We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kitt Wakeley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kitt below.

Alright, Kitt thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’ve been blessed with various projects over the years. Each one seems to yield a new benchmark in my career.

My first big orchestral rock album was “Midnight in Macedonia”, which was recorded with the Macedonian Orchestra and Choir. This project opened a lot of doors for my career including sold out performances in major venues.

The next album “Symphony of Sinners & Saints” was recorded with the London Symphony at Abbey Road Studios. It also included several famous guitarists such as Joe Satriani, Nuno Bettencourt, Nita Strauss, Orianthi, and others. This album garnered me 5 number 1 Billboard chart placements and created opportunities such as selling out Carnegie Hall.

However, my latest album, An Adoption Story, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios again with the London Sympnony, won me a Grammy! This album was based on my own personal story of being put up for adoption and later adoption three kids myself. I was able to incorporate the best production value possible, be creative, tell a personal story and achieve music’s highest accolades with the project.

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.

Like so many other musicians, I got started in elementary school, playing trumpet in band. This planted the seed to explore other instruments such as drums, piano, guitar and more. As I got older, I gravitated started playing in bands and recording music. The feedback of the audience during live performances was intoxicating, but the process of writing, recording and hearing my own music was even better. The first song I ever recorded, at age 16, got the attention of local radio stations and I was hooked for life.

Over the years, I continued to tour, write, record and find any opportunity possible to make music. However, even though I was finding success opening for major label artists and enjoying the touring process, I eventually had to quit touring and focus on “a real job” as some say. I had two daughters to raise! Although I never completely stopped making music, my career took a detour for a few years.

About 12 years ago, I revamped a song and lyrics for my wife as a Valentine’s gift. That rekindled the fire I had in me for music. And, it’s been a nonstop ever since.

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

I’m not sure if there is “one” most rewarding aspect. Rather, it’s a collective of things.

Obviously, creating music on a daily basis is a huge perk. Whether I’m composing music for my own projects, or producing music for other artists, or working in the industry in some other capacity of the ecosystem, I’m getting to be creative.

Because my career has so many aspects to it, I’m constantly meeting and interacting with other professionals. This means new friends, projects and more work opportunities. Therefore, the biggest payoff for me is not just the output of a music project, but the relationships that are developed within the music industry. This is icing on the cake.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the best resource in our industry is our community. I was amazed to learn that I don’t have to do this all by myself. We have an amazing industry of friends who are willing to help or collaborate or merely be a confidant along the way.

The people within the industry are the best resource! You can’t find success all by yourself. Nor should you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kittwakeley.com/
• Instagram: @kittwakeley
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kittwakeleymusic
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ kitt-wakeley-2084081b
• Twitter: @kittwakeley
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KittWakeleyMusic

Image Credits

Photo Credits: Teresa Jolie