In a dimly lit room, where every corner resonates with the history of countless melodies, the soft hum of a piano fills the air. This is the world of Kendall Turnbough, a seasoned musician with experiences that resonate with passion, dedication, and the intricate realities of the music industry. From his early days of striking keys on a piano to navigating the complex world of professional music, Kendall shares his journey in a heartfelt episode of the EncoreNOW podcast. It is both captivating and enlightening, and he sheds light on his experiences, challenges, and the evolving dynamics of the modern music scene.

The Dawn of a Musical Journey

As a child, Kendall was already taking the stage during his dad’s live performances. However, not wanting to be known as the “kid that does music,” he hid his talent from his friends for many years until he was called out in front of his choir class. After everyone saw his talent, it didn’t take long until he was leading vocal warmups and performing solos during school talent shows. 

The Athletic Spirit in Musical Pursuits

Kendall’s story  is intricately woven with his athletic pursuits. He dedicated many a cold morning to running after not being chosen to be on the school’s basketball team for being too slow. The discipline, determination, and perseverance he learned on the track found a unique parallel in his musical endeavors. Just as he pushed his physical limits in athletics, he stretched his musical boundaries, dedicating hours to perfecting his craft. The lessons he learned running – grit, endurance, and relentless pursuit of perfection echoed in each musical piece he mastered.

“Everything is easier than what we did in high school… practicing piano four or five hours a day was a welcome reprieve from the 20, 30 degree, 10-mile runs.

Learning Tunes: By Ear and By Note

As Kendall began to immerse himself more into music, his natural talent of playing by ear opened doors for him. After a brief stint performing with a group in Florida, Kendall found his way to Trevecca University where he developed a newfound reverence for classical music.

The world of music opened in two distinct ways for Kendall: the instinctual draw of melodies he could play by ear and the structured discipline of reading sheet music. “My piano professor my freshman year started playing stuff for me that I couldn’t play by ear,” Kendall recalls.

Under the guidance of this professor, he ventured into realms of music previously unexplored, realizing the vastness of the world of musical notation. This duality of learning  instinctually and academically enriched his musical vocabulary, allowing him to traverse a broader spectrum of musical genres.

The Professional Crescendo

Kendall’s ascent in the professional music world was marked by both exhilarating highs and challenging lows. He reminisces about the hustle of managing multiple gigs, the late nights, and the early mornings. The commitment was unwavering, with countless hours at the piano, practicing, refining, and evolving. Every gig, every performance added a new note to his symphony of experiences. It was a world where dedication met opportunity, leading to crescendos of success.

For more than 15 years, Kendall made a full-time career out of being a musician – performing as part of groups and as a solo artist, accompanying up and coming talent, and being a studio musician on occasion. He even had a contract with “The Voice” and was featured in several episodes of “Nashville.” 

However, he touches on the unspoken realities of the music world. The industry, with its glitz and glamor, also presents challenges of financial sustainability and choices that every artist must grapple with. He stresses the importance of having strong contracts, because he found himself in multiple situations where he or the group he was performing with did not get paid. It’s a dance of passion and pragmatism, where decisions are often a balance between artistic integrity and practical necessities. 

He reveals, “The music industry has a lot of… profile or pay. So like, you do something that looks super cool, it doesn’t pay that well, and you do stuff that’s like, oh, is this beneath you or something, but it actually pays really well.”

The Modern Music Landscape: Talent vs. Brand

“In today’s world, it’s more about a persona and the ability to be branded… it’s kind of like what are you trying to get across more than sheer talent?”

The modern music landscape, as Kendall observes, is a complex interplay of talent, branding, and persona. While raw talent remains essential, the industry’s dynamics emphasize the significance of branding and establishing a unique persona. The challenge lies in balancing genuine artistry with the demands of an image-driven industry. In an era where digital platforms amplify reach, the essence of music sometimes gets entwined with the allure of branding.

Sage Advice for Aspiring Artists

For those standing on the precipice of a musical journey, Kendall offers invaluable advice. The path, he suggests, is strewn with both accolades and criticisms. Yet, the key lies in believing in yourself, staying true to your art, and navigating the industry with resilience and authenticity. In a world filled with voices, it’s essential to find and retain your unique sound. 

“Stick to your guns and owning your music… People are gonna tell you you’re the greatest thing and the worst thing. You have to believe in yourself,”

Kendall’s story provides a comprehensive view of the world of music. From its enchanting allure to its challenging realities, his journey stands as a testament to the spirit of artistry. An inspiration, a beacon, and a heartfelt sonata of life in the music industry.