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

Kem , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been fortunate enough to have never clock in at a 9 to 5 because of my talents. Being multitalented has been one of the greatest gifts God could have ever given. I’ve been a full time musician since birth, honestly. I was exposed to music at an early age by my father, Kem Sr. I watched him play drums at our home church as a child. So compound that, along with learning from other musicians from around the city helped me understand that it is indeed possible to make money doing things that I love.

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 name is Kem Gray Jr. Born and raised in Memphis, TN. I am a Musician & Producer. Growing up with parents who loved music didn’t make it hard for me to love music. My dad is a musician and songwriter and while my mom wasn’t really “active” musically, she loved to listen to music and kept some oldies playing around the house or in the car. I started out on drums/percussion as a young child (maybe 2 or 3 years old) just like most musicians that start in church LOL. Fast forward 20+ years later and i am proficient on drums, bass guitar, piano, and Hammond Organ, as well and can provide any of those services for people who need them. At times people ask me which is my favorite to play and the answer is usually…all of em. Im most proud that I’m able to make a living through music. One of my biggest objectives is to help people understand that you do not have to go with the norm and deny your gift to get a regular job, stymieing your gift because you don’t have enough time to focus and hone in on said gift. I am a firm believer that if you have a God given gift/talent, then it’s your responsibility to use it and that gift will eventually make room for you.

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

Seeing or hearing your work come to life has to be it for me. It’s one thing to have an idea. Anybody can have one and see it and visualize every little detail…because it’s in your mind. BUT to actually see/hear that thing come to life in full?? Man…it’s super satisfying.

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

I believe it is imperative for non-creatives to understand that 90% of the things we create takes time. There will be times where a creative will come up with something as fast as you can snap your fingers but then there are times where the creative process is tedious and deliberate. It’s just as if you’re baking a cake. You have to buy ingredients, Mix the ingredients. Then you have to allow that cake to bake for however long it needs until it’s ready. You have to have that same mentality when working with creatives.

Contact Info: 

• Instagram: @kemosabe_1014
• Facebook: Kem Gray Jr
• Twitter: @KEMosabe97
• Youtube: youtube.com/user/kidmusician97

Image Credits
Houston Chaffin- Photographer Michelle Toney- Stylist/Creative Director