Today we’d like to introduce you to April Kerr
April, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My music journey started off in little bits and pieces throughout elementary school. Whether it was writing tiny poems, like one I wrote about my Grandpa in World War 2, or simple melodies on the piano, it was in me from a young age. My parents, being the incredible artists/musicians that they were and still are, provided me with classes and their own advice to make my tiny creations into songs. I ended up writing and recording my first EP, “Dancing in the Rain” when I was 14 years old. (It was only on physical CD’s so there’s a select few out there that have heard it and we are going to keep it that way ha!)
After that, I spent my high school years preparing for my Bachelors in Commercial Music, where I focused primarily on studio engineering and composition in various genres. That ultimately propelled me into getting my Masters at Berklee College of Music in Scoring for Film, Television, and Video Games. Throughout the years I have released a full studio album, another EP, several singles, and produced/mixed/mastered several other clients’ albums/other releases.
I am currently working in Salt Lake City, Utah, orchestrating musicals, producing music in different genres for clients, scoring short and feature films, and other projects in that same area that bring my joy. It was always the dream to have variety in my work, so I am incredibly grateful to be where I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel very lucky to have had the opportunities I did growing up. I was surrounded by a very supportive and loving community in music and theatre. They not only allowed me, but encouraged me to do big things from a young age. My struggles came from believing in myself that I was capable. I find it beautiful that there are so many artists in the world that get to create something original, because each person’s creation is unique to them. But it can feel a little daunting trying to “make it”. I took on a mindset pretty early on that I wouldn’t base my success off of fame or popularity. If I am doing work that fulfills me and keeps that passion lit inside of me, then I am doing more than okay. Anything further than that is just a bonus. Although that mindset was predetermined, it was hard to keep it over the years, especially the further I got into my career. In Grad school I was surrounded by the best of the best. How do you not compare yourself in those situations? But what I found was that the more I collaborated with my fellow musicians/artists/composers/etc, the more I grew, loved my work, and surrounded myself with more amazing people.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known for doing pretty much anything in studio work and being a performer in theatre/music. I work mainly from a little studio in my basement. There I compose for short/feature films, produce/mix/master music for clients, orchestrate musicals, create arrangements, make audition cuts for theatre performers, transcribe or notate all kinds of music, and occasionally I write for myself. I talked earlier about how every artist brings their own unique creations to the table and I believe mine is my musicality and ear. Although I definitely don’t have perfect pitch or can’t name chords/analyze as quick as some of my colleagues, I pay attention to the small details. For example, when it comes to scoring music for film, one of the biggest parts of the job is lining up the music to what we are seeing; creating a tempo map to the visuals. This is my favorite part of the process because I have a good ear/eye to what can work.
I also believe a big thing that sets me apart from others is the fact that I am also a vocalist. That was the first thing I pursued in the arts world and is still one of my strongest skills. So I am not only able to add my vocals into many projects, but I have a good ear for helping others record and create vocal centered music.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I lived in Murrieta, California until I was 9 years old. One of my favorite childhood memories was the many trips my family took to Disneyland. We created so many memories there together that meant the world to me as a kid: such as my mom and dad rewarding me with churros after I went on a scary ride, (which worked most of the time) watching Fantasmic together, sitting on my dad’s shoulders at the end of the night when my feet hurt, and just getting to experience the magic my parents created for us.
Contact Info:
- Email: aprilkerrmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilrosekerr/
- Other: https://solo.to/aprilkerrmusic
