We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kirk Anderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kirk, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I was a drummer since age 13. In 2015 I suffered a right arm paralysis and underwent emergency neck surgery where they fused 4 collapsed cervicale vertebra. It left me with a dead nerve in my right are, effectively ending my drumming career. Music is a big part of who I am, so I had a choice to make. Give it up or reinvent myself. so i took the risk and ventured into singing… It has been the most fun I have ever had!

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

At the age of 13 My best friend and I picked up our first instruments and began learning how to play. I chose the drums, and my Parents were thrilled (NOPE) but I banged away and learned to be proficient in my chosen craft. We formed our first band at 16 and it was terrible, but we thought we were rockstars. We played one gig, and it was in our friends backyard at his graduation party. Again, terrible… But being terrible drove us to be better.
We formed our first REAL band at 20 (1992) called Manasoma and we were no longer terrible. We were actually quite popular! We played a bunch of shows over the course of our 6 years as a band and even opened for NYC Hardcore legends The Cro-Mags at the Chance in Poughkeepsie. At 27 I became a Father for the first time and Stopped making music and performing to 100% be a Dad. But the hole left with no music was always there. In 2015 I suffered a right arm paralysis and underwent surgery to fuse 4 vertebra in my neck leaving me with a dead nerve in my arm, ending my drumming abilities. once my children were grown I found that I was suffering from that empty space music left, but i could no longer drum, so I was forced to reinvent myself. So, i tried singing, and it turns out I’m pretty good! I joined Outta My Head in July 2022 at the age of 50 and I have never had more fun! And my Kids are 2 of my biggest fans!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Music is therapy for me. It allows me an outlet to unpack deep scars. To share my story, my feelings. It also allows me to reach others who can relate. Those that have or are struggling. and to share a way to overcome. The most rewarding part is when someone comes up to me and says “Hey, that one song really speaks to me…” or ” that song got me through a really tough time” That is by far, the greatest and most rewarding thing

How did you build your audience on social media?

Have a plan. Be consistent. Be diligent. Keep plugging away. Don’t be afraid to shamelessly sell yourself. Be real; interact with your audience in a real way

Contact Info:

• Website: https://omhband.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outta_my_head_official
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OuttaMyHeadBand
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@outtamyheadband
• Other: https://linktr.ee/outtamyhead

Image Credits

Eyelyd Photography
HC Photography