Meet Kyle Sanders | Musician
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyle Sanders and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been a lover of music since my first memories of watching the Johnny Cash Show with my folks. How I remember that I have no idea but it absolutely made an impact on me and for all I know was where it all started. Once playing music took priority over sports in high school the blinders went on and my only focus was to succeed in the music world. Failure was not an option so with equal parts stupidity and dedication here I am. In 1992 it got serious with scoring my first record deal and there was no turning back. Learning from all the mistakes that most if not all musicians make, like trusting the evils in the business that I shouldn’t have and spotting the red flags before they take you down, I’m still going strong today. I’m now fortunate enough to pay it all forward and give back to anyone and everyone who wants to pursue a life in music. I’m most proud of that.
Like anything else in life it never gets easy. After the gutting experience of losing a legend of a drummer, friend and band mate in 2018 right in the middle of recording a new record I was forced with another decision on what to do. Instead of wallowing in grief I knew I had to put my energy into something positive. Knowing that I’m never done with making music and performing, I needed time to process and take a step back form the touring life and give back. I opened Let There Be Rock School in Gainesville, Ga and it was the best decision I could have made. It’s basically a rock n roll community center without an age limit. I have students from 5-70 taking lessons, forming bands and playing shows. I can teach the younger generation what not to do, things I had to learn the hard way. It’s a place where everyone can be themselves without judgment. You can be who you want to be, look how you want to look and connect with others just like you who you thought didn’t exist. It really is a magnet for the coolest and most creative folks out there, an outlet for some and therapy for others. Myself included.
So here we are in 2022, doing our part to keep rock alive, bringing like minded people together to create a scene in the area for anyone who wants to be a part of it. As far as my next music venture…I’m a lifer and I’ll be back.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve been in the Atlanta, Georgia area most of my life. As much as I used to be a city lover I find myself moving further and further away. Most of my time at home in spent in the Gainesville, Ga area with any getaways being to the Blue Ridge or Great Smoky Mountain areas. Amazing hikes, rivers, mountains and waterfalls in these areas. Outside of being at my music school I’m a recluse, however if I’m cruising around town the spots to check out are around the Gainesville Square and Midland Greenway area. On the square you must hit Downtown Drafts for a family friendly environment and one stop shop for craft beers on tap and growlers to go. Atlas Pizza for the best pizza in town and Moe’s Record Shop for all your vinyl needs. On the other end of Main Street in the Midland area is where Let There Be Rock School is located along with Celestial Studios across the street as well as Full Throttle Fitness, Remedy Bourbon and Whiskey Distillery and Inked Pig BBQ a few buildings down. I’m also hearing a buzz of a new coffee and juice bar coming soon next door with a theme that seems to be too good to be true, yet it is.
For the nature side of things in town there is the Midland Greenway with walking trails, public art and playgrounds and Wilshire Trails which will soon be Highlands to Islands, a 35 mile path that will ultimately connect the Gainesville Square to Lake Lanier Islands..
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Fox Gradin, owner of Celestial Studios in Gainesville, Ga and my partner in crime in the Midtown/Midland area helping to build, create and support all things art and music in our area and beyond. An all around great human.
And most of all my entire family who have been nothing but supportive all along the way.
Image Credits
WilliamFelch
StephanieCabral Photography
NancyJDagata
AlysonShields
KatarzynaCepek
LarsKrgerPhotography
MaruDebiassiFotografas
Website: https://www.
Instagram: http://instagram.
Facebook: https://www.
Other: https://www.facebook.
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