Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasey “CaveMan” Jones.
Hi Kasey “CaveMan”, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all started in the jungles of Peru, involving the omens of hummingbirds, butterflies and bats. Went into the jungle as an amoeba, but came out with a mission to bring the Djembe, and ultimately, music to the world. Starting from nothing, literally building the business with my own hands, one drum at a time. Having learned the craft from several reputable drum builders in the area the last couple years before, I’d build one fleet at a time, sell them to future students, slowly allowing me to establish a drum fleet of my own for teaching publicly in larger group dynamics, such as school programs for example. I met my partner around this time also. With her exceptional marketing genius and a belief in my vision, a business named HoloRhythm was born. Thus began a life of regular drumming workshops, lessons, drum circles, Corporate retreats and festivals- essentially everything drumming related- including instruments, accessories, repair, and more. During nearly 15 years since it’s inception, my personal musical adventures expanded from primarily West African percussion, into a deep dive of Jazz guitar and music theory, eventually branching out to Bass guitar, and ukulele also. With this deep dive came the expansion of lessons in these areas, in addition to the drumming life. What was for many years a community drum school grew into a school of music. You’re all caught up on the HoloRhythm adventure hitherto.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? I suppose it feels like an insect constantly transforming from one unknown state to another, always unsure of the skin I’m in and how long it will last. Change is the only constant it’s said. If your mission in life is to make a lot of money quickly and efficiently, this is not the path for you. If, however, you’d like to be hands on (literally) in bringing joy and inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people throughout your days while ever growing musically and internally, then look no further. The Djembe has been one of the greatest tools for personal transformation I’ve ever encountered. What else can give you so audible, and immediate a reflection to your inner world? Everything from how you are feeling, what you are resisting, what you’re thinking, habits that interfere with your aligned goals…. the list goes on….. the Djembe sees it, and lets you see it. This can be a scary thought to some, but too an invigorating one if you’re willing to take on path of growth. To refer to the previous bug analogy, drumming causes the molting of all that isn’t your true self, one metamorphosis at a time. So, the feelings of struggle internally leave you ultimately with: some sweet drumming skills, a still mind, self-awareness, confidence, and compassion to say the least. These internal qualities acquired are definitely worth the challenge of making the external aspect of the business a full time adventure from day to day!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would say that foremost in my career, I have a love for music, and, coming from the words of my students, an exceptional ability to teach almost any subject matter I know. This is so whether on a personal level, or in front of a large corporate event of more that 250 executive members. As much as I love the external world of music, my true passion lies on the inner world laying in wait for it’s students. I love witnessing, and/or participating in, the inner transformations of my students and band members. I also try to find time after my needed family responsibilities to practice and perform in the local community as much as possible. I’m passionate about exploring jazz on the guitar, with it’s harmonic expansiveness, and learning to assimilate that musical jargon with the vernacular of West African rhythmic structures and melodies, into something completely new and yet heard by the ears of man. I’m always seeking new opportunities to branch out musically and grow. Something I’m really excited to start in January for the first time ever is a monthly, day-long masterclass series on subtle aspects of West African percussion. The details are TBD, so visit my website to find the most up-to-date information as it becomes available. What am I most proud of? and.. What sets you apart from others?…. Good questions. At the end of the day, though I can’t claim to have done this alone, I am most happy with the fact that I said NO THANK YOU to that comfortable, lifeless dead-end job pressure of my upbringing’s expectations. Instead, I chose what brought me joy, id est music, and though a challenging path, has inspired so many others to have the courage to do likewise.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Just recently my partner and I reflected on this subject. In the most uncanny way, she says, I dream of a future path very unlike my present moment, and within a short period of time an exceptional teacher or mentor manifests right before me. In no time at all I’m well on my way to realizing that said dream. It’s always happened this way for me. As I’ve continued to develop internal self-awareness, I realize that I have very little conscious control with what is, or how it’s going to present itself before me. But, I presume it’s sole existence is in alignment with that which I’m manifesting. If I am to proffer any advice to another on this, I’ve witnessed a few key internal qualities which consistently exist within the being of successful dreamers. To give two important ones with references to how to acquire them, it would be a combination of learning to recognize and follow the omens, like in “The Alchemist”, by Paulo Coelho, along with the determined, precise manifesting techniques and habits like what’s laid out in “The Science of Getting Rich” by Wallace D. Wattles. There are so many great examples I could reference on the subjects, but alas, these two are a great start. To elucidate and make tangible what I mean from this combo: 1.) start from a place of gratitude and trust that which you wish to bring into being is not only possible, but inevitable. 2.) If you’re willing to see honestly, both yourself and your current situation, and align yourself with the honest momentum of your heart’s truest desires, you will succeed, and all the help you need along the way will manifest before you exactly as its needed, whether that’s financial support, a teacher or mentor, a community, et cetera. Perhaps, one more bit of advice which correlates with the honesty bit; establish impeccability within your every word, thought, and action. Hypocrisy and unconscious habits are obstructive vices you’ll need to lay down on the journey to successful manifesting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HoloRhythm.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HoloRhythm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoloRhythm
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasey-c-jones/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoloRhythmMusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/fretwise-duo
