SongVault Artist Profile

A longtime musician, Rod Kinny has always had a passion for his craft. Beginning in elementary school with band and choir to playing bass in local rock bands. After graduating high school in a desperate attempt to escape his hometown of Austin, MN. Rod enlisted in the US Air Force. In the mid 1980's he found himself stationed in England. Not particularly fond of his G.I. duties, while off duty he would escape base. Most often to the lure of the bright lights of London for music, art, pubs, & nightclubs. Initially hesitant of some of the British pop charts, he soon came to appreciate the music of Level 42, Peter Gabriel, Scritti Pollitti, and many others. After leaving the Air Force and taking up digs in Minneapolis, he was playing in bands and doing catering. With frustration mounting, playing bass in local rock bands wasn't perking his creativity. And so, he quit music...... Only to be reborn as a solo artist. In early 2002 he released his lifelong dream of a solo record.

In early 2007 he began what was to be his first breakthrough release with Producer Joe Puerta of Ambrosia, and Bruce Hornsby & The Range. The result was “Higher Self” released in May of 2010. “Higher Self” has sold in 12 countries and the title track went to #1 on Indie-Music.com’s Adult Contemporary chart. The musical style is reminiscent of 1970‘s American West Coast album oriented rock with current, often inspirational themes.

Flashing forward to 2013, having established his musical mission, Rod began another recording project. This time with engineer & co-producer Brian Bart, former guitarist of Twin Cities’ legendary band, Dare Force. The result.... “Forces of Nature.” Mr. Kinny’s most refined work, with help from some of the upper midwest’s finest musicians including Bill Brown, Troy Norton, Kenny Wilson, Ernie LaViolette, John Calarco, Lewis Sego, Michael B. Nelson, & Steve Strand. With ”Forces of Nature”, Rod has reached the apex of his musical achievement so far. “It is my mission to carry this flame inside with determination to bring joy & happiness through my music” he says.