Spotlight on members of our community living with neuromuscular conditions: Alex James Kennedy
As part of our members’ stories series, Alex James Kennedy is delighted to share his story about his music career.
Alex James Kennedy
I’m Alex James Kennedy, and I’m a musician, disability advocate and frontman of the world’s first DMD-fronted rock band, Alex James, based in Northeast England. I live with the rare, life-limiting muscle wasting condition known as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and yet, miraculously I turn this pain into success, taking to the stage in my electric wheelchair with the band and delivering an unexpected rock experience which indulges the audience with an amalgamation of chunky bass lines, punchy riffs and unforgettable vocal melodies alongside conceptual lyrics which reflect on my own experiences of life, whilst also trying to create reliability between the band and our audience. DMD sits at the forefront of the band as I believe it will raise more awareness of the condition and allow us to show disability in a positive light, changing people’s perceptions of disability and breaking down the stigma behind what it means to be a disabled person.
I started listening to music at very young age. I remember spinning the Grease Megamix in my bedroom and dancing and singing along with such passion. And then my music journey began in school. It was here that my passion for music ignited. Little did I know that this would act as the foundation for the career that I am still developing today. I played piano in primary school when I was 10/11 and I had my first ever drum lesson when I was 13. I was also taught how to sing by a professional singing coach. Since then, I have become self-taught in piano and electric guitar.
The band was originally founded as part of my Masters in Music at Newcastle University back in 2019 and we have been building momentum ever since. I have been a musician and performer for 11 years now and over the years I have also performed at countless venues for many different events separate from the band, including singing musical theatre, playing as a jazz drummer in a big band and performing/acting in theatre productions. I have also pursued freelance, performance work in care homes. My most prestigious event would be performing alongside the lyricist/writer Tim Rice at The Glasshouse in Newcastle in 2015.
When asked about any challenges I might have faced my career and how I overcome them to become a successful artist, the challenge that I consistently face is the lack of venue accessibility for performers. Getting onto a stage in an electric wheelchair can be exceptionally difficult and requires a lot of planning and discussion with the venue and promoters in order to improve accessibility and make it possible for the band to perform. The band advocates for better accessibility and representation for disabled artists and anyone with access needs across the music industry.
The other challenge is mental stamina. Running a business yourself, creating artwork, organising rehearsals, writing music, promoting music and being your own accountant all add up over time. Using stamina effectively through a day is very challenging as a disabled artist and it is sometimes important to seek support/advice to combat the pressures of these expectations.
My advice to a child or young person living with a neuromuscular condition to achieve their career goals would be to believe in yourself and aspire to achieve what you want in life. It is very important build a network of contacts who will help support you in your career. Independence doesn’t always mean you have to do everything on your own. I take more of a self-employed, business approach to work as I feel being in control of my own destiny as a disabled person is empowering. Believe in yourself, learn to love yourself and always try your best. I have learnt that life is short and it is best to live in the present and put your all into something you love. My love is the music and inspiring others towards the mindset that, if they put their minds to it, they can accomplish anything. Also try not to care what others think, fight to claim your passions and you’ll start to develop a career you love. A career doesn’t always mean being rich either. It is about doing something that allows you to feel fulfilled in life, whilst creating memories with the people that matter. YOU DO YOU.
AJ
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