Life & Work with Kowan Turner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kowan Turner.

Kowan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, my journey with drumming started around the age of 4 when my mom noticed my passion for music while we were in my great-grandmother’s living room. I remember vividly, one day my mom was playing a song, and I instinctively grabbed some spoons and started playing along to the beat of the music she was listening to. It was a moment that sparked something within me.

By the time I was 7, I was fortunate enough to receive my first drum set, a Ludwig. To me, at that time, it was the epitome of drum kits – with its Remo drum heads, Zildjian cymbals, and Vic Firth drumsticks, it was a dream come true.

As I grew older, I found myself drawn to playing fusion, Funk, Jazz fusion & gospel music, initially at church and later touring with the Main Street Youth Choir based in Decatur, Illinois. Although I never received formal training in music beyond grade school, I poured my heart and soul into drumming, learning through practice, passion, and the guidance of fellow musicians.

Fast forward to today, I’ve been blessed to spend over 13 years playing drums professionally. I’ve had the opportunity to tour nationally and internationally with various bands, including Kowan & Company and Steady Flow Funk. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments behind the drum kit.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a professional touring drummer, there are definitely some challenges that come with the territory. One of the biggest hurdles is maintaining financial stability while on the road. Touring expenses can add up quickly, from travel and accommodation to equipment maintenance and living expenses. It’s important to budget carefully and find creative ways to generate income while on tour.

Scheduling conflicts can also be a major challenge. Coordinating tour dates with bandmates, venues, and personal commitments can be like putting together a puzzle with constantly shifting pieces. It requires a lot of flexibility and communication to make sure everything lines up smoothly.

Health and well-being are also big concerns. The grueling schedule of touring can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Late nights, long drives, and irregular meals can really wear you down, so it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and find ways to stay healthy on the road.

Equipment maintenance and transportation are another set of challenges. Drums are heavy and delicate instruments, and getting them from one gig to the next can be a logistical nightmare. Making sure your gear is in good shape and properly packed is essential to ensuring you can deliver top-notch performances every night.

Networking and promotion are also key factors in a touring drummer’s career. Building relationships with other musicians and industry professionals, and getting your name out there can be a full-time job in itself. It takes a lot of hustle and persistence to book gigs and keep your calendar full.

And finally, there’s the challenge of balancing your professional life with your personal life. Being on the road for long stretches of time can be tough on relationships and family life. It requires a lot of communication and understanding from both sides to make it work.

Overall, being an independent professional touring drummer is incredibly rewarding, but it definitely comes with its fair share of challenges. It takes passion, dedication, and a whole lot of grit to make it in this industry. But for those of us who love what we do, it’s worth every obstacle we face along the way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a professional touring musician, I specialize in drumming, but what sets me apart is the unique blend of influences and styles that I bring to the table. While I’m rooted in the fundamentals of jazz and funk, I also draw inspiration from world music traditions, electronic beats, and experimental sounds. This eclectic mix allows me to create dynamic and innovative rhythms that resonate with audiences across different genres and cultures.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to connect with people through music. Whether I’m performing on stage or collaborating with other artists, I strive to create moments of shared energy and emotion that transcend language and cultural barriers. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how music has the power to bring people together and inspire positive change in the world.

What sets me apart from others is my commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the drums. I’m constantly exploring new techniques, experimenting with different sounds, and challenging myself to evolve as a musician. I believe that true creativity lies in the willingness to take risks and embrace the unknown, and I’m always up for the challenge.

In addition to my technical skills and musicality, I pride myself on my professionalism and work ethic. Touring can be grueling and unpredictable, but I approach every gig with the same level of dedication and enthusiasm, whether I’m playing for a small club audience or a packed stadium crowd. I understand the importance of being reliable, adaptable, and easy to work with, and I always strive to exceed expectations both on and off the stage.

Ultimately, what sets me apart is my passion for music and my unwavering commitment to excellence. I believe that music is a universal language that has the power to inspire, uplift, and unite people from all walks of life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to share my gift with the world.

How do you think about luck?
If I had to say, it’s a great pleasure being about to be around drummers like Adam Deitch, Cedric Moore, Terrence Houston, and Thomas Pridgen. I have been pretty fortunate/Lucky to play with Artists like Robert Randolph, Roosevelt Collier, Athena Renee, Selina Albright, Caleb Hawley, and Cisco Adler. Hard work pays off!

Pricing:

• Drum Lessons $35 hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kowanplaysdw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kowanplaysdw?igsh=MTMzc3poOHdxcXpoMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KtStixx?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/NdoRwDg7dX8?si=_ocHdpd8yXzUwjjP

Image Credits
Courtney Scout and Summer Camp Music Fest