Meet Kyle Cervantes

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kyle Cervantes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kyle below.

Kyle, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My dad for sure. Even when I was young he’d always tell me, “CAN, not CAN’T!” even if it did drive me crazy at the time. He was very right. Growing up I watched him work himself like crazy for myself and my siblings to have a life where we could do what we loved. The part of him that sees obstacles as temporary and his mental fortitude to forge a path with skills he possesses is what I try to carry with me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I play saxophone. A lot of saxophone. I specialize in baritone saxophone (the big one) but recently I’ve been branching out to different horns depending on the gig. I genuinely believe it’s my purpose on earth to play this instrument. I play like my life depends on it, because some days, it really does. Life is not easy, but saxophone helps.

I also do some arranging, engraving, and light studio work on the side.

As far as new projects, I’m actually in the middle of releasing my debut EP! We’re currently recording in the studio this month to finish the last couple tracks. This project means a lot to me. I’ve had music ready to record since 2019, and because of COVID and writer’s block among other things, it just kept getting delayed. Until now. Nothing can stop this train now. The name is still a secret, and we’re aiming for a release after the new year, so keep your eyes peeled!

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?
1. Consistency- It can never be underestimated how important it is to have a regular and routined discipline for the things you want to accomplish in life. I’m a musician, so I’ll use practicing. I’m not Charlie Parker, I can’t spend the entire day practicing. But, I can be consistent with it. I set aside a specific time of the day when I practice SOMETHING. But I do it everyday even if it’s just 20 minutes or so. Once it’s a habit, then you still continue to do it, even when you’d rather do anything else. Success is the sequential completion of daily tasks each day.

2. Conviction- If you are going to do something, do it “like you mean it”. To me, those four words are a lot deeper after a second glance. If someone were to ask me what color the shirt I’m currently wearing is, I would tell them “blue.” They can try to pull my leg all day and say it’s purple, but it’s not. It’s blue. I know it is. It’s simply fact. So when I set out to perform something, why wouldn’t I be doing it with the same conviction similar to how I know my shirt is blue? It’s taking responsibility for yourself.

3. Saying no- I myself still struggle with this one. When opportunity knocks, sure, you want to be the one answering the door every time. But when you say yes to too many things and spread yourself thin, all that happens is you can no longer give 100% effort into a task. Instead, everything gets a 60-70% effort. That feeling sucks. It feels like you let yourself and others down for something you know you can do better on. So you have to learn when it’s appropriate to say no. You don’t need to accept every challenge. You need rest.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus

If you’re someone who identifies as a nihilist or pessimist, you need to read this book. The philosophy of absurdism as dictated by Camus through the ancient myth of Sisyphus is one of the most eye opening plots of knowledge I’ve ever read. It’s a very deep dive into fighting existential dread.

While not getting too crazy into it, the main take away point is this:

There is no greater meaning in life other than what we personally assign it to be. When we accept that the universe has no inherent meaning or reason, we can be free of artificial expectations and embrace the absurd.

It’s a very interesting take on a typically negative phrase. Highly recommend it.

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Image Credits
Alan Westman, Alyssa Cervantes,

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