Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Holley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kenneth. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My first memory with music would be in the car with my dad. We would ride through town in his black nissan with the cassette player bumping Tupac. I guess you could say I developed a sense of leadership and rebelliousness during those days. I would sing in the car all the time as I became older. During my Pre-teen years, I started to listen to more genres. Rock, Neosoul, Metal, R&B, etc. I could not play any instruments, but I was always drawn to the guitar. There was something about the sounds, versatility and vibrations that I could not ignore.
I struggled deeply to express myself and understand my feelings in those days. I was bullied as a kid/teen, experienced racism and my self-esteem was very low. Talking to people or loved ones would only help so much. I began writing poetry as a coping mechanism. To say the things in a way that actually gave me a sense of peace. Once it was all on paper in an artistic way, I could move on.
I joined concert band in middle school. This was my introduction to instrumentation. I played snare drum. My instructor, Donnie Abercrombie was very influential in my enthusiasm for music. He taught me how to read sheet music, timing and drum techniques that I would take with me into my own music. I decided not to join Marching band because I wanted to become a songwriter. I began teaching myself how to play a drum-kit, then eventually I migrated to guitar. I became obsessed with the guitar and singing. It was my therapy. It was my way of coping with life.
My first band was called MidNight Rain. We were an alternative rock presence in Gadsden, Alabama, which is where I am from. We made a name for ourselves gigging in Alabama. This would ultimately come to an end left me in a dark place. I decided to go into the studio and record our music. The album became known as “Defiance & Decadence”, which is available on all digital platforms now. I performed acoustic shows after that but eventually found myself working a regular job for a few years. I hated that I could not focus on my dreams.
I began doing background work as an actor here in Atlanta around 2015. I was presented with an opportunity to work on the show “Survivors Remorse”. I took a chance, and as soon as I stepped on set, I knew this was something I wanted to do. I wanted to be in front of the camera and not in the background. I began taking lessons through a program and learning about the business. I drove back and forth from Alabama to Georgia to attend those classes. I completed the program and set out to work more in the industry. Since then, I have worked multiple background featured roles on TV shows including “The Originals”, Fox’s “Star”, and “Black Lightning. I have worked on multiple feature films including, “Triple 9”, “The Do-Over”, “All Eyez on Me”, as well as working on multiple indie/student film projects.
I eventually solidified representation with an agent during this time. This lead to booking my first supporting role on the hit tv show “Murder Chose Me” (ID Discovery), as Troy Dixon (2017). The feeling of finally having lines and filming for a major film company was amazing. This is what I wanted. A year later, I moved to Atlanta and was booked on TV One’s show “Fatal Attraction” as Michael Days (2018). This would be my first Lead role on television. I was able to work with TV One again on “ATL Homicide” (2019). I portrayed Mark Ross, who was an accomplice to a murder.
Now, I am working on a EP as an independent solo artist and auditioning for more roles in TV and film. I want to be an all-around artist and entertainer. I want to inspire people. Where I am from, dreams seem impossible. I would like to think I give those kids hope. It can be done.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has never been smooth. I have experienced so much heartbreak. Failed relationships. I thought moving to Atlanta would make things easier to achieve. Nope. You need to really have it together just to sustain and stay on track of your dreams. I’m away from most of my family which has been hard, but they believe in what I’m doing. That helps me to keep going. Anything worth achieving is never going to be easy.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am working on my sophomore album right now. It will a double conceptual album. One side will consist of R&B tracks, while the other side will consist of heavy metal tracks with the purpose of weaving the concept between them together. Something no one has done before.
There is not a set date for release. I am aiming for the first half of the album to be completed by the fall of 2020 with an EP release.
I’m also working on starting my own business in Computer Technology.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have completed my college degree in a different major. That is next on my list of goals.
Pricing:
- “Defiance & Decadence” Album mp3 download (Amazon Music) – $7.92
Contact Info:
- Website: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kenneth-holley/1084901937
- Phone: 256-328-5994
- Email: kennethmichaelholley@hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheartofosiris/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennethMichaelHolley
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7580246/
Image Credit:
TV ONE Network, ID Discovery Network, Chris Gaines, Christian Webb
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
