Community Highlights: Meet Kendra Story of KS Audio Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Story

Hi Kendra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Music has been part of my life as long as I can remember. My mom learned to play her first guitar at 15 years old- a black Les Paul copy that my grandparents had gifted her. When my parents got married, she taught my dad how to play, and he often took that guitar with him to parties, etc. The guitar was passed down to me after they divorced, and I eventually learned to play guitar while in high school. My uncle Zeke Dawson was a longtime fiddle player for Loretta Lynn, and I was blessed to hear him speak of his time on the road and hear him play when I did. I didn’t really have a plan for college or music- it kind of just happened. I became immersed in everything music production, eventually signing up for the Music Technology program at Nashville State Community College. Everything seemed to be falling into place, until the only running vehicle I had broke down and I couldn’t afford to fix it. I was fortunate enough to have a church family that wanted to help, and several members volunteered to drive me back and forth to class/work each week. This went on for around 2 semesters, eventually I got the transportation issues figured out, and I graduated a year later with my certificate from the program. I had gotten an internship running sound for a nearby church, and later on, by word of mouth, I was offered an internship at RCA Studio B in Nashville, allowing me a chance to get my foot in the door, meet some new people, and build a bigger community and relationships with others. I learned early on that I would be told no more often than yes, and not having as much experience as others, I was turned down for every job I applied to. Since I couldn’t find the opportunities I looked for, I decided to start creating them myself. I began KS Audio Productions in February 2020, right before the covid pandemic broke out. I wanted to learn how to create a business that would allow me to work from home- or wherever I wish. I bought my own equipment so I can record, mix, and master for artists, and have been using social media to market myself and my talents. I’ve dabbled in songwriting the past few years, have released a song I wrote with one of my friends, and have more I plan to share one day soon. I’ve networked with artists both online and in person, and continue to seek work and collaboration opportunities whenever possible. It’s been a longtime coming, and I’m blessed to see how much progress I have made, even if it is slow. I look forward to everything God has planned for me!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. One of the things that pushes me to keep pursuing music is mental health. I suffered from depression and anxiety in my early teens, and music was always therapeutic for me. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 9 years old, and that pushed me to grow up a lot faster. A lot of people don’t realize how much chronic illness affects a person’s mental and emotional well being. My parents divorced a couple years after my diagnosis, and that on top of everything else took a lot out of me. I was the quiet, shy kid in school, and it wasn’t easy for me to open up to anyone. I grew up believing in God but didn’t have an actual relationship with Him, and over time, I felt a pull on my heart to hand over my battles. I gave my life to the Lord at 15, and although my problems didn’t magically go away, I felt a peace I didn’t have for a long time. Music production, regardless of what form it is- writing, mixing, recording, etc. I want it to be something that is life giving, that honors the Lord, something that touches hearts and changes lives. Of course, I want to make a living from music and pay my bills, but I don’t want to be focused on music solely for money. Money isn’t everything, Jesus is. I want to use my talent to uplift others and foster hope and healing. Success isn’t about number 1 hits on the radio, it’s about making a difference. And that’s exactly what I plan to do.

We’ve been impressed with KS Audio Productions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a sound engineer that focuses on mixing and mastering. I am a guitar player and a keyboard player (in the making.) I love writing songs, putting together beats, pitching ideas back and forth with artists, etc. You could say that I wear a lot of different hats. I have the heart and compassion to make music that inspires people, and sharing stories through music that uplifts and encourages people is what gives me joy. I like to march to the beat of my own drum. I am different, but in a good way. What I am proud of most isn’t so much my brand as it is my family history. Music is in my blood, and I am proud of the legacy that both my parents and my uncle gave me, and I hope I can pass that same legacy on for years to come. Although I want to remembered for my musical abilities, I hope I am remembered more for serving Christ.

What are your plans for the future?
I don’t know what the future looks like, but I trust God to take me wherever He wants me to go. I don’t have any big plans currently, just to keep writing, networking, and collaborating as much as possible. I want to continue building relationships with people that will last. Anyone who wants to grow and build their career with me shouldn’t hesitate to reach out. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I’m not stopping anytime soon.

Pricing:

• Recording- $20/hour
• Mixing- $75 per song
• Mastering-$75 per song

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bonfire.com/store/ks-audio-productions/?srsltid=AfmBOorzrPkx9RwlENbshrNnQy0L4MW9g_kC_-o8w2m3V3FVBobl_1_L
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksaudioproductions/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/KS-Audio-Productions-100063746100451/
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Uvro32xzHdBEM29f6
• Other: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/brooklynbeasley/jokes-on-you