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

Kyle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to build a full-time career from my creative work but it definitely didn’t happen overnight. I actually started performing when I was about 15, playing in local bars and breweries. Music became my passion early on, but after high school, I took a more traditional path for a bit. I went to Wake Tech for welding and worked in a handful of fabrication shops, all while still gigging, teaching music lessons, and hosting open mics on the side.

Eventually, I started building a steady following and saving every dime I could with the goal of one day focusing solely on music and art. It took time, and there were definitely hard stretches along the way. Balancing a full-time job with creative work is tough, after long shifts, you’re usually too exhausted to put the energy you want into your art. Plus, when you decide to do it full time, it’s a whole new level of responsibility. You don’t just clock in somewhere, you have to create the opportunities, book the shows, learn the songs, and deal with the uncertainty when gigs get canceled or plans fall through.

That said, the trade-off is absolutely worth it. There’s so much freedom in being able to make a living doing what I love, and even with the ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Looking back, I think every step no matter how hard was part of what got me here.

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

I started my journey in music the way a lot of artists do…. playing open mics anywhere that would have me. When I was younger, I took every opportunity I could find just to get on stage and perform. Those early nights helped me grow not only as a musician, but as a performer. Over time, that hustle turned into paid shows, and from there I continued building momentum.

Today, I write and release my own original music while also performing high-energy cover shows with my band in local college towns on the weekends. My original work allows me to express myself fully and capture real emotion in my art, while the live band shows give us the chance to create unforgettable, fun experiences for audiences. We pride ourselves on bringing a tight, polished, and energetic performance every time we step on stage.

What really sets me apart is that I don’t let genres or industry trends define or limit what I create. I believe music should be honest. When I write, I focus on staying true to myself and channeling real emotion rather than trying to fit into what’s popular at the moment. That authenticity connects with people on a deeper level.

Whether it’s through original songs that resonate emotionally or high-energy live shows that get people dancing and singing along, my goal is always the same: to make people feel something and to give them an experience they’ll remember.

What I’m most proud of is building this path from the ground up, from open mics to paid stages, from ideas in my head to fully released songs. I want people to know that my brand is rooted in passion, authenticity, and connection. When you support my music, you’re supporting something real.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, one book in particular completely reshaped how I think about both the music industry and my career as an artist: Everything I Know About the Music Business I Learned from My Cousin Rick by Dave Rose. Dave is a Raleigh-based artist manager and business owner who has spent decades developing and managing successful artists, and he wrote the book to help musicians better navigate the intersection of art and business. 

Before reading it, I approached music mostly from a creative standpoint. But the book made me realize that being an artist also means being a strategist, a brand builder, and ultimately an entrepreneur. What impacted me most was how practical and honest it was—Rose shares real stories, real mistakes, and real decision-making frameworks from his experience managing artists and building careers. 

Since reading it, I’ve started thinking more intentionally about everything I do—from how I release music and promote it, to how I build momentum and long-term sustainability. It shifted my mindset from chasing short-term validation to focusing on building something meaningful and durable. It made me realize that success isn’t accidental—it’s built through consistent, smart decisions over time.

That book fundamentally changed how I view my role—not just as a musician, but as someone responsible for building and managing my own career. It’s influenced how I plan releases, how I think about growth, and how I approach the industry as a whole. It gave me a clearer understanding that lasting success comes from combining creativity with discipline, patience, and strategic thinking.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career is happening right now. Over the past few years, I’ve built a strong foundation playing high-energy cover shows with my band, especially in college towns. Those experiences helped me grow as a performer and build a following.

But at my core, I’m a songwriter. I realized I don’t just want to be known for entertaining crowds — I want to be known for telling my own stories. So this spring, I’m moving to Nashville to focus fully on writing, releasing, and promoting more original music.

It’s definitely a leap, but I believe growth comes from stepping outside of what’s comfortable. I’m not leaving anything behind — I’m building on it. This next chapter is about leaning into who I am as an artist and going all in on that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kylemullinsmusic.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylemullinsmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kyle-Mullins-Music/61557698926772/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kylemullinsmusic

Image Credits

William M. Miles
Michael David
Scott Magoon