Mike Kinnebrew

On WABE’s series “Speaking of Music,” we hear stories from local musicians in their own words. Mike Kinnebrew is a Macon-based singer-songwriter from Atlanta who writes “lyrically heavy, lyrically driven” acoustic music in pop, Americana and folk styles.

His polished sound and expressive voice seem to come naturally from a singer-songwriter who started in high school, inspired after admiring the swagger of a guitar-wielding peer: “I remember being forced to go to church camp, and I didn’t know anyone, but I watched this guy who would come out and sit under the tree during the free time and play his acoustic guitar, and everybody would gather around him, especially the girls. And I just remember thinking to myself, ‘I need to learn how to do that.'” Amassing a repertoire of popular covers, he cut his teeth playing in bars and restaurants throughout high school before trying his hand at songwriting.

The featured track “What’s Left of Me” is Kinnebrew’s latest single, showcasing his long-cultivated expertise at eloquently sharing deep, personal reflections through music. In the song, Kinnebrew takes an inventory after his first several months of sobriety and what he’s learned about himself. “It’s a song about second chances. It’s a song about change. I’m 45 years old, and it’s easy to believe that you just are what you are and that if you haven’t changed by now, you’re not going to … don’t believe the lie that it’s too late,” he said. - WABE (NPR)

Musical raconteur Mike Kinnebrew brings his storytelling magic to Fireside at the Farm Thursday, December 16. For more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/fireside

Whether the weather in December may or may not be frightful outside, inside a chance to cozy up by a fire is always delightful.

Fireside at the Farm on Thursday, December 16, is a chance to gather beneath the soaring beams in the magical, rustic setting of The Barn and celebrate the holiday season.

It’s a good night to warm your toes by the stone fireplace and to warm your heart with the songs of artist Mike Kinnebrew.

Atlanta-born country-folk fusionist Kinnebrew, sees his songs as a way of telling the story about his life and loves, and it’s a tale told straight from the heart. He imagines his music as a way of creating an intimate connection with his audience.

In a recent interview, he told City Lights host Lois Reitzes that he considers one of his roles as a musician is that of a storyteller, “I talk, and I write and play to feel less alone. When I am singing and feel a connection with the audience it hopefully makes us all feel less alone.” Certainly, the success of his concerts and albums, and the swell of his fans are testimony to his talent to do so.

Kinnebrew has been playing the guitar since age 14 when he was influenced by the music played in the family station wagon – from Tom Petty to Jackson Browne and James Taylor. Ten years ago, he released his first album, Between the Living and the Dying, recorded at The Smoakstack in Nashville. His latest album, One Way to Find Out was recorded live – it was, as he said, “the best way to keep the creative spark alive.”

With a decade between albums, Kinnebrew admitted that “This album sort of saved me. I wasn’t sure that I’d write any more songs – let alone record another album. I don’t enjoy writing. It’s work with no guaranteed outcome. But when something does come, I feel like I’m doing what I was made to do.”

The title song of the album was written for Half-Mile Farm General Manager, Jack Austin.

The Evening with Kinnebrew will be staged from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Cash Bar and Complimentary Light Bites are included and the public is welcome. There’s a $15 Cover Charge for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel guests and members; and a $25 Cover Charge for the public. Online ticket sales will open to the public two weeks prior to each session, so guests and members should make their purchases now.

Please Note: events are for guests 21 and older, and dates are subject to change. - Laurel Magazine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Kinnebrew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I once read an article where the writer interviewed a bunch of men 80 years and older and asked them if they could go back and do their lives over, what they would do differently. The most common answer could be summed up with, “I wish I had taken more risks.” I think the aversion we have of risk has the potential to really limit us and what we can do with our lives. Personally, I’ll say I’ve never regretted taking a noble risk. I say “noble” because there are plenty of irresponsible risks that I would not advise. But daring to create something, put it out there, sacrifice to be able to do what you love — these are risks that I believe are worth taking and I believe the world is a better place when we take them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a songwriter who hates writing songs. Is that strange? I’m not sure, but it’s all I’ve ever known. I want to write these songs so that I can stand up somewhere and give them to an audience of strangers. And hopefully when I sing about my life, my story, my secrets, my dreams, my fears — someone out there will hear their own story, and in that moment we are both less alone. So, best I can tell, that’s why I do what I do. I started playing and singing when I was in high school — probably (definitely) to get girls. As a preacher’s kid who moved around like someone was chasing us, music became a quick way for me to distinguish myself and make friends. Not to mention I don’t think I was good at much else, so it gave me a bit of an identity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I love BBQ so we’d have to hit up Fox Bros and Greater Good. Take in a show at Eddies Attic in Decatur followed by food/drinks at Leon’s Full Service. (Adam makes the best cocktails in town) If it’s pretty outside, we can hit up the roof at Ponce City Market for brunch, and some old school carnival games. Sushi at Umi or dinner at Little Alley Steak are two of my favs. And of course, you can finish the night off with dancing or just people watching at Johnny’s Hideway.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
What a great question. First and foremost, my wife, Lindsay. She’s a medical doctor, which is about as far away from a career playing music as you can get. And yet she’s never begrudged my passion and desire to write songs and perform them. More than that, she’s actually been my number one cheerleader. And even more than that, she comes on the road with me and sings and plays when she’s able.

I have to shoutout my good friend Andy Hingley. Andy now owns Eddies Attic and is a talent buyer for LIVE Nation. The guy is made for big, big things and it’s been so cool to watch his trajectory over the years. He’s one of the most effortlessly cool people I know, and also one of the kindest and most genuinely good guys I’ve ever met. I’m certain that I am by far the smallest name he spends any time on, and yet he has afforded me some of the coolest opportunities in my career. Most recently, opening for Joan Jett and Howie Day last month at the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival. Andy has a lot of big things coming his way, and he deserves every one of them.

Also, when I first started playing music, it was Eddie Owen who first gave me a chance to play and.a stage to play on. Eddie founded the renowned, “Eddie’s Attic” and now runs “Eddie Owen Presents” out of the Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth. Eddie loves songs and songwriters, and I will be forever grateful that he nurtured me as a young musician by giving me opportunities I did not deserve and by showing me what a life devoted to song is all about. - Shoutout Atlanta