Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Rankin.
Hi Kevin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
As the drummer of the 80s new wave band A Fock of Seagulls, I’ve spent more time than you would expect touring the world, keeping the magic of the 80s alive. While this adventurous life has brought me to exciting and interesting places around the globe, the COVID pandemic put a damper on that part of my life. Thankfully, I was able to create a live video podcast called All Access Live with Kevin Rankin. With over 200 episodes to date since May 2020, I have been able to connect with rock stars, visionaries and other inspiring people, and it opened the door to new, exciting experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The typical challenges of band life were no different to me than thousands of other musicians… broken loyalty, failed record deals, alcohol and drug issues, the grueling life on the road, etc. No wisdom can be gained without those challenges, though, right? Throw in a global plague and you’ve got a recipe for stress and mental breakdown!
Putting together a successful video podcast catalog has had its challenges as well, but mostly financial and some technological.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I started playing music professionally at age 16 in Montana, playing in bars and ski lodges. That experience certainly gave me both the inspiration and the drive to pursue music as a career. With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in music studio teaching, I chased dreams of rock stardom to Portland, Oregon in 1994. Development record label failings led me to wanting to bail on music professionally in 1998, choosing to start and focus on building a family. Then… Animotion singer Bill Wadhams called me in 2002. 15 years of touring the 80s circuit later, I joined A Flock of Seagulls in 2016, and global opportunities expanded for me.
Being resilient, reliable, and friendly has been something I am constantly rewarded for. It’s amazing what a smile can do to maintain relationships with others. I also maintain a successful web design business, and I am fortunate that I can build that business on the road while touring.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up in the mountains of Montana, I wanted one thing… To get out and pursue music as a career. It’s funny as an adult, I strive to get back to nature and the mountains! I was definitely out of my element, a long-haired rocker in a cowboy town.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.accesskevin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevymetl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevymetl
- Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/kevymetl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/allaccesslivewithkevinrankin
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/ZnnNek3GyyWPaTym9
- Other: http://www.kevinrankin.com
Image Credits
Paul Brown
Andrew Clowater
Stephanie Vlachos
Kim Ferlazzo
Laura Domela
