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

Alright, Paul thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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?

I started playing drums at age seven . I began playing in school music programs at age nine and taking private lessons at twelve. My teacher began sending me on gigs at age 14. There was a lot more live music in those days. I was working steady while I was still in high school. I liked jazz, but was more than willing to play other types of music for the experience. I began teaching early as an extra income. As I’ve gotten older, the teaching has been a bigger part of my activity.

I played for two years in Balboa at the age of 19 with a group of San Francisco based jazz musicians led by Vince Wallace. This was great “on the job” training with some masterful players.

I auditioned for Carmen McRae at age 22, got the gig and did 3 tours with her. I played on tour with Ray Charles for four world tours and recording. My advice is to play with older more experienced musicians and get your butt kicked. These days it seems that a lot of younger players only play with people their own age.

I have had a good career. If anything, I could have had a broader style base. I’ve probably been cast as a “jazz” musician, which can be limiting in Los Angeles. still, I’m happy to have played with some of the very best players and singers in he business.

Paul, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I said, I started in music at a young age and began working in the industry in my teens. I have always been a “working artist” and a teacher. I’ve tried to have a good business sense and present my self in a reliable, professional manner. When needed, I can be a responsible music contractor and bandleader. I try to be fair to the people I hire. I feel that my reliability and personal integrity have been a plus in staying relevant in this sometimes volatile business. I’m proud of my solid reputation in the music field. I’m continuing to practice and learn to expand my abilities.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Good question. There’s a gap in understanding between artists (or creatives as you say) who make a living through their craft and non- artists or folks who have more traditional careers. When some new friends come to hear me play, they will say, “Nice, but what do your really do?”
They are almost relieved to hear that I teach, too. There’s a feeling that musicians, unless they are millionaires, are something less that responsible people.
Musicians work hard at what they do, have families, pay bills, etc. You have to stay creative to stay in the business, too.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In an era when all music ever recorded is available for free on Youtube or Spotify, I wish that more people, especially young people would discover the joy and reward of experiencing all kinds of live music.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.paulkreibich.com
• Instagram: paulkreibich
• Facebook: Paul Kreibich
• Youtube: Paul Kreibich
• Other: My Muffbone Instant Bass Drum Muffler. Available on my website:www.paulkreibich.com