Page 39 - ION Indie Magazine NovDec 2020

KG: Over the years I’ve put so many bands together. I absolutely love the chemistry of working with other
musicians. Although, at the same time, it’s hard to keep 3-4 guys together with the same goals, direction,
passion, and level of commitment. It would seem every 6 months or so, someone would leave, or the band
would fall apart. Then I was back to square one and had to start looking for musicians all over again. In
2009, when that inception of the band fell apart, I decided I would get more traction if I did this on my own.
I admire people like Elton John, Billy Joel, David Bowie, and so many other solo artists who team up with
musicians along the way. I decided to do that, too. Instead of having my name ‘Kevin Gullickson,’ I decided
to keep the band name ‘Radio Drive’ and release music under the band name. I thought 'Radio Drive' had
more attention-grabbing appeal than 'Kevin Gullickson.’ Plus, if ever a band did come together, then I
would have the foundation already set.

TB: You have released a combined 7 EPs and albums. How do you feel you have grown as a writer
and musician over these albums? (Please correct me if my math is wrong)

KG: Actually, it’s 7 full albums, 2 Eps, and 2 singles (maybe more singles…I usually say 'a handful of
singles’). I’ve seen exponential growth over the years in every aspect of the process -- from songwriting,
to arranging, my musicianship as a singer and guitarist, and the mixing and mastering process to the final
production. All of that has grown and evolved. I’ve discovered my strengths and weaknesses. For example,
I used to do my own mixing, but soon discovered there are others more gifted in that area. So, now I hire
out the mix and mastering. I expect so much more of myself now putting out quality music. I’m not afraid
to scrap a song or idea if it doesn’t excite me. Even my lyrics have become deeper. On the album 'She
Colors My World,’ I wrote a few songs to capture my journey coming through the setbacks and overcoming
the obstacles. The song 'Time to Rise’ I write about picking up the pieces of my shattered life and
embracing the pain, then putting my life back together into something new. Later in 2019, on my album 'In
The Light,’ I wrote what I consider to be my most intense lyrics in a song called 'What Went Wrong.’ The
song is about disappointments that never should have happened. Namely, some dear friends who recently
got divorced. It really impacted me. Also, feeling the loss of my brother. It asks the question, 'What went
wrong?’ when life was going so well…what happened? Certainly, I love to write lighthearted songs, too. I
want to balance that out and not have all my songs so deep and weighty.

TB: You have received a lot of recognition and awards for your music and I am sure proud of them
all, but which one stands out the most to you and why?

KG: Thank you! I’m thrilled and honored to have received so many awards and nominations over the
years. I suppose the first one has to be the one that stands out. That would be a Hollywood in Music and
Media Award (HMMA) for my song 'Never.’ This was back in 2012. It gave me the confidence and
confirmation that I can write songs that others in the music industry recognize as having excellence and
quality. As an artist, you have to believe in yourself. That was the boost I needed to believe in myself as a
songwriter and artist.

TB: In January of 2020, you and your band performed for the first time in five years. What was that
like?

KG: Interestingly, the place we played in January 2020, The Minnesota Music Café, was the last place we
played in May 2015. So, it was good to come back to the exact club where we left off. I was very nervous
and excited. I ran through the entire show in my basement studio at least 3 times a week for a month prior
to the gig, just to make sure I knew every part. Funny, I had to relearn my own songs! Some of which I
hadn’t played in 5 years. The band was able to rehearse a few times before the show. The guys, being
stellar musicians of exceptional talent, we’re great to work with. They nailed their parts. The show went
great. It felt so good to be back. A friend of mine came down with his video equipment and filmed the
show. Sadly, the sound quality didn’t make it, but the video turned out great. I’ve incorporated clips into a
few music videos that I’ve released earlier this year; two music videos, one for the song 'Run’ and 'Moving
On.’

TB: You released the EP '2020 Vision’ in July. How has COVID changed the way you planned to
promote the EP?