Ten Kills The Pack, has made his mark in recent years by blending together literate, poetic observances and incisive musings on the human condition with cunningly composed and hard-hitting songcraft and instrumentation. We had an opportunity to interview Ten Kills The Pack.

1. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I can’t seem to pinpoint a short enough story that has led me to this career, but I had always been playing and writing music since I was a kid. Eventually, through a couple bands, many years, some great, scary, funny, and bad experiences there has never been anything else that has seemed like another option to be doing in my life. It would take a lot for me to not be making and writing music. I still have a long way to go as it’s not an incredibly income stable industry to work in (on the artist side anyways). But I’m certain my past self would be happy to see where I’ve landed thus far.

2. Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

After many years in other projects and writing with others. I eventually found myself in a position to just be able to focus on my own thoughts and my own writing. I had written a song called “When I say you are killing me” and had submitted it for a grant. After a couple months, I found that I didn’t receive the grant and the feedback that prevented it from happening wasn’t too helpful or constructive and it was pretty one-sided in opinion. I self released the song on streaming platforms anyways and it gained playlist after playlist including a big one called “most beautiful songs in the world”. This playlist then brought the song to the attention of a label, who I now work with.

3. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

 I’m just going into recording an album, end of June. And in between prep I’m now doing a lot more co-writes and writing for other artists which has been great exercise.

4. Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

I think i’m fortunate to come across many walks of life when touring around. I think my interactions with people from smaller towns are always the best. There seems to be a trend of a lot more interest and music appreciation. 

5. Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

My tips for people in the creative industry to not burn out would be to create what you want to see or hear. Make things that fill the void you’re looking to be filled. Trust your own process and don’t focus on other peoples thoughts or opinions or what’s on trend.

6. You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure? 

For any creative industry; Don’t do it unless you can’t help it. And if you do it, as cheesy as it may sound, live for the journey and not the destination. There are so many very bright unique sparks along such a dark unknown path; enjoy, embrace, and hold on to those. Those sparks and pockets of experience are something many in this population cannot relate to. 

7. Can you share with our readers any self care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? 

Kindly share a story or an example for each.

I find running helps clear my head and allows me to not overthink a lot of things. It can be challenging but it also does help keep me a bit more on top of things and confident in managing my mental state or work load.

8. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

• enjoy the little things and little steps

– it’s a long journey. Don’t always look towards what you think success is. I still struggle with this one.

• you don’t always need to drink at music events or shows

– in music, alcohol becomes such a habitual part of the entire process and the industry. it doesn’t always have to be a party and don’t let it be a crutch.

• listen to yourself. don’t create what you think will be received well. 

– as long as you like it, that’s important. If it’s not quite there for you; keep going.

• don’t be scared to make bolder creative choices 

– Sometimes it feels intimidating to make bolder choices creatively because it can feel like we’re being judged, we can feel we’re not good enough, or think that “that’s not my lane”. Snap out of it. Any lane or creative choice is yours to take or make. 

9. Can you please give us your favorite  “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life? 

Unfortunately it can be seen as a cliche but the powerful words “be the change you want to see in the world” from Ghandi should not only be thought about on a macro level, but should be utilized in our every day and more finite moments within society.

10. None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I am very grateful to have parents that did not put me down when it came to a life in music. It is such an uncertain path for someone to take, so it’s difficult to endure for both parties. But not having to have that as a barrier to also break through is very uplifting. This is not the case for many. 

11. You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement  that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

Oh, where to start. The movements that need to exist, exist. Movements for basic human rights, movements for equalities of every type for every type, and movements for a planet in crisis all exist. However, they are dismissed or kept at bay by individuals above the majority of “the average”. What would bring ‘the most amount of good for the most amount of people’ would be for those individuals to listen.

12. We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

If you like the music, you’re kind, creatively intrigued, and know a good lunch spot.. DM me and I’ll meet you there. 

13. How can our readers follow you online?

Type in Ten Kills the Pack on any streaming or social platform, I’ll be there. Following ‘Ten Kills the Pack’ on spotify may be the most helpful thing, next to directly sharing a song with someone.