Today we’d like to introduce you to Kentucky Clawson.
Hi Kentucky, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well when we last talked I believe I had just lost my guitar factory job and started only doing music work. It’s been almost 3 years now and I’m still in it haha. These days I’m mostly playing bass and doing audio work. But I did just release my debut album as The Denim Emperor. It’s called Hog, you should check it out.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth is not the word I’d use. Stressful, sometimes boring, sometimes hectic. I think the main thing has just been hustling to sustain the lifestyle. Some months are slow, some pay for multiple slow months. The money come, the money go. True vulture my man. I’d say it’s been a bit of struggle establishing myself as a notable hired gun. Takes a minute to get people to understand they can count on you at a moments notice. Now I’m switching gears a bit so people understand I also make music myself. Which is a little tough since art is so unnecessarily competitive. Sometimes I wish I could just talk to them all and let them know I mean no harm. But regardless, it’s going pretty well right now. Working on another record already. Plus work with the label is going well. Steve and I are about to launch a record for a new band called Matter Form. These guys are awesome. Cool instrumental fusion stuff somewhere between a BADBADNOTGOOD vibe and a psychedelic jam band.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I feel like for the most part I am a reliable multi tool. If you need me to do basically anything but a solo. I’m good for it and I’m fast. Not to toot my own horn, but I think this summer I played with 3 bands consistently and about 8 total. Last summer I think I hit more lol. As far as my own music is concerned, I think I’m known for my maximalist style. My buddy lovingly calls it a sonic assault. Overall though, I kinda do whatever I need to do to keep the train rolling.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I mean damn if you find one for me let me know. Idk I’m not the best person to ask about schmoozing, I just am where I am and I’m not where I’m not. Honestly though, just go out and meet like minded people. Not everyone is gonna vibe with you and you aren’t gonna vibe with everyone. I’d say on any given night in any given scene, a good 5-10% of the people at the function are gonna be of the same “soul”. Go find those people. Networking is for schmucks. Friends are forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lostbeat6.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_denim_emperor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedenimemperor
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thedenimemperor
Image Credits
Sara Liliana @hey___liliana
Brendan Davis @sung_kuong
Stephen Coler
