Meet Khadejhia Kassenbrock | Guitarist & Bassist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Khadejhia Kassenbrock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khadejhia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Choosing to pursue a career in music has been a huge risk. A lot of people told me not to do it, and I understand why. There’s no guarantee that you’re ever gonna make any money, it can be really unpredictable, and you have to be willing to hustle hard. Then there’s a whole other layer being a woman in a male-dominated industry – I knew I’d have to fight my way up and prove that I belong.

I love my job though, and I’m happy with my choice.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a professional guitarist and bassist working in and around Los Angeles. My main genres are usually rock and pop, but I also like to play hip hop and funk.

It was definitely not easy to get where I am today! It took a lot of perseverance. Before I even came to LA I had to work on some mental obstacles that were holding me back from stepping out of my comfort zone, so I went to therapy. After that I went to Musician’s Institute and busted my ass, practicing for 8 hours a day sometimes! I wasn’t the best guitarist there, but I made up for it by working really hard, and won the “Outstanding Student” award when I graduated. Once I was out in the real world, I immediately started joining bands, going to jam nights, and trying to get to know people in the scene. I would scour Craigslist and say yes to just about every musical opportunity I could.

It’s paid off, and now I’m at a point where I can be a little more picky about what I say yes to, and who I choose to work with. Still working on climbing my way to the top though!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d take them to all the places with bomb vegan food, cause I’m vegan! We’d have to go to places like Pura Vita, Doomie’s, Salaya Plant-Based Kitchen, Mr. Charlie’s, Veggie Grill, Cinnaholic, Bulan Thai, and Brother’s Meatballs.

For shows I’d take them to places like Redwood in DTLA, Boardner’s/Bar Sinister in Hollywood, Viper Room, or The Echo.

I also love taking visitors to hike from the top of Runyon Canyon down – one of the best views of the city I’ve ever seen!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents definitely! They fostered my love of music from the beginning, even though they weren’t musicians themselves. I grew up singing along with them to artists like Pixies, Violent Femmes, Alanis Morissette, Social Distortion, The Breeders… and alternative rock is still my favorite genre. When I told them I wanted to pursue a career in music, they were nothing but completely supportive, and continue to be. They come to tons of my shows. A lot of people I know in the scene aren’t that lucky!

x

Website: www.khadejhia.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/khadejhia

Facebook: www.facebook.com/khadejhiamusic

Image Credits
Don Marcelo Photography