Caswell County, North Carolina native Kyle Foster, discovered a love for the guitar at 15 years of age. In 2007, while a junior, Foster performed for the first time at a high school talent show. “I started performing at open mics soon after, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” he added.
After following the lead of several of his friends who played guitar, Foster picked up the bass.
Foster is the bassist for local favorites, The League of Ordinary Gentlemen. He also writes music and performs solo. Foster, a lifelong wrestling and motor sports fan, was drawn to music naturally. “My dad plays guitar, so I grew up with him playing around the house or performing in church and stuff,” he said. “I was into the same music as my dad was — like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.”
When preparing to take the stage, Foster doesn’t have any set pre-show rituals. He added, “I just make sure I get there early to set up and give myself time for any last-minute preparations.”
He finds inspiration in many genres of music, “from rock to country to hip-hop.” Foster cited The Beatles and Nirvana as his favorite bands growing up. “In terms of songwriting, I love Chris Knight and Donovan Woods. I draw inspiration through a lot of things — friendships, relationships, experiences, life in a small town, and even movies and television,” he said.
While inspiration is all around Foster, creativity isn’t something that flows easily with him. He looks to listening to his favorite artist, or at times, something new to stay creative. “Sometimes, if I’m really in a rut, I’ll look up ‘songwriting challenges’ online and try to complete them.”
Writing with Donovan Woods is a dream collaboration for Foster. “Sitting down for a songwriting session with him would be awesome.” Choosing a favorite record is an impossible task, but he recommends Ozzy Osbourne’s 2022 album Patient Number 9 “for anyone into his kind of music.”
Woody Allen once said, “80 percent of success in life is just showing up.” It’s a quote that Foster believes in. “I’ve always found that to be true — as long as you’re working on your craft every day and putting in the effort, good things will come.”
Foster suggested that aspiring musicians learn music theory and collaborate with others early and often. “Those two skills are what’s going to give the biggest advantage. Also, there’s so many things you can do in music, especially today. Do your research and don’t be afraid to try different things,” he added.
Foster aspires to record and release an album of original songs. “Other local artists like Jason Springs and Matt Crowder have put out their own releases with great success. I hope to follow in their footsteps. Outside of that, I just hope to continue building my name and career. I’m more excited about the future than I’ve ever been,” he concluded.
If he wasn’t playing music, Foster could see himself as an accountant. “I’ve always had a knack for numbers. I’d be a lot more well off, but life wouldn’t be anywhere near as fun or interesting!”