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

Hi Gayelynn, how do you think about risk?
For a long time I didn’t like taking risks because, of the stress and fear involved. However, when you are driven to do something, you look past the risk, follow your intuition, and do what it takes to see the vision to the end. In most cases you will succeed. Sometime, you may take a risk and it doesn’t pay off but, if you don’t try, you’ll never know.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from most drummers is that I am a woman playing a male dominated instrument. I have been performing for over 20 years. I’ve had the opportunity to perform with Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Benny Golson Roy Ayres, Speech from Arrested Development and Ralphe Armstrong just to name a few.

I got to where I am today by, making sure my skills were proficient. Making my skills proficient meant I had to practice every day, even if I didn’t feel up to it.
Once you feel you’re ready, then you have to find other musicians who are doing what you’re doing. I started going to jam sessions, meeting working musicians and letting them know I was interested in working. As a women who plays a male dominated instrument, it was not always easy to get hired.

Who you know is also important. Going to networking events in your field of work is another way to get hooked into people who can help you elevate. Last but not least, Social media plays a huge part in being able to reach a lot of people at once. Which can help boost your brand.

It is definitely not easy. I have been frustrated many times. But if you’re doing something you love and believe in, then just keep pushing through. Keep connecting to what and who will help you succeed and get rid of the things that negatively impacts you. Most of all, have faith that it will work out.

What I am exited about right now is the festival I started 2 years ago called, the “Women Who Drum Festival.” The “Women who Drum” festival features all women drummers and their bands, as well as showcases them as band leaders.
The “Women Who Drum” festival is FREE to the community. However, I do have to do a lot of fundraising to make it happen.

The reason why I started The Women Who Drum festival is because, I got tired of hearing from audience’s, that I was the first woman drummer they’ve ever seen or, the first outside of Sheila E.

When looking at gender equality in the music industry, female artists are still very much underrepresented. female percussionists remain overlooked in an industry that is still heavily male dominated. I feel the need to bring visibility to female percussionists and I hope that the festival will increase awareness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, if they are live music lovers, I would take them to Savoy on a Wednesday Bert’s Place on a Thursday, Baker’s on Friday or Saturday., The Office or, Woodbridge on Sunday. I also like the Dirty Dog, they have good entertainment that caters to the listener. I like the food and I’ve had a good time at all of these places.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to send a shout to Marion Hayden, Ralphe Armstrong, D.Cipher, Rebirth, Don and Anna, Urban Health Resource, Heritage Works and Detroit Sails,

All of these people and organizations have either helped my career or, supported my vision in some capacity.

Of course there are friends and family that have been a huge part of my support system as well.

Website: http://www.gayelynnmckinney.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gayelynnmckinney?igsh=Z3JxbnhwbDRvZXps&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gayelynnmckinney

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gayelynnmckinney?feature=shared

Other: https://www.womenwhodrumfestival.com/ https://www.facebook.com/WomenWhoDrumFest

Image Credits
Jeff Dunn Barbera Barefield James Ambrose Sumter Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan 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.