We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Kidd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, how do you think about risk?
I’d be lying if I said that I am a person that loves to take risks. I have never been seriously injured and I always drive the speed limit (or maybe 5mph over). That being said, taking risks within my life and career have played a critical role in leading me to where I am today.

When I was deciding to leave my small town in Arkansas to attend college, that was a risk. When I moved to a new city to take a job, that was a risk. And today as a musician, every time I agree to take a gig and perform with an artist, that is also a risk. It is the very summation of all of these three risks that have led me to living in Nashville, Tennessee today and working as a touring and session musician. Each individual risk that I took previously may be considered a potential point of failure along my journey. However, it’s worth noting I considered these types of risks as growth opportunities rather than risk in the pure sense.

Being safe and content in life certainly has its’ perks but may not lead a person to their full potential in the long run. I would encourage anyone reading this to always keep an open mind when it comes to taking risks and consider all potential positive outcomes as the guiding light. It is likely that taking a risk, in most circumstances, will lead you to greater results overall than avoiding any and all situations that may initially feel risky to most people. Life is short and strive to live a great story!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I primarily provide support to artists and/or producers as a utility musician. I primarily play the pedal steel guitar and electric guitar. I got to where I am today by taking risks on myself and others taking risks on me by allowing me to participate in various projects in both the studio and live environment. Learning how to perform and work on the pedal steel guitar has certainly been a challenging journey but I wake up every day excited to play the instrument. I am looking forward to a lifelong journey of learning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always love exploring the local music scene in town. There’s an unlimited amount of writers and artists giving it 200% every day. I generally check out some of the smaller writers rounds around mid-town and/or on the East side of town. As far as eating goes – my guilty pleasure is 5-points pizza. You can’t beat the Arugula salad – trust me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support system that is the Nashville community of musicians, artists, and producers. This community is the most supportive group of people that I have ever encountered in my life. Everyone is always willing to help and/or take a risk on you to help you grow and learn.

Instagram: @alexkiddo

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexkiddo

Image Credits
Credit: Mobtown Photography Credit: Dan Ormiston Credit: TommyC Photography Credit: The Bearded Gentleman Photography Credit: Roger at IRockShots Credit: Nashville is His Bride Photography Credit: Cole Sarver Credit: Matt DV Photography Credit: Todd Dean

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.