Page 36 - ION Indie Magazine NovDec 2020

Seven albums, two EPs, some singles -- all since launching his solo career in 2009,
Kevin Gullickson has kept himself busy the last 11 years. Kevin performs under the
moniker Radio Drive, the name of his previous band, something we discuss in this
interview. From his first album, “Dream the Impossible” in 2009, to his current
release, “2020 Vision,” Radio Drive has received airplay online (including Eye on
Jamz), college, and indie stations in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. His new album
was mixed and mastered by Grammy Award winner Gene Paul, son of Les Paul,
who you may know worked with the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Paul
Simon, and many more. Radio Drive’s music has been used in the TV Show “Pit
Bull and Parolees” on The Animal Planet Network and on the TV show “Epic Log
Homes” seen on The Discovery Channel. English pop star and actress Kym Marsh
used a Radio Drive song in the documentary that she produced, “Teen Mums and
Me.”

Kevin was kind enough to slow down for a few minutes to answer some questions
for this interview.

Tim Board: In your bio, you state ‘you set music aside after various
disappointments.’ What brought you back to music?

Kevin Gullickson: I’ve had more than a few setbacks and disappointments over the
years. Some major, others, minor irritations. The most devastating was back in 2015.
At the time, I had a band together and we were playing the clubs in the Minneapolis/St
Paul area. We were in the final rounds of the Hard Rock Café ‘Battle of the Bands’
competition and played at the Hard Rock Café at The Mall of America in front of the
judges’ panel. We were working with an international management agency that was
putting together a European tour. I was working with a music attorney in New York
City to pitch our music to the labels. So much was happening! Then, in May/June of
that year it all came to an end. My brother, who had been winning the battle with
cancer, suddenly died. The tour never materialized. The band members went their
separate ways, what with family life, jobs, etc. All this was too much and took the wind
out of my sails. I was devastated and set music aside. I didn’t sing or pick up a guitar
for almost a year and a half. My wife was a huge support, as she always has been.
She encouraged me to keep going. Slowly I started feeling the pull toward music. In
2017, I began writing again and recording. Since I have a home studio, I was able to
take my time and work at my own pace. Later in 2018, I released 'She Colors My
World.’ I didn’t know what to expect -- if it would flop or be well received. I was so
relieved that the album took off with fantastic reviews. The song 'Sweet Thing’ was
the single off the album. That took off and won awards, received massive radio play,
and began topping indie charts. Even this year, that song got a second wind and
remained at #1 for 5-6 weeks on the Top IndeCourvertes European Independent
Music Charts. Plus, author Jay Goldberg, in his book 'Rock On Neon Radio’s Top
1000 Songs of All Time’ included 'Sweet Thing’ as honorable mention. He said it
would most likely have been in the top 1000, but he heard the song after the book
was submitted to the publishers. That was the confirmation I needed that I could still
do this. There was so much fear and uncertainty to work through. With all that success
and encouragement, I knew I needed to get back doing what I love to do. Over the
years I’ve given up but never gave in if that makes sense. I’m thankful my wife has
always been there to encourage me. Plus, the desire to write, record, and share my
music has always been there. I’ve learned so many valuable lessons along the way.
I’m so much more grounded in who I am as a person and as an artist. The fear and
desperation that once prevailed, is now gone. I can finally be myself.

TB: Radio Drive the band broke up in 2009, but you decided to keep the name
and perform under it. Why?