We recently had the chance to connect with Kenneth P. Garnier and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Kenneth P., we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me means starting early in the morning and ending late in the evening. To inaugurate my day, I meditate, exercise, eat breakfast and practice a musical instrument, in that order. Following which, I look at my goals and objectives for the day, week, month, and even year, examining their proposed feasibility and making necessary adjustments on paper and then proceeding to implement them in practice. Regardless of artistic medium or administrative responsibility, each day will include some form of research, which helps to inform my work. Also, I check in with team members and associates who have been tasked to complete assigned projects. This gives me an opportunity to answer questions and provide necessary direction or clarity. Of course, life is a balancing act. Therefore, I always try to prioritize what matters most: relationships.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Pineal Records, Books & Films, from its inception in the year 2000, is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based company through which I both create and control my own artistic endeavors. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and from my youth, I was fortunate to be exposed to and involved in multiple art forms, especially music. During the mid-to-late 1970s, I met a few prominent musical/actorial professionals in L.A. who allowed me to accompany them to major sound and film studios, which were invaluable opportunities to observe production processes firsthand and learn about artist agreements. After moving to Minneapolis and eventually deciding to introduce my creativity to the public – which to date includes albums, music videos, authored and co-authored books and booklets, a comic strip, and a feature film – I decided to offer my professional knowledge, skills, and network to others through administrative oversight and advancement. Currently, my work is exhibited through musical identities Akouo and MessenJer, sci-fi character Churchman, and short story writer Nam Sicle, which involve collaborations with Chris Fulton, Muhammad Bilal, Tracy Garnier, Tony Evans, Yar Alexandrov, and others. Pineal’s future looks great. So, be on the lookout for: new albums; printed, audio, digital, and interactive books; additional comic strip episodes and related cartoons; an animated music video; a feature film; and expanded merchandise. Suffice it to say, especially as an independent entity, Pineal Records, Books & Films has made an important impact on the arts community and will continue indefinitely.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds are broken between people for several reasons, which reminds me of a proverb: “If you tell people to live together, you tell them to quarrel.” Conflict is inevitable and can be influenced by personal and societal expectations – some which may be relationally unreasonable. When disputes arise, it’s important to resolve them as soon as possible to restore the relationship. If that relationship (such as a friendship, marriage, or business partnership) is genuinely appreciated and mutual vulnerability is embraced, it fosters an environment conducive to rebuilding trust and emotional reconnection. Moreover, authentic actions that go beyond superficial words or symbolic gestures can facilitate meaningful reconciliation among those who have become estranged. Also, restoration is a process that requires forgiveness and patience. If you’ve ever been in a relationship that was once broken, then restored – completely restored – its unity and peace are beyond beautiful.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Most of the defining wounds of my life go back to childhood. Despite growing up in a loving family and caring community, there were times when I didn’t quite fit-in. Initially, I sought to blame others for not being included. Then, I proceeded to blame myself. Eventually, I concluded that I didn’t need to blame anyone. What I did need, however, was to accept that I’m unique. The realization of that truth came through the discovery, rediscovery, and expression of my various artistic gifts. This is just as important to me today as it was when I was a child. Hence, what began as a coping skill in response to real or imagined rejection, became a purposeful prescription for self-healing.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
It’s easy for me, just to be me; there’s no guesswork, pretense, or cerebral exertion. I acknowledge that much of my time is spent in relative solitude. I’m also no stranger to a variety of public settings, especially considering the nature of the industry in which I’m involved. I place a premium on congruency of personality, which should be everyone’s calling card. Different situations will require measured reservedness or openness.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Years ago, at a conference, I heard a respected educator say: “Never use mediocrity as a standard.” Those words reinforced what I already believed and how I’ve approached my work. For me, giving everything my best is not an option, but an obligation. While I appreciate external praise, that’s not what motivates me. Furthermore, if the criterion for people-praise constantly changes, conformity to such becomes high maintenance. Admittedly, nothing that I do will be perfect. However, I’ll put in the necessary time to conduct analyses, collaborate with others, and apply myself for a favorable outcome. I neither look nor wait for anyone to give me a round of applause; I can do that all by myself. Therefore, every person or organization that receives goods or services from Pineal Records, Books & Films can be assured they will always receive my utmost commitment and effort.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pineal.biz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennethpgarnier/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-p-garnier-88997b15/
- Twitter: https://x.com/PNLRBANDF
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinealrecordsbooksandfilms/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pineal-minneapolis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/akouomusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kenneth-p-garnier
- Other: https://www.akouomusic.com/
https://www.pinterest.com/kennethpgarnier/
Image Credits
Chris Fulton, Tracy Garnier, Muhammad Bilal, Yar Alexandrov
