Meet Kaeden Franklin of Nashville, TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaeden Franklin.

Hi Kaeden, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started music very, very young. My parents bought me my first real drum set at two years old, and I grew up playing with them in church. I took guitar lessons at twelve, then picked up bass because the church needed a bassist. At fifteen, I joined my first band, which led me to playing with other bands in bars. I fell in love with live music, rock and country in particular. I thought I’d be a day-job-working, sideman fill-in forever–until the pandemic hit. I started playing in local bars and restaurants to fill the space, singing and playing acoustic. As I gathered more experience, I took ‘The Big Leap’ and began playing on Broadway in Nashville as a bassist and a drummer. My bills were finally beginning to be paid by music! I quit my day job soon after to chase my dreams of being a full-time musician. I now tour all over the country with artist Tyler Halverson on drums, play Sunday nights fronting my own band at The Second Fiddle in Nashville, and fill the gaps with other artists and bands. I’m very thankful to be able to provide for my family of six, by getting to live my passion. I am blessed!

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?
It has been a rough, bumpy road. My wife, Harper, has been my rock through thick and thin. There have been many naysayers tell me, “Why would you quit a perfectly good job for music?” or, “I don’t think you’ll make it man, it’s a swamp.” and, “Music is a hobby, not a career.”
If I hadn’t have had her along the way, I would’ve crumpled and given up. She’s helped me to stay strong, keep my focus, and keep moving forward.

I’m glad to have proven them wrong. I’ve overcome obstacles large and small, and learned so many lessons along the way. I don’t always do it the right the first go-round, but I take it as an opportunity for growth and try again the next time. I’m bound and determined to always work harder today than I did yesterday.
I don’t care if I’m in the swamp. I’m going to show my children what it’s like to chase a dream and catch it!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’d label myself as a live, session, and multi-instrumentalist artist. I specialize in bass, drums, guitar, and main and backing vocals. On bass and drums, I’m known for my ‘pocket’, which means being tight rhythmically with the other players and really grooving with the beat. With vocals, I’m known for singing mainly 90s country, rock, and backing vocals, where I sing harmony and accent parts, all while playing that night’s particular instrument. Playing guitar, I am known for my rhythm pocket, simple soloing, and extensive song list. In my own cover band downtown, we never do the same set twice–we’re always having fun with mixing it up and keeping it fresh.
Out on the road, I’ve been lucky enough to play some famous venues/festivals, such as Billy Bob’s, Fishers Event Center (my first arena!), Gruene Hall, CMA Festival, ACL Festival, Bonnaroo, and Born and Raised Festival. We’ve opened for well-known artists, like The Turnpike Troubadours, Ashley McBryde, Midland, Megan Moroney, Muscadine Bloodline, Parker McCollum, Gretchen Wilson, Clay Walker, Trace Adkins, and many more.
I like to think of myself as a sociable guy who can get along with anyone, and I will do whatever it takes to make both the show and the music the best they can be. When I show up to play, I pride myself in doing what’s asked of me with the highest professionalism possible, and in making gigs more fun by really being present and connecting with my bandmates and the crowds. I always strive to go above and beyond for music, and I believe it shows through my work.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve really gained the most by recognizing that I’m not always right and others have so much to teach me. When I figured out how to open my ears and listen, I began learning from everyone around me–old and young alike. I try to teach my children–by words and example–to be humble and open-minded, so we can absorb every bit of wisdom given to us from the people who have ‘been there’ and ‘done that’.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaedenfranklinmusic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaedenfranklin/profilecard/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCAjcjS98/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kaedenfranklin?si=nLAeHAnrtLQTO_sT