Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Goodrich.
Hi Kenneth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Music started as an escape, but it eventually became an obsession. Early on, I realized I couldn’t afford to wait for someone else to believe in me, so I made it my mission to learn every part of the creative process myself. I taught myself how to produce, record, mix, master, shoot videos, market my music, and build a business around it—not because it was easy, but because it was the only way I could bring my ideas to life exactly as I imagined them.
That journey has been anything but glamorous. Behind every release have been years of rejection, financial sacrifices, sleepless nights, and moments where quitting would have been the easier choice. But those struggles also shaped my voice as an artist. Along the way, my music has been featured on The CW’s All American, reached millions of listeners online, earned a spot on GENIUS’ Top 3 New Music Friday, allowed me to collaborate with artists like WESTSIDE BOOGIE, and given me the opportunity to headline my own tours.
As I grew, I realized my purpose wasn’t just making music—it was showing other artists that they don’t have to wait for permission either. That led me to found Clever Empire LLC and CREATIVE FREEDOM, where I help artists become self-sufficient by teaching them how to produce, record, mix, and release their own music while maintaining creative ownership. (Text “FREEDOM” to +1 (323) 844-8375 to learn more)
Today, I’m continuing to build my career as an independent artist while documenting the real cost of chasing a dream. My latest album, LAST DAY, and its upcoming deluxe edition, DEATH OF A STARVING ARTIST, explore the sacrifices, fractured relationships, and personal transformation that come with dedicating your life to your craft. More than anything, I hope my story reminds people that your circumstances don’t have to define your future. With enough persistence, a willingness to keep learning, and the courage to bet on yourself, you can build the life—and the career—you’ve always dreamed of.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to keep believing in my vision long before anyone else did. As an independent artist, there isn’t a blueprint—you wear every hat. You’re the songwriter, producer, engineer, videographer, marketer, business owner, and sometimes even your own biggest critic. There were years where I invested everything I had back into my music without any guarantee it would pay off.
Beyond the financial challenges, I’ve learned that creating honest art can come with very real personal consequences. One of the songs on my upcoming project opens up about what it was like growing up in a household affected by addiction and shares truths I never imagined I’d make public. For a long time, I wrestled with whether I should tell that story at all. Ultimately, I realized that if I wanted my music to genuinely help people, I had to be willing to be completely honest. Sharing those experiences has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I believe the most meaningful art is created when you’re willing to tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
I’ve also had my share of setbacks—projects that didn’t perform the way I hoped, opportunities that fell through, and countless moments where quitting seemed like the easier option. Looking back, though, those experiences forced me to become more resilient, more resourceful, and more intentional about why I create in the first place.
Today, I don’t see those obstacles as failures. They became the foundation for everything I’m building. They taught me that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and having the courage to keep showing up, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an independent artist, producer, audio engineer, and founder of Clever Empire LLC. What makes my work unique is that I create every part of the process myself—from writing and producing the music to recording, mixing, mastering, directing visuals, and building the marketing campaigns behind each release. I don’t just release songs; I build complete creative worlds around every project.
My music lives somewhere between alternative hip-hop and cinematic storytelling. I’m drawn to creating records that combine high-energy production with deeply personal narratives, exploring themes like ambition, identity, mental resilience, family, and what it truly costs to chase a dream. My latest projects, LAST DAY and its upcoming deluxe edition, DEATH OF A STARVING ARTIST, are centered around that idea—telling the unfiltered story of sacrifice, growth, and finding purpose through adversity.
What I’m most proud of is building everything independently and proving that it’s possible to create a sustainable career without waiting for permission. Beyond my own music, I mentor aspiring artists through CREATIVE FREEDOM under Clever Empire, teaching them how to produce, record, mix, master, and market their own work so they can maintain creative ownership. I want to help create a new generation of artists who understand both the creative and business sides of the industry. For artists who want to learn more about CREATIVE FREEDOM, they can text “FREEDOM” to +1 (323) 844-8375.
At the end of the day, I don’t want to be known only for the songs I’ve released. I want to be known for encouraging people to think bigger, bet on themselves, and realize they’re capable of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books that changed my perspective on life forever: The Voice of Knowledge and The 4 Agreements by Miguel Ruiz, 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill & Zero To One by Peter Thiel.
Pricing:
- Creative Freedom 1-on-1 Mentorship: $200/session
- 8-Week Creative Freedom Program: $3,600 (payment plans available)
- Speaking engagements, workshops, and collaborations: Available upon request
- Music production, mixing, and consulting: Custom quotes based on project
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kennethgoodrich.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenn.goodrich/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennethgoodrichmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kennethgoodrich227
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kennethgoodrich
