From the CWC recording studio to Nashville; a successful music career for CWC alumnus

Music has always been an integral part of the Fleetwood’s family life, and for Kenny Fleetwood his journey started at Central Wyoming College.

Growing up, Fleetwood developed a passion for music. When he purchased his first guitar and began playing, he discovered it was all he ever wanted. Fleetwood hadn't planned to attend college after high school. Encouragement from his parents and his vocal instructor, Pat Dalton, directed him to CWC and the music program.

“I thought I wouldn't be able to afford it,” Fleetwood said. After auditioning for the music department, he was introduced to then vocal professor, Bob Hussa, who invited him to join the Jazz ensembles as a guitarist and all of the vocal ensembles as well.

“The invitation came with a full scholarship. Who could say no to a free education?” he said.

Hussa was a major influence in Fleetwood’s path to success during and after his time at CWC.

“He really helped shape my work ethic and gave me the confidence to pursue my career goals. Also to maintain a high level of expectation for myself in both my abilities as a musician as well as in my personal life,” Fleetwood said.

Piano and vocal professor Sharon Dalton was also an essential part of Fleetwood’s education and development as well.

“She really helped me discover how creative I could be and unlocked a lot of skills that I have in aural theory,” Fleetwood said. “I’ve applied so many things Sharon taught me to my everyday songwriting that I should probably list her as a songwriter on some of my catalogue.”

After CWC, Fleetwood made a move to Missoula, Montana with the intent to continue his education. He decided he wanted to hold off on obtaining a bachelor's degree to take some time and delve deeper into composing and songwriting. In 2008, Fleetwood moved to Nashville where he started a band known as Farewell Fighter and began to see success in his music career.

 

We ended up recording three records, doing three national tours, and receiving some incredible reviews from various magazines and websites across the world. ”

Kenny Fleetwood, CWC alumnus

In 2012, Fleetwood decided to make the transition from touring into writing and producing music. specifically for television and film. By 2013, one of his songs was picked up for an international ad for Coca Cola which led to Fleetwood signing with a music agency in L.A. that would help him pitch his music for various ads, tv shows and films. Since the deal, Fleetwood has had his songs in more than 50 placements across the world. Because of these successes, Fleetwood signed with another management company that works to connect him with various artists across all genres where he co-writes and produces songs. Currently, Fleetwood is working with several different artists on upcoming releases as well as developing a solo record set to release some time in 2017.

“One of my biggest goals is to write a song that reaches platinum status,” Fleetwood said. “I’d also like to score an entire film.” 

Fleetwood remembers his time at CWC fondly. He credits his time in the recording studio on campus as a turning point in his career.

“I really felt the most electricity when I was in that little room making noise and messing around with instruments,” Fleetwood said. “It was during that time that I was able to really experiment with songwriting and put the skills I had learned in class to work in order to cultivate what has ultimately become a successful career in a highly competitive industry.”