Producing A Kind Generation | Artist Interview by Miranda McDonald
PRODUCING A KIND GENERATION
Interview by Miranda McDonald
Photos by Wes Proffitt
Producing a Kind Generation (PAKG) is a Louisville-based band that is cultivating a unique style of storytelling through music. Self-described as “garage punk funk”, PAKG has recorded and released two albums since its formation in 2018. With ballads that boast insightful lyrics on the human experience and soulful melodies that are simultaneously intertwined with a touch of rock and roll, it’s no surprise the group has garnered such a following in the local community. The four musicians that comprise the band- Dre Smith, Pinky, Aaron Holmes and Kym Williams- invited us to attend one of their recent rehearsals to conduct an interview for our first, official artist spotlight.
Aaron Holmes on Bass
Miranda McDonald: How long have you been playing together as a band?
PAKG: We’ve been making music together for ten years, but we’ve been (officially) a band for three.
What influences you all as musicians?
We make music. The human experience is our biggest influence. Every moment we’ve lived and everyone we’ve come into contact with throughout our journey has influenced our being, and therefore influences our art in some way.
Your band’s name is Producing a Kind Generation. Can you touch on the importance of connecting with the youth in our community through music?
Connecting with our species -young and old- is the most important task on the planet. We are here to be one and to love one another unconditionally without bias, so we create art that forwards that agenda. We create art for no other reason than contributing to a more honest tomorrow. Not necessarily a better tomorrow, because that word is relative.
Kym Williams on Drums
Let’s talk more about your music. When it comes to creating a song, what is the process like?
It is always a collaboration. Someone may send something to the group that inspires them. It usually just starts with an idea.
Collaboration is important. Can you explain a little further about the process?
We’re emotion-driven artists that live and experience every day. Some days, and the experiences that accompany them, stand out more. So, I (Dre Smith) write about those days.
What happens then?
Once I have a piece of writing that I feel strongly about, I share that with the boys and they contribute their energy -via their instruments- based on what their own personal emotions and experiences are. As long as we’re all playing in the same key, we usually don’t fret over who's doing what. We just find a vibe and ride it out. Not too much thought goes into it; just feelings and the practice required to articulate and translate those feelings for the people.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the Printed community?
We’re artists, so we’re always making art. We’ll be sharing some of it whenever the universe sees that it is fit to do so...
If you would like to know more about Producing a Kind Generation, please visit:
Website- www.pakg.world/
Instagram- @producingakindgeneration
Latest Single- Coldplay
Header Photo: Dre Smith on Guitar and Kym Williams on Drums
Footer Photo: Pinky on Guitar
Thumbnail Photo: Pinky on Guitar
