Check Out Kyler Sullivan’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyler Sullivan

Hi Kyler, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Tampa, Florida but my family moved to North Carolina when I was six. My parents are still in Wake Forest. During high school, at Ravenscroft School, I was planning to pursue a business degree and hoped to play collegiate football. However, after sustaining two concussions during high school, I had to reconsider my path.

Around that time, I enrolled in a chorus elective, and my teacher recognized a talent I hadn’t fully explored. She encouraged me to audition for the state Honors Chorus, and I was fortunate to be selected for the North Carolina All-State Choir. This experience ignited a deep love for music within me.

I served as one of the captains of my high school football team while also playing the role of Gaston in our school production of “Beauty and the Beast.” I tried to keep my role as Gaston quiet but that didn’t work out. I expected a lot of ribbing from my football teammates. A group of them, with coaches, ended up coming together to watch me perform. I thought my voice was going to crack when I saw them all sitting out there. Luckily, my voice held and I think my team enjoyed the performance.

I was still vacillating on whether or not to pursue music as a major. Singing had always seemed more like something just fun, and just for me. In the summer of 2018, I attended Belmont University’s Vocal Summer Intensive program. This solidified my commitment to a musical career; I was hooked!

In 2019, I moved to Nashville to study Commercial Music with a concentration in Music Business at Belmont University. Starting out, I busked on Broadway, and a chance encounter led to an invitation to perform at Tootsies Orchid Lounge.

Since then, I’ve been performing regularly at venues like Tootsies, Honky Tonk Central, and Rippy’s, sharing my blend of country, pop, and soulful melodies with audiences. These last 18 months, I’ve begun to do more private affairs. I sang at a NC State homecoming event and have begun performing at fairs and festivals. One highlight for me, this past year, was to be invited to perform the National Anthem at a Carolina Hurricane’s game.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has had its challenges. The concussions that ended my football aspirations were a significant turning point, forcing me to redefine my identity and goals. Transitioning from sports to music required me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace a new passion.

Moving to Nashville was both exciting and daunting; starting from scratch in a city renowned for its musical talent meant I had to prove myself. My Dad kept telling me I needed to try Busking on Broadway. I was scared. Not only of risking being laughed at, but because I only knew the guitar accompaniment to a handful of songs. I decided to take my chances. I set up on a corner and prepared to sing the same 4-5 songs on repeat.

I was shocked when I was invited to perform at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. This is a world-renown Honkytonk that has been around since the ‘60s. Many great singers have performed there, like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. I realized I needed to expand my repertoire very quickly, so I spent the next couple weeks memorizing songs and chords.

Singing at the honkytonks was an eye-opener. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone. I had to learn how to read the crowd and interact with the party-goers. The experience I gained from my time at the honkytonks was immeasurable. It really is being thrown into the fire when you are on stage at some of the biggest honkytonks like Tootsies, Rippys, Kid Rocks, and Ole Red.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a country singer-songwriter based in Nashville. I perform at honkytonks, private events, and anywhere people want to hear great live music. I love playing at home in North Carolina and have been trying to get back here every couple months for some gigs. My schedule is on my website, so you can out when I’ll be singing here at home. I’ll be kicking off this year’s First Friday in Franklinton events on April 4th from 5 – 8. And I’ll be at the Hillsboro Seafest, on May 17th.

I specialize in live performances that feel personal and real—whether it’s an intimate acoustic set or a high-energy honkytonk show, I focus on delivering music that resonates. What sets me apart is my ability to bring authenticity to every song, whether it’s my own original work or a classic cover. I hope my voice and presence create an experience that sticks with people long after the show is over. I’ve been told I sound like the old time crooners. I’ve also been told I need a slogan for my voice. If you get a chance, please listen to it and send me suggestions.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the connection I’ve built with fans through live music. There’s nothing better than seeing people sing along, dance, and be engaged with my music. I’m excited to keep building something real—staying true to the music while reaching new heights. 

I hope you’ll take a moment to listen to some of my music, and if you like it, follow me. I’m on instagram, Facebook and TikTok. I also have a website, www.kylersullivanmusic.com.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t measured by financial gain but by the fulfillment that comes from doing what you love and positively impacting others. If my music resonates with people and brings them joy or comfort, then I consider that a true achievement. I am blessed to be able to do something that I love and that supports me. I realize that most people are not so lucky.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kylersullivanmusic.com
• Instagram: @kylersullivanmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091969902990&sk=about
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyler-m-sullivan-893223185/
• Twitter: @KylerSullivan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KylerSullivanMusic
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6w4wlaqrXJJ8A84BZDPA58