Meet Kevin Alan Lamb | Author, Poet, Journalist, & Talent Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Alan Lamb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin Alan, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

When I think of balance, I think of boundaries, and trying to find a balance between life on the road — touring, and life at home, booking tours, managing artists, and self-care.

I love to travel, and touring reminds me of the magic, inspiration, and joy in what I do; but self-care, healthy routines, and conserving my energy is difficult on tour. Traveling hundreds, or thousands of miles across the US is a wonderful way to connect with good humans, experience culture, and learn — but it takes its toll on your body, and with distracted drivers, and inclement weather, presents its own risk.

I’m more likely to meditate, sleep well, and work out when I’m at home than I am on the road. That’s not always the case — and I’m thankful to work with Dixon’s Violin who practices great habits and self-care discipline on the road — but routines are rooted in being home.

I ended 2022 setting the intention to not only have a better home/road life balance, but also honoring my gift as a writer, leveling up in my commitment as an author. When you make a living managing other people’s talent, it’s easier to neglect your own. I never dreamed or even thought I’d work in music, representing artists, but I’ve always known that writing is my greatest gift, and what I’d like to be remembered for — insofar as my ability to positively influence others with my craft.

In May I self-published my second book, “Your Daily Guide to Shine”. It wields the power of song lyrics, poignant poems, stirring affirmations, personal anecdotes, and fascinating musician interviews in a hopeful appeal to the soul of humanity. This collection of lyrical poetry, prose, and musician interviews will help tune your inner voice, and guide you in the direction of your joy. Your joy is your light; walk in its direction to discover your true calling and help others to do the same.

I took a seminar on self-publishing, and set the intention to publish a book a year going forward. For the first time in my life — I write almost every day — and prefer my desk or local coffee shop over the road. Last night I finished the second draft of my next book, “Love Is In The Details”. We lost our mom in May to Leukemia, and needless to say we were close. When I write about her, I feel deeply connected with her, and it helps me grieve. I’m hoping my journey helps my family, and others do the same.

Moments after finishing her obituary, I learned that “Your Daily Guide to Shine” had been published to Amazon KDP. The first night she visited me in a dream she asked me how many books I sold. Mom always knew what I was worth, and wanted more for me than I currently had. Losing her when I did — managing a national tour, self-publishing my second book — really tested my ability to set boundaries, honor my energy, and decide what I wanted to let in, and spend my time on.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I choose to believe we are given gifts to help others — my greatest gift is writing — with my words I hope to help others find words of their own; written in the pages that fill their life’s story with their passion, purpose, and activities which bring them the greatest joy.

Gifts, art, and talent are hungry wolves that need to be fed. Burning fires screaming for another log. Even when we deny them, they lurk dormant beneath the surface, begging us to give them the space and time they require to flourish.

It’s okay if you have been neglecting your gift — I know the feeling, entirely too well — letting ourselves be consumed by activities which mean less to us, yet somehow manage to occupy all of our time. Most people don’t do what they love for a living, but there’s a lot of hours in the day so try filling some of them with activities and endeavors which fill your cup.

In my experience, passion leads to passion. Supporting others in their pursuit, will help reignite your flame and remind you of what’s been missing. Don’t worry about timelines, or comparing yourself to others, your path shouldn’t look like there’s.

Be patient. I published my first book “The Dying Romantic” in 2014, and just published my second in 2023. Sure, I briefly covered professional sports before pivoting to live music in-between, but years went by without me honoring my gift to the extent of my desire, and here I am having emerged on the other side. It won’t happen all at once, and it doesn’t need to — but the best place for you to begin, is somewhere. You got this if you want it.

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?

Having spent years working, playing, and summiting rooftops in Downtown Detroit, I’d pass on the city and retreat to Michigan’s natural wonders.
Maybe head north to the Leelanau Peninsula, Three Trees Vineyard in Suttons Bay, The Union in Northport, Village Cheese Shanty in Fishtown (Leland), stay a night at the Whaleback Inn on Lake Leelanua.

We’d make our way to Good Harbor Beach, have a fire, and enjoy a sunset.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I’d love to give a couple shout outs, beginning with Nancy Phares of Rock Steady Wayfinder Coaching (https://rocksteady.biz/). We met through a mutual relationship with the Gasoline Gypsies. Though I’ve never formally been a client, I’ve considered her a spiritual guide and mentor for years. She’s been there for me when I need her most, offering advice, books, home cooked meals, and collaboration to help me align with my higher calling and purpose.

Next, I’d love to thank my main man Dixon Hammond, aka “Dixon’s Violin” who along with Nancy, are the only people who have ever reminded me to honor my energy. I’ve worked with Dixon for more years than I can recall at this point, and similarly I cannot distinguish the juncture in our journey when he became family — but we’re long past it and I’m grateful for his light and love in my life.

Thom Bloom, aka Blizzo. He gave me my first job in music, and remains a good friend.

Jack Hunger, my middle school basketball coach at Our Lady of Refuse and manager of The Gasoline Gypsies. Jack was one of the first ones who “saw me”, and was kind enough to commit that to words so my family understood my unconventional path, and gifts a little more.

And while I could continue for days, I’ll conclude with Ben Doughty, Director of VIP for Country Nation, and former award winning GM of The Fillmore. Ben and his brother Ryan (who is also a dear friend) were the first ones to put me on a guest list. Not because I was a photographer, journalist, or music industry professional, rather because they appreciated my ability to transform a room with positive energy, and love.

Website: https://thisisagoodsound.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinalanlamb/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-alan-lamb-4a4857b/

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

Other: “Your Daily Guide to Shine” https://a.co/d/4c4XqZf Stubstack: https://yourdailyguidetoshine.substack.com/