Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Bull, Jr..
Hi Kevin, 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 was born and raised in northern VA, just 30 minutes south of Washington DC; a quick metropolitan area and filled with hard-working people. I was fortunate to grow up in a musical household; my parents played music all the time from the Beatles to Michael Jackson, to Stevie Wonder. The rhythms and melodies spoke to me in a way I haven’t felt before, and made me fall in love with it. By 3rd grade, I started to make raps about getting good grades in school and by 5th grade, I began my classical career on the upright bass; participating in regional and All-Virginia orchestras consistently. I identified with the tall and low register of the instrument, and that was my voice for a few years. But at 15, inspired by Coldplay, I discovered the electric bass and it absolutely changed my life. I had finally found my identity in music, and it was magical. While in high school, I was actively performing locally and regionally in a wide variety of projects, learning how to work with others and produce the best shows possible.
In my senior year of high school, COVID hit and forced me to really think about the trajectory of my future that was so uncertain. Being in isolation was a difficult adjustment, but I quickly realized I’m incredibly lucky and blessed to have a comfortable home, food, water, and an incredible support system of family and friends to get me through this time. Needing a creative outlet for myself, I decided to learn as much as I could about recording and production, with my producer/co-songwriter Todd Wright; the result was my first album, “Trying My Best” released in December 2020. It was a culmination of ideas I had before and during the pandemic to keep me productive throughout, and is heavily influenced by Rage Against the Machine, Alice in Chains, and Coldplay. This was the start of the Kevin Bull, Jr. – Solo Project.
In Fall of 2020, I got accepted into Belmont University, majoring Commercial Music in Electric Bass, with an emphasis in Music Technology. In August 2021, I made the move to Nashville, TN to begin my degree and jumpstart my music career.
During my time at Belmont, in addition to being a full-time student, I was involved in multiple ensembles, artists/bands, 12 Curb College Showcases, annual Christmas at Belmont performances/tapings, junior/senior recitals, developing my artist project, weekly church gigs, and meeting some incredibly talented musicians that I gladly call my colleagues. It was a great place for me to develop my skills as a well-rounded musician. Successfully graduating Belmont in May 2025, left me with a rough transition into adulthood. With the continued support of parents, I’m starting to get back in my groove in pursuing a career in music.
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?
Mental health and self-love is something I’ve always struggled with, but leaning on my friends, family, and therapy kept me on the right path. I’m starting to appreciate and trust myself a lot more. It’s helped immensely in my personal and professional life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a bass player, artist, and producer specializing in hard rock/alternative/grunge music. I’m known my unique approach the bass, most notably my tone and time. I’m most proud of how I found my own voice of the bass. It took awhile for me to figure out, but once I did, it made me want to constantly improve and refine it. What sets me apart from others, is my ability to emphasize the groove in my own unique way, whether it’s rock, pop, R&B, or gospel.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a huge fan of podcasts, including Go with Elmo Lavano, And the Writer Is…,One More Time, and Rick Beato Interviews. I love getting inspired from people further ahead in the music industry and understand how they made it. Google Calendar, Apple Notes, and voice memos keep my life and ideas organized. Logic Pro and Final Cut are my main creative tools for music and video production.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kevinbulljr.com/tour
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevin_bull_jr/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kevinbulljr
