We were lucky to catch up with Kerry Fenster recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kerry, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I first knew that I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally from a young age. I remember entertaining my friends with either songs I’d made up, or just being silly. That made a big impression on me and I knew even then that I wanted to be either a comedian, musician, or a combination of the two. Years later in Nyack, NY, my friend and I would play songs together for fun in my apartment. So that my girlfriend could sleep, we started playing down on the corner (cue the Creedence), in front of a busy thoroughfare. People started to stop and watch us and we eventually built a following there. I was hooked!

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.

I’ve been playing music all of my life, including cello, trombone, bass, guitar, and voice. I played in the school band as a kid and then rock bands as a teenager and adult. I generally play rock, ska, punk, and pop. I moved from New York to LA a few years ago with my band nNeptep and played the rock/punk scene. We released our self-titled demo and ‘The Mule E.P.’, all available online. Later, while working at a school for people with special needs, I wrote a slew of tunes about social skills and that developed into the ‘Songs About Us’ album, also available everywhere music is. This opened a whole different aspect of my music career! It also led to more teaching music privately with my wonderful students. I think that all of this – the rock background, the educational component, etc. sets me apart. The COVID pandemic definitely slowed things down for me, creatively and personally, as it did for many of us. However, I wrote many songs during that time, particularly about having lost a dear friend. As I was preparing to record and release those songs, I was accepted into the music program at California State University, Los Angeles. That has dominated the last year and a half, culminating in my graduation this May! I am looking forward to pursuing new creative goals, teaching, and writing & recording more music! Pursue your dreams! Excelsior!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or “creative”, is the sense of parentage and pride in having a song come from the birth canal of my imagination. It is immensely satisfying. First from my mind, as I hear the song’s parts come alive. Then from my fingers the parts are played and I can hear them come to life. Then they get to be shared with people at performances and recorded for people to listen to anywhere. I love it! Additionally, it is very satisfying observing a student learn a piece of music they’ve been working on. Watching their face light up as they realize they can play is wonderful!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The timeless ‘Tao De Ching’ by Laozi always resonated with me in its beautiful philosophy and perspective on the natural world, remaining humble, and avoiding subscriptions to self-serving human institutions. Also, ‘Confessions of a Dangerous Mind’ by Chuck Barris, while a little insane, is a fascinating view into the world of commercial entertainment and the anarchic mind of one of its denizens. The Jimi Hendrix biography ‘Room Full of Mirrors’ also had an impact on me, as he is one of my all time inspirations and Charles Cross did a thorough job investigating Jimi’s life, stumbles, and success. And then there are movies! ‘The Kids Are Alright’ has to be the most deconstructing analysis of a rock band (The Who) I’ve ever seen. Also, ‘LoudQUIETloud’ provides a rare, inside view of the enigmatic and influential Pixies, as they embarked on their 2004 reunion tour.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kerryfenster.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerryfenster/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksfenster
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-fenster-7aa94b42/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kerryfenster
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KerryFenster

Image Credits
Photo #1 – Kathryn Percival Photo #2 – Jose Angel Castro Photo #3 – Richie Gallo Photo #4 – Jose Angel Castro