Life & Work with Kyle Wagner of Morris County, NJ

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Wagner.

Hi Kyle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Music has been part of my life from the very beginning. I started playing guitar at the age of six and kept at it until about fifteen, but music wasn’t just limited to guitar for me. I also played alto and tenor saxophone from elementary school all the way through high school, which gave me a strong foundation in music theory, reading, and ensemble performance. Being part of concert band taught me discipline, timing, and how different instruments blend together, knowledge that continues to help me today. I eventually took a break from guitar during high school, but everything changed in 2019 after seeing John Mayer live at Madison Square Garden. That show completely reignited something in me. I walked out of the venue knowing, without question, that music was what I wanted to pursue seriously.

For the next two years, I dedicated myself to re-learning guitar, rebuilding my technique, and getting better every day. Eventually, I reached a point where being a “bedroom player” no longer felt enough. I wanted to be out there, performing. That’s when I connected with my first artist and started playing out. Not long after, I found and joined ASE, an emo pop/punk band, as a guitar player a group I’ve now been with for about three years.

Around the same time, I picked up the bass just for fun and it ended up opening a whole new world for me. That led to joining Part-Time Custodian, an indie rock band, as their bassist, where I’ve been for about a year and a half. Most recently, I became the bassist for Anthony Squared, a local country cover group that plays at bars and venues throughout New Jersey.
Each project has pushed me, challenged me, and led to opportunities I never imagined when I first picked up a guitar again in 2019. I’ve been fortunate enough to open for Matt Stell and Morgan Evans at the Jenks Club, perform on the Stone Pony stage twice, appear in two music videos, and record multiple studio sessions of original music with ASE.

Academically, my path wasn’t linear. I spent a semester at community college before realizing that if I was going to commit to something, it needed to be music. That decision led me to Berklee College of Music, where I’m currently working toward my Bachelor’s in Music Business while actively gigging and growing as both a musician and a collaborator.

I’m still early in my journey, but every step from picking up a guitar at six years old to joining multiple bands to studying the industry has shaped the direction I’m heading. I’m driven by the connection, the creativity, and the sense of belonging that music brings, whether I’m on stage or behind the scenes making things happen.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. One of the biggest challenges has been the amount of traveling I’ve had to do for many opportunities. Almost everything rehearsals, sessions, shows, collaborations requires long drives, often over an hour each way. It might not sound like much, but when you’re juggling multiple bands, work, school, and a creative schedule, the constant driving becomes exhausting. There were times when I questioned whether the commute was worth it, especially on nights when I’d finish a show late and still have another hour-plus drive home.

It also made balancing my time difficult. I’ve missed social events, lost sleep, and sometimes had to choose between my own well-being and making it to a rehearsal across the state. But pushing through that taught me discipline and commitment. It made me realize how much I truly care about music, because even on the worst days, I kept showing up.
The long drives have actually shaped me in a strange way they force you to think, to plan, to reflect. And despite the challenge, every mile has led to an opportunity or connection I wouldn’t trade.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The best way to describe what I do is that I wear a lot of different hats. I’m a guitarist, a bassist, a live performer, and someone with a strong technical background in audio. Across multiple projects, emo pop/punk, indie rock, and country, I’ve learned to adapt quickly and step into whatever role is needed.

A big part of what I specialize in is the technical side of music. I have a deep understanding of how audio works from the ground up. signal flow, routing, gain staging, wireless systems, IEM setups, mixing basics, and making sure every piece of gear is connected and functioning correctly. Understanding troubleshooting issues, optimizing the setup, or getting the band’s live rig running smoothly. That technical mindset has become one of my biggest strengths and is something I am most proud of.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just show up and play my instrument. I approach every performance as both a musician and an audio tech. I think through how the sound will translate, how the setup should be organized, what might cause problems, and how to make everything run reliably. I like being the person who keeps things moving, solves issues quickly, and makes the entire band feel confident and prepared going into a show.

What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in a short time. A few years ago, I was relearning guitar in my bedroom; now I’m performing regularly, recording original music, stepping into roles that combine both music and tech. Being part of multiple bands and building a reputation as someone who can play, troubleshoot, and handle the details has opened opportunities I never thought I’d have.

At the end of the day, I’m someone who cares about the full picture great performance, great sound, and a smooth experience for everyone involved. That versatility is what defines my work.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
For anyone who’s been thinking about taking the next step in their musical journey, whether that means moving from playing in your bedroom to playing out, or finally picking up the instrument you’ve always wanted to learn, just do it. It will open doors you can’t even imagine yet.

It takes time, consistency, and a lot of hard work, but it’s worth every minute. The connections you make, the confidence you build, and the experiences you create for yourself are things you’d never get by staying on the sidelines. Even small steps can lead you somewhere completely different a year from now.

If music is something you feel pulled toward, trust that feeling. Show up, put in the work, and let the journey unfold. You’ll surprise yourself with how far you can go.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylelwagner?igsh=MWVpdHA4MnhwY3V1cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Rouge Wave Media