Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Flatt
Hi Kevin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Arlington, TX. I was brought up in a musical family with my father playing piano, as well as singing, and my older brother playing cello. I started trumpet in middle school band, guitar in high school, and continue to play both as a full-time freelance musician, composer, producer, & arranger.
I came to Austin, TX in 2002 to study trumpet performance at The University Of Texas In Austin. Through the guidance of many great teachers and fellow colleagues, I was able to enter the professional music scene very early. After working much more and taking less classes, I eventually dropped out of college in 2009 to commit fully to my music career. I haven’t stopped since and continue to make my own music as well as being a freelancer for anyone that needs me. I am very grateful and fortunate to continue working enough to make a living here.
With it’s wonderful music community, I continue to love playing and hanging in this town. It opens up so many opportunities to make music with so many great players. I’m always searching for my next band or project to have some fun with! I’m currently playing in a wonderful entertainment company, Moontower Entertainment, as well as my own group, K Flatt & Friends. I’m also a member of Graffiti Phunk. We are a new Austin wrecking crew of musicians exploring the world of funk, horn sections, rap, soul, and groove!
I’ve also been fortunate to be involved with many amazing Austin projects. Dahebegeebees/80HProject, Dave Madden, David Messier, Jelly Ellington, Tony Bray, and many many others. If you know me, you know I’m always down to play and make some music!
I have most recently been diving into studio work. The Pandemic forced a lot of musicians to learn some skills while we were not working. I starting really focusing on audio engineering and made an entire record from top to bottom by myself. It was a crash course in many different areas of music but I’m glad I went through it all and came out on the other side. I now have a full home studio and can send my recorded tracks, as well as mix, and master all from home! My latest album was a mix of home recorded tracks as well as full studio recording sessions. Shout out to my absolute favorite studio, Same Sky Productions! They truly take every detail into consideration and make artists feel at home so they can focus on their music and nothing else. It’s an environment I truly cherish when recording and they never fail to make me happy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ive been very open about one of my biggest struggles more than a few years back. In the tail end of 2016, I started having panic attacks. These were a new thing for me. The first time I had one, I actually was on a gig and had to call an ambulance as I though I was having a heart attack. It was life-changing. I had to make a long-game plan to learn all I could about what was happening.
Im very fortunate for two organizations here in Austin. Without H.A.A.M. (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians) and SIMS Foundation, I would not be the person and musician I am today. I was able to get the help I needed for my physical and mental health. I still have health insurance and the same therapist to this day. I’ve built myself stronger and can focus more on my career and music because of it. Please consider looking more into both these organizations and consider supporting their cause!
I’m forever grateful to those in my corner that continue to support me through all of it. It’s been beautiful thanks to my Austin musical family, my amazing partner, and many wonderful friends.
I’ve been here for 23 years so I was bound for some sort of struggle. However, I’m confident to always find my way here in Austin, TX. We’ve got a real crew in this town to get you through anything.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a freelance trumpet and guitar player, producer, arranger, composer, and engineer. I have my own original music available at most every music source you get your music from. I lead my own group, K Flatt & Friends, & I also have a Twitch channel and stream games and live shows.
I’ve had a unique perspective while learning about music. While studying music academically, I was also learning from the stage. I’ve learned to do one thing with all I take in: Serve The Music. I have developed and collected many different skills and tools to do that. In short, that’s why you hire me. I take pride in being able to hop into almost any musical situation and serve the music being made. I live for it. I’ve been able to support and make great music with my playing, arrangements, sheet music, recordings, compositions, and skill for over two decades now.
I play local dive bars to ACL and everything in between. I’ve also been fortunate to play with The Black Pumas, Brownout, The Grooveline Horns, Kenny Wayne Shepperd, Rosie Flores, The Band Of Heathens, Spoon, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Dumpstaphunk, and many more.
I’m most proud of sustaining my career in this town. I’ve truly love Austin. The city has changed quite a bit since 2002 but the music community continues to grow and embrace it’s fellow musicians. I’m just proud to be a part of that. I’m proud to share with this musical family.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t let others tell you what to do when it comes to your art. Serve other people’s art with unconditional love and respect.
Practice, practice, practice…but also take a break when you need to. Respect your rest just as much as you respect your art.
Pay attention to those that want to help you. Give less energy to those that don’t.
Your worth is not comparable to someone else’s skill. You are so much more than that.
Play with musicians better than you. Don’t try to impress them. Learn from them.
I could go all day with this…Just make Art, don’t quit, and be nice to yourself and others. We all need art!
Pricing:
- Anyone can contact me at my website for inquiries via: https://kevinflattmusic.com/contact/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kevinflattmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdogg1777
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinFlatt
- Other: https://dot.cards/kevinflatt (and) https://www.twitch.tv/kflatt7
Image Credits
Ramon Majia Resolute Media
