Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kenneth P. Garnier. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kenneth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The year was 1960, the place was Los Angeles, California; that’s when and where I was born. While growing up in a home where there was a healthy balance between academic achievement and artistic expression, I was encouraged to apply myself in school as well as expand creatively. My parents, both from New Orleans, valued the culture into which they were born and raised, and worked hard to ensure my siblings and I were provided with opportunities (many of which they were not afforded) to develop our innate gifts and acquired interests. My principal gift is music, which I identified early in life. Along the way, I learned it was not given to me for self-consumption or self-absorption; rather, it was to be shared with others. So, while I am creating, I am also helping those I meet to identify their own expressive gift and connecting them to resources within my reach and/or outside of it to enhance that gift. Material gain does not motivate me. More importantly, I find solace in why I’m here: to use the power of music and art in general, as a meaningful medium to inspire.
Kenneth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I discovered my gift of music at the age of four. Eventually, I got involved in local talent shows and community events, which allowed me to sing, play instruments, dance, and act. During that same time, I received instruction on piano, trumpet, and drums. I also learned how to play guitar, which quickly led to a strong liking for the electric bass. I connected with the entertainment industry when I was young; ten years old and, surprisingly, as a member of a professional clown company.
Five years later, I was the bassist for several bands in the Los Angeles area. In 1978, I took a formal and necessary fifteen-year break for reflection and redirection. However, I was still writing songs. In 1993, I returned to the performing arts, mainly music, which eventually carried me back to the use of the other artistic forms to which I had been exposed. Primarily, I am a songwriter, but I am also a bassist, producer, author, artist, actor, and dancer. Perhaps, what distinguishes me from some others is a deliberate effort to be original. Admittedly, there are many artistic influences in my life, both past and present. However, I am always looking for myself or what is uniquely me, even in the application of those influences.
Despite many episodic adventures, I am quite pleased with the direction in which the arts have taken me, as represented in the three areas of my company’s name: Pineal Records, Books & Films. My main emphasis now is the maximization of Churchman, a sci-fi character I created in 2003 that has birthed: the Churchman album by Akouo (my musical moniker), released in May 2019; the Churchman Children’s Art & Amusement Book, which was written by author/illustrator, Chris Fulton and me and introduced in December 2021; and Churchman & Kape-able Kidz, a comic strip written and illustrated by me, which began in January 2022. Upcoming installments of the Churchman motif will include an animated music video, a wide range of merchandise, a digital comic book, and a full-length movie.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I was doing more live performances, there was a popular, local venue at which I wanted to perform. My manager tried to get me booked, but the response was ‘No.’ My parents taught me that ‘No’ is not necessarily definite; it could mean ‘Not now.’ I didn’t stop performing altogether because of that experience. I decided I wasn’t going to limit myself on the basis of another’s approval or disapproval, acceptance, or unacceptance. Besides, if doors are closed, I can always look for an open window. Therefore, I continued playing elsewhere in the interim. After the management of that venue listened more intently to some of my music, they eventually reached out to me personally with an invitation to perform.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Accessibility is extremely important to me; in fact, it’s a priority. I am intentional about obtaining and maintaining connectedness with my audience. Of course, I am available in person at public and private appearances. In addition, I use my websites and social media accounts to ensure that supporters see what’s on the horizon like concerts, book signings and new merchandise. Also, I use email, texts and, as necessary, surface mail. Whether it’s Pineal, Akouo or Churchman, my clients will always get notable originality and the best in quality I can offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.akouomusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennethpgarnier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamakouo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-p-garnier-88997b15
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/akouomusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/akouomusic
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pineal-minneapolis?utm_source=ashare
Image Credits
Tony Evans, Chris Fulton, Kenneth P. Garnier