Meet Kai Gluska

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kai Gluska a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kai, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

To me, a big part of self-care is just to pay attention to my feelings and needs, and try to be kind to myself and not harsh.

It could mean allowing myself to do things that I like, simple things like cooking, eating, sleeping, painting, spending time with friends/my girlfriend, watching TV, or even practicing meditation, yoga, reading a book (the last book that really helped me is Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner).

That can also mean noticing when I really don’t want to play my guitar or do any other sort of work and allowing myself not to force it (when I can). I can come back to it another day when I’m fresh and have more energy to do the task I need to do.

All of these little things really help me to be more compassionate with myself and by that, I become more productive.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a guitarist, composer, educator, and entrepreneur based in Brooklyn, performing regularly at venues like Ornithology, Smalls, Mezzrow, etc. I also play twice a week with my R&B trio at a spot called the Flatiron Room, all shows are listed on my website – Kaigluska.com

Last year, I released my debut album Impressions of Yesterday. In this project, I aimed to create an experience that captures the emotional highs and lows of life, illustrating how powerful art can be. The album blends my original compositions, arrangements, and spoken words, exploring themes of inner growth, connection, and hope.

Additionally, I create unique collaborations between musicians and venues, particularly in spaces that don’t feature live music. I represent musicians and work with venue owners—whether it’s a café, bar, or other location—to establish regular live music programs. We usually choose days and times that are less busy for the venue, using music to help draw in a crowd. This model has proven highly successful since I started back in 2015. Some of the programs I initiated are still running nearly a decade later. One of my exciting new collaborations is at Hotel Delmano, a fantastic bar in Williamsburg, where I perform every Monday with a jazz trio from 8:30 to 10:30 PM.

I’m also excited about my recent merch line, which I find really fulfilling. I’ve always loved painting, so I started hand-painting shirts with unique flower designs. Each one is different, making them one-of-a-kind pieces that I personally create.

Currently, I’m also working on a second album, an organ trio album that will feature more of my original compositions, with a groovy, rhythm-driven feel. I hope to record it sometime In 2025, but until then I’m playing with my organ trio pretty casually around NYC.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

– Don’t sit around and wait for something to happen over time – like someone calling you for a gig. If I want something, do everything in your power to make it happen.

– Good, open, friendly personal communication with people can go a long way. Having a community is so important.

– Keep learning new skills that will help you in expected and unexpected ways along the way.

My advice to people is: Allow yourself to imagine what you want to do/achieve.

Then understand what it takes to achieve it – what are the steps you need to take to get where you want to be?

And then start to take those steps one by one.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Always! I’m always looking for more people to collaborate with, whether it’s someone who runs a venue and wants to get more traffic, a filmmaker/dancer who need music for a project, or more places to perform and people to play with. I’m open to a lot of things as long as they are interesting enough.

I’m also currently looking for a booking manager who could help me plan my upcoming tour.

If they read this they can contact me through my social media – https://www.instagram.com/kaigluska/

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Dana Golan

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