Community Highlights: Meet Chris Kang of Shoes Off Entertainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Kang.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My name is Chris Kang. I’m the founder and owner of Shoes Off Entertainment: an Asian, queer-owned company spotlighting diversity in Nashville’s music scene. Shoes Off is why I’m staying in Nashville. Why I moved here is a different story.

In 2017, I moved to Nashville from my parents’ Midwest basement to be a session drummer, songwriter, and music teacher. During my first three years, I was working towards an instrumental licensure at Belmont University while balancing co-writes, drumming for my friend’s band, and playing some writer’s rounds. But during the pandemic, I burned out.

Fast forward to January of 2022—I found a bigger calling. At least, by accident. I spontaneously asked around ten Asian songwriters I knew, or knew of, if they’d like to be part of an all-Asian writer’s round series. The replies were so positive that they inspired me to transform this idea into something bigger. That “something bigger” is now Shoes Off Entertainment. What started as an Asian writer’s round grew into something Nashville needs: more inclusion and representation within the music industry.

Present day, Shoes Off is a sole-proprietor LLC that has put on 35 events with over 60 artist and–for both–counting. I’m excited for more to come.

 

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?

Definitely not, but all rough patches are learning experiences. It’s still a learning experience. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned.

Lesson 1: Timing is everything.

The first Shoes Off showcase was scheduled at The Sutler on March 23rd, 2022. Less than two weeks before, news broke that the venue was closing on the 14th. I was so worried about losing the “street cred” I had gained and also the opportunity to book Gabe Lee as part of the lineup. It was a scramble to find a new venue. Fortunately, Cabana Taps picked up the phone and it all worked out.

Last May, we had our second annual AAPI Heritage Month Writer’s Rounds at City Winery Nashville. A few weeks before the show, there were little to no ticket sales. Flyers were hung around Nashville before the Taylor Swift show that week. I knew that could lower our chances of attendance at the show. Marketing from both City Winery and myself was purposeful. I utilized segmented, direct, and indirect marketing strategies to save time and energy. Thankfully, ticket sales were incredibly successful. Everybody won.

Lesson 2: Schedule smart.

Two Summers ago, I booked shows during CMA Fest and the 4th of July weekend. One of the artists sold enough tickets for a small audience. The latter show had an abysmal turnout. Since then, I always researched what’s happening on dates offered by local Nashville music venues my team and I booked and have booked at. That lesson was learned the hard way, for sure.

Another way I schedule smart is by juggling my day job and company. Since I started Shoes Off, I’ve switched jobs three times to make ends meet. One lesson that I learned is that timelines in the music business don’t care about what’s happening in my life. Since then, I’ve gotten better at practicing time management between jobs, school, and Shoes Off.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Shoes Off Entertainment is an entertainment company spotlighting diversity in Nashville’s music scene and more, serving as a booking agency, event management company, and safe space for artists and audience members.
After moving to Nashville in 2017, I started Shoes Off in January of 2022. Originally envisioned as an all-Asian writer’s round series, Shoes Off grew into a constantly developing company with a strong vision of growth for 2024. Since its inception, Shoes Off has collaborated with like-minded organizations and firms: booking artists, running sound, and project managing with and for them. The company has also produced its shows in-house.

At Shoes Off, I want to cultivate a space for artists, entertainers, and audience members to feel comfortable in their skin. I want artists to be heard and be a place for everyone to “make themselves at home”.

Shoes Off’s mission is: to produce events that spotlight diversity, spark conversation, educate through entertainment, and embrace collaboration with like-minded entertainers and firms.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?

Absolutely. What followed my aforementioned burnout was a new perspective.

Appreciating how valuable yet unexpected life can be–and how I can respond–is my greatest takeaway from the pandemic. I want to leave this world–or at least my communities–better than how I found it. Desiring change drove me when I started Shoes Off. As the company grows, I don’t ever want to lose that side of my morality.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.shoesoffentertainment.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/shoesoff_ent
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shoesoffentertainment
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kangdchris
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/shoesoff_ent
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@shoesoff_ent

Image Credits
Danny Nagy, Istvan, Steven Chris, Chloe Duvall, @Chris_SOE_, Akash Majumdar, and Joey Oyong