Jenkins growing music audience
Robbinsville – There is a long-standing expression about making the best of what’s in front of you: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
Kyle Jenkins, 21, is enjoying some sweet lemonade right now.
Last year, he was addicted to substances; but even worse, he was addicted to a love that had him on a pathway to destruction.
“She was the love of my life,” Jenkins recalled. “I gave her chance after chance, but our relationship was like a deep hole; she and the drugs had control of my life. I was on a downhill spiral.”
Jenkins came to this realization – and it hurt. He had to do something to ease his pain, so he sat down – guitar in hand – and began to write a song. While sharing his finished song with good friend and now-manager Joey Gulick, his friend urged Jenkins to post the song on TikTok.
When Jenkins posted “Half-Smoked Cigarettes” in February, it quickly became popular. By the end of the first month, the song had over 100,000 listens each week. It wasn’t long before he was contacted by a scout with the Santa Anna label, who was impressed. Arrangements were made and Jenkins was headed to the home of country music.
“Half-Smoked Cigarettes” was recorded in a Nashville studio with former Luke Combs producer Joe Costa in June. It was released on June 13 and is currently sitting at 500,000 listens. His music currently has 24,000 followers.
Jenkins recently signed with Santa Anna and is working on a 10-song EP.
He feels very blessed to be where he is. He gives God, his family and friends credit for not giving up on him.
A graduate of Robbinsville High School, he was interested in anything but studies.
He looks back and remembers how his uncle, Roy Smith; his brother, Daniel Smith; and friend Wendall McCrae took the time to teach him to play the guitar.
“My Uncle Roy gave me my first guitar,” explained Jenkins. “He encouraged me to use my music to express myself, instead of using the destructive ways I had been using. It led me back to my Christian upbringing.”
Today, Jenkins is thankful for everything that has happened in his past because it has made him the man he is today. He has plans to hit the road and do some shows. He will be performing in the Atlanta area this fall. He looks forward to meeting new people and traveling to new places.
He hopes to enjoy life, and that his music and story will inspire others. He quotes,
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” Jenkins said, quoting Proverbs 3: 5-6.
God has blessed Jenkins. He has given him a fresh start and a new lease on life.
Jenkins plans to trust Him and allow Him to direct his future and knows that if he gets another lemon, God has the best recipe.