Guitar Slinger Kyle Cushman
I recently saw Kyle Cushman playing guitar on Sydney Irving’s gig in downtown Syracuse. I enjoyed the show very much and I’m a huge fan of Sydney’s music and her work ethic. She’s doing the work. It’s a really solid band. In particular, the guitarist at stage right was just burning riff after riff with solos that take you places. Good places. Great places. And much of my attention and focus widened to not only include this hard-working singer songwriter (Sydney); but also to pull Kyle Cushman into this center of focus.
In one sustained note the dude can create gravity. Cut him loose, let him rip and he’ll take your heart and return it in an entirely new condition. Cushman is a musician who understands the language of guitar and what it can do. He wields it eloquently, and in the most dangerous way. His musical choices, while inspired, remain fresh, compelling and kept me on the edge of my seat wondering where he’s going to take us next. All the while supporting what is happening in the song and with what the song is trying to communicate. Musical chops are one thing. He’s got ‘em. And so do lots and lots of guitar players. Now and then there are players that have an intrinsic understanding of resonance. And by that I mean the ability to read the situation of the music, the people in the room, the present vibe…and utilize it as a way to string notes and passages together in a way that makes those in witness feel a little more understood.
You won’t hear me say this too much, because this sort of ability, in my opinion is rare. But, it IS the trick.
Let’s talk with him.
Chuck Schiele: Hello Kyle. Thanks for talking with us here at Sounds of Syracuse.
Kyle Cushman: Thank you, Chuck. I’m happy to be here!
CS: When and how did your music path begin?
KC: I started by listening to the Star Wars Theme music by John Williams cassette when I was three. I was told by my parents that I listened to it over and over for hours. I still remember this being very exciting to me at a young age. Looking back, it was very formative in my development of understanding melody and harmony. I did not begin playing any instruments until college, however. Once I got ahold of a guitar, I began learning as many Beatles songs as I could. By the end of my second year of college, I was ready to play in a band.
CS: Hm. Exactly what I did in my 2nd year of college. Picked up the guitar and enrolled in the School of Lennon/McCartney. Cool. Please share with us a brief history of your music endeavors.
KC: ”I started out playing in a college band that would do house parties. We were not professional by any means, but I learned a lot about music during this time and was taking formal Jazz training with Rick Balestra at SUNY Oswego. When I completed college, I began to seek out paying gigs. During this time, I worked with several acts including the Matt Dunn Band, Kyle Cushman and Two Fine Gentlemen, and JD and Rolling South. I then started working in a project called the Turbulents, which was formed from the friendships I made in the SUNY Oswego music department. We wrote a few albums, and still gig to this day. My main focus over the past few years has been working with Sydney Irving as well as Hot Kogan. This year, I have begun working with the Marcus Oliver Trio and Rising Ghosts.
CS: Who are some of the musicians you look to as a source of inspiration?
KC: I have always gravitated towards heavier music and have tried to emulate the styles of Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, and Brand New in my original music. As far as being a hired gun guitarist for local acts, I try to approach songs with a mix of Steve Cropper and Cory Wong’s styles.
CS: What do you love most about guitar and being a guitar player?
KC: I enjoy the interplay with the rhythm sections I work with. For me, improvisation within a pop song structure is very exciting, where I can craft a guitar part in a song that may not have any guitar part in it.
CS: …and the guitars – and “rigs” – you like to play are…?
KC: I use Fender amps and guitars. I have always felt most comfortable with these. However, I have recently purchased a RT Guitar in the style of a Telecaster. This has been my main guitar for the past several months.
CS: The RT’s! Great instruments made right here in Syracuse. (Check the Sounds of Syracuse archives for my interview with Randy Tennant who is the head honcho and creator of RT Custom Guitars).
What are some of the highlights along the way that you remember the most? …or that mean the most to you?
KC: For me, I remember certain nights when I feel invincible on stage with my band. When this happens, I feel like I can take a musical idea anywhere confidently. They are like catching lightning in a bottle, and I always remember those nights the most.
CS: What is your best advice for someone jumping into music and finding their own way in it?
KC: If you are doing this for the reaction of the crowd, this may not be the right path for you. I have always gotten the same satisfaction out of playing music with people regardless of the setting or accolades. If you are waiting for those moments, it can be very difficult to find satisfaction.
CS: What’s in the near-future forecast for your music?
KC: I am trying to find a way to balance family and music during my free time. Hopefully, I can find it through select performances.
CS: How do we stay in touch with you and your music?
KC: Be on the lookout for my social media posts at Facebook.com KyleCushmanMusic. I work with many bands within a week span and have done 4 shows in a week with 4 different bands.
