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

Turning Point, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Kenny (lead guitar, co-vocalist) explained, “I picked up the guitar in my teens and for the most part taught myself through instructional videos, guitar magazines where they feature tabs, and hundreds of hours of jamming. I was fortunate enough to have a few family members who would occasionally visit and teach me some chords or simple songs which really helped my motivation and excitement for playing. I wasn’t really interested in learning much music theory for a long period of time when I first started and looking back, I definitely wish I knew how powerful and interesting it is. It unlocks so many amazing creations and possibilities the more you know about how music works. I believe that commitment to learning new things, songs, and styles, disciplining myself to practice every day, and staying focused on what I wanted to learn until I learned it were paramount in becoming the guitarist I strived and still strive to be. The only thing that holds any of us back is ourselves. It’s important to realize we can do anything we put our mind, time, and effort to.”

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.

Gina (keys, co-vocalist) stated, “All of us come from different walks of life on how we started our musicianship, and where we are with it today. We are a local cover band that provides live entertainment at an assortment of venues…and have a blast doing so! However there is a lot of work behind the scenes. I think there are few things that set us apart. Since we as a band all share the goal to be the best we can individually and as a whole, rehearsals are held every week. and keep our set list fresh. With that, we are a skilled group of performers who have set the bar high for ourselves and each other. As a band musically, there are 3 lead vocalists. You do not find that often. Along with us having 3 lead vocalists, we have 3 part harmony. There is nothing like harmonizing together. Lastly, we are like family. We support through the lows and celebrate the highs. Turning Point is the band. But Gina, Kenny, Bobby, and Brett are a tight knit group of friends. Having that bond on and off stage makes all of the difference. Everything we do is a team effort, group decision, and that is why we have a great time. The hard work, frustrations, stressful times, and whatever life throws at us is doable. We handle it and grow. I would say I am most proud of where we started, where we are, and where we are going. We are meticulous in our planning, goals, business skills, and where we want to be with this group. 100% transparency and communication is key.”

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Brett (drummer) responded, “One of the best experiences you can have is when you are on stage performing with your friends. Everyone is doing their part and together you are creating a beautiful sound that can be felt in an almost surreal way. Then to look into the crowd and see everyone is enjoying it just as much as you. It’s unlike anything else.

But to get to that point takes a lot of preparation. Everyone in our band has been honing their craft for years if not decades. Between our own individual practices, our group rehearsals, and our hours spent on stage. It takes a lot of time and dedication. There are days when you don’t feel like practicing, or you don’t feel like you’re progressing. But you have to fight through and continue on.

As a group we have had our own challenges. Sometimes one of us might be struggling on a part while the others seem to have no issues. So you feel like a weak link. The rest of the band will help, and that’s when you have to fight your ego. They are calling attention not to embarrass you, but to fix what is wrong. It can be tough to feel inadequate. For us, that is where being friends comes in handy. We know how to talk to each other. I think that is where other bands might struggle. It’s hard to feel like you are the one slowing the progression down. But you have to check your ego at the door and continue on.”

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

Bobby (bassist & co-vocalist) says, For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a musician is the people. You will meet other musicians, fans and patrons, venue owners, vendors and all kinds of people that normally wouldn’t be crossing your path. I have met so many amazing people playing music I have actually lost count. Having a network of all these different types of people gives you some insight into how the world around you works. Just like one big puzzle, everyone is a piece of the bigger picture. When you are sharing the music with the audience, the bartenders, the other musicians and anyone else within ear-shot, you get to open up a piece of yourself that isn’t normally available to everyone. It’s a piece of you that doesn’t come out during your normal day. After all the practice and preparation the music you play starts to become part of yourself. To be able to share that with others is one amazing way to build friendships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.turningpointstl.com
• Instagram: @turningpoinstl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turningpointstl2020
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/turningpointstl2020

Image Credits

Nick Heger