We recently connected with Ken May and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ken, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
The first time I got booked for a major festival slot, There I was, looking at my name on the lineup, and my brain’s like “they’re gonna know you have no idea what you’re doing.” Even after years of grinding in clubs, producing tracks in my bedroom studio, and landing those small acting roles that slowly got bigger – that voice in my head kept saying I was just getting lucky and fooling people.
You know that moment when you’re about to step onto a huge stage, or walk onto a legit film set, and your heart’s doing this wild dance in your chest? That was me every single time. Looking around at all these established artists and actors I’d been following forever, thinking “how did I end up here?”
These days, when I’m working on new music or prepping for an audition, I try to focus less on “am I good enough?” and more on “what can I bring to this that nobody else can?” Because that’s the thing – nobody else has lived my exact story or sees music and acting quite the way I do.
I still get those imposter feels sometimes. But now I see them as a sign that I’m pushing myself, trying new things, getting uncomfortable. And honestly? Some of my best work has come from those moments when I felt most out of my depth but decided to go for it anyway.
So if you’re feeling like you don’t belong in the scene, or like you somehow tricked your way in? You’re not alone. And chances are, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be – even if your brain hasn’t caught up to that fact yet. Because of that, it helps me constantly foster a sense of gratitude.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Between my day job and kids, I also focus my artistic energies on Acting, DJing, and making music.
As SCYTHE, I’ve been in my studio cave for months crafting something special for you all. This new music hits different – it’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s exactly the sound I’ve been chasing in my head for years. Finally nailed that perfect blend of deep, atmospheric beats with those cinematic vibes that get under your skin. Each track tells its own story, but together? I want them to take you on a whole journey.
These movie projects I’ve been honored to work on… mind-blowing doesn’t even cover it. I’m working with some absolute legends who’ve pushed me to dig deeper than ever before. I can’t spill all the details yet (you know how it goes 😉), but what I can say is these roles are stretching me in the best possible ways, and I’ve never felt more alive creatively. When you’re juggling film sets, DJing, and music production, some days feel like living in two different worlds. But honestly? That’s where the magic happens. The energy from one feeds into the other, and suddenly you’re making stuff you never even dreamed possible.
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?
Looking back on my journey through music production, DJing, and acting, three qualities stand out as absolute game-changers:
Gratitude has been the foundation of everything. Early on, I’d get frustrated when a track wasn’t coming together or an audition didn’t go my way. But learning to be grateful – even for the rejections and the rough mixes – completely transformed my approach. Every “no” taught me something new. Every failed track showed me what didn’t work. Start keeping a gratitude journal specifically for your craft. Write down three things daily: something you learned, someone who helped you (even indirectly), and a small win (even if it’s just showing up to practice). You’ll be amazed how this shifts your mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.”
Humility might seem counterintuitive in industries that often celebrate ego, but it’s been crucial. Being humble enough to learn from everyone – from the intern on set to the opening DJ – has opened so many doors. It’s what made me approachable for collaborations and kept me learning even when I started seeing success. If you’re just starting out, embrace being the least experienced person in the room. Ask questions. Share credit. Admit when you don’t know something. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop growing.
Passion sounds obvious, right? But I’m talking about the kind that keeps you going when the glamour wears off. The kind that has you tweaking a bassline at 3 AM or practicing a scene long after everyone’s left the set. Here’s the thing though – passion needs direction. For newcomers, my advice is to channel it strategically. Don’t just practice randomly; identify specific skills you want to develop and create a deliberate practice plan. Let your passion fuel your discipline, not just your dreams.
These qualities work together: Gratitude keeps you grounded, humility keeps you learning, and passion keeps you moving forward. For those starting out, focus on developing these alongside your technical skills. They’re not just nice-to-haves; they’re the foundation that’ll support everything else you build.
Remember – plenty of established artists you admire started exactly where you are. The difference isn’t just talent or luck; it’s these core qualities that determine how far you’ll go and how you’ll handle both success and setbacks along the way.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“Make Your Own Damn Movie” by Lloyd Kauffman. Long story short, the best way to learn more is to DO IT. Go suck. Learn what didn’t work, and improve it for next time. Perfect is the death of Great.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/scythe000?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaBfHu1Bf1Nees6jN21XhJgpZ90SEydGZVfrDkmqh38lm0i4oFCC4tqVYE_aem_DwcmriRJEz1f3ZLp5NptBQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooscytheoo/
- Twitter: https://x.com/scythe000
Image Credits
Manuel Zavala
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