Meet Kühlname | Artist | Multi-instrumentalist | Producer | Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kühlname and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kühlname, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I am a total workaholic. I can sit down and grind away for 8+ hours straight, completely oblivious to the fact that the sun has set and I haven’t even eaten all day. I’ve always described myself as something like a train, it takes a lot to get me started but once I’m in motion it is just as hard to stop. I always felt like I was racing to be the best at everything, ever, especially as a musician. The line between work and life tends to blur in music, and my workaholic side really took advantage of that. But I’ve come a long way on this journey, and I’ve figured out that taking things step by step is key. Remember how in high school you could knock out an assignment in one sitting and never think about it again? Well, that kind of simplicity disappears as time moves on. In the professional music world, everything became a multistep process or something that needed constant attention.

What really transformed my perspective was digging deep into my values and motivations. Not everything is worth going all-out for. Some things are just chores, and I either find a way around them or do the bare minimum. But when it comes to the stuff I genuinely want to do that’s where I put my everything. And that is valid! You don’t have to give 110% to everything and honestly, you couldn’t even if you wanted to. Prioritization and goal setting are everything.

For me, the number one value is my physical and mental health. It’s the foundation for everything else in my work-–motivation, organization, reliability, creativity, everything. It’s a misconception to think that neglecting these things makes you more productive! So now I make an effort to take care of myself. I try to eat 2-3 meals a day, stop working at around 1 am, stuff like that. Taking care of myself has actually made me even more efficient and productive and I think that’s how the workhorse in me justifies it all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my musical journey in classical music, specifically classical saxophone. Despite being the only musician in my family, I fell. Hard. The music bug bit me, and I started playing violin, and then piano, and then guitar, flute, cajon, asalato, ukulele, and bass clarinet. As I grew up, my musical horizons expanded as well. I found myself diving into jazz, Afro-Cuban, rock, funk, and the music that my parents listen to, gospel, R&B, and soul. To this day, my favorites include hard bop, Japanese rock, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop, and alt R&B. I have always had diverse tastes, but I sometimes felt insecure about exploring genres other than jazz, as if jazz were the only “right” thing to study. It took me all of my 21 years to realize that there is no such thing as a “correct” way to make music and that genres are arbitrary labels. While there are best practices, history, and particularly jazz has shown us that breaking boundaries and experimenting can completely transform the music world. So I realized that I didn’t have to confine myself to one particular style or genre!

As a person, I thrive on challenges and have a natural inclination to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I eagerly throw myself at the challenge, studying and taking my own “Sydney-fied” spin on it, whether it’s a string quartet or dubstep. As a musician, I have always been a scrapper, flourishing as the small fish in a big pond. When faced with hurdles, I approach them with a creative mindset, finding innovative ways to overcome them. I love the process of pivoting when obstacles arise. It can be daunting and discouraging, but I see it as a puzzle to be solved. Whenever things get tough, I give myself an ultimatum: quit or find a way around it. Quitting has never felt like an option for me, so I am constantly driven to find alternative paths and solutions. This approach, coupled with my being a massive pragmatist workhorse, has helped me become one of the most reliable musicians I know.

In terms of my artistry, I have come to understand that every creation, every piece of music, started as an idea that someone put out into the world. With this realization, it suddenly felt like holding back until things are “perfect” was doing a disservice to the world. After all, perfection is an illusion. So, I have wholeheartedly embraced the idea of sharing my multi-faceted story. Just as listeners have varied and eclectic tastes, I believe that artists can embody a diverse range of influences and styles. While this may seem like a challenging idea from a music business perspective, I have faith in the open-mindedness of our audiences. I believe that listeners are receptive to artists who embrace their multi-dimensionality and fearlessly explore different paths. By defying categorization, my goal is to connect with listeners on a deeper level and inspire them to embrace their own diverse identities. After all, music is music and nobody can be reduced to just one singular descriptor.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week, I would definitely take them to a few different places in Boston. We would start in Coolidge Corner, known for its charming atmosphere and great food. We could grab a killer brunch at one of the local cafes and browse the shops in the area. We might even catch a movie at this vintage theater! Next, we would head over to Jamaica Plain, a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of parks, art galleries, and delicious eateries. We could spend an afternoon strolling through the Arnold Arboretum or visiting the local breweries and distilleries for some craft drinks. For a bit more city life, we would explore the eastern half of Boston. We would start with a visit to Boston Common, located right in the heart of the city. From there, we could wander through the streets of Chinatown, trying out different cuisines and appreciating the atmosphere. A trip to the Seaport district would be a must as well, with its stunning waterfront views, trendy restaurants, and exciting nightlife. We could enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants and then catch a live music performance at a nearby venue. Lastly, we would pop over to East Boston, a neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage and amazing views of the city skyline. We could take a walk along the waterfront, exploring the charming streets and falling upon some new cuisine that neither of us have ever tried before.

Boston is filled with fun, interesting, and exciting people, places, and things to check out, and those locations have plenty of hidden gems to stumble upon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my amazing family. Each of them has played a unique role in inspiring and supporting me throughout my journey. First, there’s my brother Aidan, who constantly introduces me to new music and always challenges me to explain things, pushing me to deepen my understanding and broaden my horizons.

Then, there’s is my eldest brother, Whitney. He has been a pillar of support, offering me strength and wisdom and guidance whenever I have needed it. I can always count on him to lift me up and remind me of my potential.

Next up is my dad, the logistics man. He has taught me invaluable lessons in organization, planning, and problem-solving. His practical guidance has helped me navigate the complexities of life and work with a strategic mindset.

Last but certainly not least is my mom, who has been a constant source of encouragement. Her unwavering belief in my abilities has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. Her belief in me and her unwavering presence has been instrumental in shaping who I am today.

I am truly grateful for my family and the immense impact they have had on my journey. Their love and support have been the driving forces behind my accomplishments. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and for that, they deserve all the credit and recognition.

Website: https://linktr.ee/musicby.sydney

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