset.

In essence, the creative journey is a deeply personal and introspective odyssey, marked by passion, resilience, and a commitment to self-expression. It’s a continuous evolution that may not always align with conventional expectations, making it a unique and sometimes challenging experience for those who aren’t intimately familiar with the intricacies of the creative process.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Supporting artists, creatives, and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem involves a multifaceted approach that recognizes the cultural, economic, and societal contributions of the creative community. Here are several ways in which society can best support artists and contribute to a flourishing creative environment:

Recognition and Value: Acknowledge the importance of arts and culture in enriching society. Recognize that creativity contributes significantly to our collective identity and well-being. This involves fostering an environment where artists are respected and their work is valued.
Financial Support: Establish mechanisms for financial support, including grants, subsidies, and funding programs for artists. This is crucial, especially for emerging talents who may face financial challenges in pursuing their creative endeavors.
Accessible Education: Ensure that education in the arts is accessible to everyone. Support arts education in schools and community programs to nurture creativity from an early age. This helps in developing a diverse pool of talent and promoting inclusivity in the arts.
Cultural Spaces and Platforms: Create and maintain spaces and platforms for artists to showcase their work. This includes galleries, theaters, public art installations, and digital platforms. Providing these spaces ensures that artists have opportunities to share their creations with a wider audience.
Collaboration and Networking: Encourage collaboration and networking within the creative community and across disciplines. Building connections between artists, organizations, and businesses can lead to innovative projects and a more robust creative ecosystem.
Fair Compensation and Copyright Protection: Establish fair compensation practices for artists and ensure strong copyright protection. This ensures that artists can sustain themselves financially and continue to contribute to the cultural landscape without fear of exploitation.
Public Engagement and Education: Promote public engagement with the arts through events, workshops, and educational programs. This helps demystify the creative process, fosters appreciation for diverse artistic expressions, and strengthens the bond between artists and their communities.
Inclusive Representation: Strive for inclusive representation in the arts. Encourage diverse voices and perspectives to be heard and seen. This includes supporting underrepresented groups and fostering an environment where a variety of cultural narratives can thrive.
Advocacy and Policies: Advocate for policies that support the arts at local, regional, and national levels. This involves working towards increased public funding, favorable tax policies, and other initiatives that recognize the economic and cultural value of the creative sector.
Embracing Technology: Embrace and leverage technology to expand the reach of creative works. Digital platforms and innovative technologies can provide new avenues for artists to connect with audiences and monetize their work.
By adopting a holistic approach that combines financial support, education, infrastructure, and a cultural shift in how we perceive and value creativity, society can play a pivotal role in creating an environment where artists and the creative ecosystem can thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.soundsourcestudio.net
• Instagram: @soundsourcestudios
• Facebook: soundsourcestudios
• Linkedin: kelly Scott Nunn Sr
• Twitter: @kellynunn

Image Credits
Johnny Nunn