Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenny Pratt.
Hi Kenny, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born in Rochester, NY, and raised in Fort Pierce, Fl. I served in the US Navy for 9 years and then I moved to GA in 2010, fresh out of the military. I moved to Georgia with just my vehicle, two keyboards, an MPC, a keyboard amp, and two suitcases full of clothes. I started my entire life over. It’s safe to say I’ve been a working musician since 2010. I started playing music in church and still currently do. Playing in church is where I became a credible musician.
I spent about four years learning about the city and what it would take to survive as a musician, Just playing music wasn’t enough for me, I wanted to be and do more. I got introduced to production, the introduction of the music business as it pertains to being a live music player back in Virginia but I took it seriously in 2014. In 2015, three musicians from the area and I decided to start a production unit and later turned it into the business known now as BluePrint Productions.
Filled with many ups and downs, wins and losses, BluePrint Productions has been a blessing for me. Life took its course as it always does and it caused a shift in personnel, they all have businesses and professional ventures that they tend to now and I’m here still standing on BluePrint and what it has to offer. That wasn’t the plan but hey it’s life. As a musician, I haven’t had the opportunity to tour with a mainstream artist but I have gotten many calls to sit in on sets with a lot of mainstream gospel artists.
I do hope and pray one day I get that call to produce music for the mainstream but until then I’m going to keep working and preparing myself for that call. I have obtained my bachelor’s degree in Music Education and two master’s degrees, one in Music Performance and the other in Studio Technology. Many doors are opening and have opened for BluePrint as well as myself however I’m going to continue to put in the work in the sacred and secular environments. I want to be an inspiration to all who choose this path that if you have faith in God, work hard, network, and remain humble; there is nothing impossible.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I didn’t know anyone in Georgia other than my pops, Donald Watkins, and the family. I started at ground zero. Not having a solid network was one of the biggest struggles, I almost gave up in school literally in the last two weeks. Building a consistent and solid team has been a challenge also because you want to be a part of a unit with like-minded individuals.
I never had all the answers but I wasn’t opposed to doing my homework for whatever task that was at hand. Resources were a big challenge as well. In the entertainment field, your craft gets you in the door but who you know, your character, and your integrity are what keep you in the door. On a personal note battling with creative self-esteem issues was always an issue. I always felt like people didn’t want to hear my contribution to music however life is showing me that was just a fight I was having internally.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a multi instrumentalist. I play piano, synthesizers, Hammond organ, I play bass guitar, and lead guitar as a hobby. I tap on drums but I’m not great at it. I produce music primarily R&B, gospel, and inspirational music. I am an inspired engineer. I enjoy mixing music and I enjoy learning about the craft. I am known for the way I approach music regardless of genre. I do respect the genre at hand but somehow I always get asked to be free and express myself however I desire within the parameters given.
I am most proud of my work ethic. I used to struggle with writing R&B music however with the help of my brother and songwriting mentor Bille Slum (go check out his music) I can say that I am progressive in that area. I’m stretching myself, I’ve never been a singer before but I do push myself to learn my voice and what I have to offer vocally, thanks to Selco Music, Cherelle Clay. Billie and Cherelle are shaping Kenneth Devon into a pretty ok artist. My music hasn’t been released yet because we have one more song to record however it’s on the way for all the grown-up lovers!
The fact that I can be a one-stop shop if need be is something that I feel pretty ok about. I can write the music, compose it, arrange it, record it, edit it, mix it, and master it, it’s pretty cool to go through the process. I don’t recommend one to do that unless they just want the practice though.
I am also proud of the fact that some of the people who I admire in the music industry whether locally or on the national platform encourage me to keep going because I have what it takes to be great. A lot of times people see more in me than I do in myself. It feels like I’m blinded to who and what I truly am, and I’m cool with that because I never want to become comfortable.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lessons I’ve learned are:
– Always be on time
– Always know your music
– Do your job
– It’s ok to receive praise
– Do the work
– Always stay humble
– You can easily be replaced
– Timing is everything
– What you know will carry you but who you know can take you further
– Always remain a giver
– Keep your mind clear of junk and negativity
– If you don’t succeed the first time, try again
– Invest in others
– Save money
– Invest in your craft
– BE KIND TO PEOPLE
– I KEEP GOD FIRST.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blueprintproductionsllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennethdevonmusic?igsh=MTY4emFyajdrcGdpbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finetouch4183?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
James Gregory Cubit
