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

Kody Bryant, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Man, full time music is wild!

Many people think I just sit around in my underwear all day then pack up, hop in a truck and go play a show. There is so much prep that goes into a show, especially a show that is never the same. I play a lot of requests, so I have to be on point, mind in it every second.

I think what’s given me an edge to go full time is a wife that supports me, people around me that have believed in me and ultimately trusting God with my schedule and plans. I can always grow, but by his grace I am doing this. I don’t take credit, I just put on my working boots.

Three major things that made me be able to go full time quickly- immersion, connection and determination. I was immersed in anything that had music near it. I had help from people already doing it that had invaluable experience and tips, and I listened to them. I became a student of performance and music, and still am.

Speeding up the process, well, I know the answer to that. Fail forward, fail doing something great and you’ll succeed or grow. Failing isn’t yes or no, it’s yes, but. But I learned this, it I saw this difference, but I opened my eyes to something. And with fear of failure, procrastination kills me sometimes. I want things to be perfect, so I don’t give myself a chance to learn, it has to be primo and proper right away. This comes with vulnerability, and understanding that you’re playing music to enjoy with other people, not just playing for yourself!

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?

Got into it- open mic at a smoky bar in Mishawaka Indiana! My mom used to play in a band, the guy that ran the mic was an old bass player that filled in for her frequently. Got me into the music scene!

Now I play a solo country and requests show all over SW Michigan, for weddings, bars, restaurants, house parties, corporate events and etc.

I am proud of the relationship side of my business. Don’t get me wrong I am human and have made mistakes , but people and word of mouth is still king in any business. And the people that showed me the ropes I am truly grateful for, so I try to pay it forward too!

I love opportunities to give back and connect through music. Hoping to find more of those opportunities as things progress!

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

How to win friends and influence people, Rhett Shull/Rick Beato on YT, and Dangerous Prayer
How to win is great for that relational side of things in the music business, and I’m sure there’s more specific books on it.
YouTube has a plethora of music business type people that share valuable advice. If you listen and put it into practice!

Dangerous Prayer opened my eyes to Dream and do so dangerously. Because God hears our prayers, and he knows the desires of our heart, if it is truly in his will, and our heart in the right place, he will flip the script for you!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Music- Go out to shows, TIP, follow on socials, encourage music creation, share ideas, give feedback- my goodness this one, pursue it too!

General- kinda the same, fight for music in schools still, teach your kids piano or at least an instrument. Give them musical toys too, not just a fisher price basketball net or a tablet.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kody_bryant_?igsh=dmhtaDV3Z2hneGx3&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1UR62VYRmf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kodybryantmusic7357?si=gBaER6RxkEqIEC9y