Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennaman.
Hi Kennaman, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
It all starts out at a church in the heart of Chicago’s south side for me. That’s the first time I can remember seeing a drum set, and by the age of two, I was already completely enthralled. Sitting as close to the drums as I would be allowed, I’d mimic everything the drummer did. I would drum on everything from my mom’s lap to any table you placed me at, the latter being one reason I’d always be kicked out of classes growing up. I started playing the actual drum set at church by the age of three (once my feet could touch the pedals) and haven’t stopped since. I began to learn how to play nursery rhymes on piano and started to sing around this time also. There was another thing that caught my interest though, the sheet music inside the hymn books. I had no idea what those almost hieroglyphic-styled symbols were, let alone how to follow along with the song. So as any good parent would do, my mom signed me up for 5th-grade band and thus my music theory journey was started. Shortly thereafter, I was introduced to love in music form… jazz. One thing that really sticks with me is something my band director (who, by the way, could play every instrument… SLIGHT flex) said to me back then: “The more jazz you listen to, the better you’ll get at playing it.” I still abide by this, but only now with all of my music and not solely jazz. I stayed in band until my sophomore year of high school and continued to play at various churches in and around Chicago until leaving for the Marine Corps in September 2015 (my first time in Cali!). During boot camp, I actually began playing drums at the Sunday services as well, so that was one thing that helped me combat missing home. By the time I became stationed in Twentynine Palms, CA in August of 2016, I had decided to try out another thing with music-music production. By October I had purchased Logic Pro X, my first computer, and my first keyboard. Shortly after in 2017, I bought my first electronic drum set and a microphone. I must say, my superiors in the Marine Corps really liked my barracks room studio, as nobody had anything remotely similar in theirs. Once again, SLIGHT flex. Since then, music has been a never-ending rabbit hole of discovery and adventure, and I started to appreciate it even more as I started crate digging in May of 2020. Now my eclectic record collection exceeds 1000 records, all of which I listen to, study, and sample, using my vintage drum machines. In July 2021, I found myself attending The Recording Arts Center at Studio West where I gained everything I was lacking in understanding audio. They are forever family, and I don’t use that word lightly. Graduating from the program in July of 2022, I had my mind set on finding a band to perform with, and yet again, the Studio West family comes through. I’m currently the drummer in multi-talented Cheyenne Benton’s band (The Studio Westie Besties) and so far, we’ve performed at venues including: Queen Bee’s, Vybez, and Soda Bar. I really enjoy how different the music scene is out here compared to where I’m from, as I’ve been able to connect to a new crowd. I currently have a few drum credits on projects, as well as two songs on producer albums and I strive to teach people the valuable lessons I’ve learned from life experiences through each note performed. Subtracting the fat of course. If someone wants the fat, you gotta talk to me. Just please don’t kick me out of the convo when I start tapping on whatever’s around me; I can’t help it; I am Music.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a journey! From getting kicked out of band sophomore year of high school because of behavior (I like to call it character!) to not making the Marine Corps band due to racism (yeah it still exists, even in the armed forces), to not being accepted into Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass (I have the letter they sent me in a frame as a reminder that they messed up passing on me) and multiple personal hardships I’ve endured, there is nothing that I currently have that I haven’t struggled in one way or another for. Nothing’s given. Also, that microphone I bought? Yeah, I couldn’t seem to figure out how to use it at the time, so I sold it. Needless to say, thanks to Studio West I now know how to use a mic.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a drummer/producer/mc who specializes in dexterous and intricate drumming, chopping samples from vinyl and being known as a wordsmith. I set myself apart from others in many ways, one of them being that I’m left-handed but play on a right-handed-set-up drum set. I was also in the Marine Corps, so there’s that as well. Random fact, I’m also a barber and have been cutting hair now for six years.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, Jesus Christ gets all the glory. I literally wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for His protection, guidance, and love. My momma (Terrie) is next, along with my sister (Sheree) and nephew (Alexander). They each have shown me so much love in my life at times I needed it the most. Always my goto for wise council and ever-patient; I love them so much. After that, too many to name, but the order of credits goes: Jesus, family, then music. Rest up Dad; thank you for everything. Each person I name-drop has been a very important person in my musical journey thus far, and I want to leave my music to really explain who they are, so without further ado:
Marlon Jenkins
David Allie
Kevin Titsworth (rest easy)
Justin Pickett
Cornelius Thomas
Stephen Carpenter
Jonah Levine
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kennaman.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekennaman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the1kennaman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekennaman
