IU employee doubles as local musician

Kenny Childers said he never doubted music would be some part of his life.

When he’s not distributing IUanyWare software for University Information Technology Services, Childers fronts the local alternative rock band Gentleman Caller.

“I was drawn to music at an early age, in kind of an obsessive way,” Childers said. “I would listen to the radio as a kid, and if I heard a song I liked, then that was it. That’s all I would listen to, over and over.”

Childers has been involved with music professionally for 23 years, occupying various roles in local bands such as Stranded at the Drive-In, Velo Deluxe and Mysteries of Life. A fifth album for Gentleman Caller is expected to release at the end of the summer.

The album will precede a tour, something Childers said he doesn’t enjoy.

“I don’t like crowded spaces,” he said. “I like being on stage, I like it when we’re driving. But that whole getting to a place and waiting to play, and the talking and the feeling like I have to be turned on is kind of exhausting. I’m kind of a loud introvert.”

Childers plays guitar and bass in addition to being a lead vocalist.

Long-time friend David England said Childers is as proficient a lyricist as he is a musician.

“He writes songs constantly,” England said. “He has enough songs to make at least two albums right now.”

He said Childers’ reputation as a lyricist allows the musician to collaborate with local artists Heidi Gluk and duo Lily & Madeleine. Childers said he is also helping England write a record of his own.

“He’s just all over the place,” England said.

Childers’ lyrics might derive some of their power from how personal they are, England said.

Gentleman Caller’s third album, “Wake,” contains lyrics expressing the grief Childers felt at the loss of his daughter, Roxy, at 37 weeks.

“He’s got some demons,” England said. “If you want to get down there with him, they’re in his songs.”

Childers said his lyrics are part of his therapy, and his approach to mental health.

“I guess you pick up baggage in life as you go sometimes, so writing through those things makes those things matter,” Childers said. “It gives them a place. I guess songs are a little bit like exorcisms for me.”

Childers said his hands, often covered in ink, are a testament to his love for words. So is his English degree from IU that he received in 1996.

“I was an English major because I liked books and writing,” Childers said. “I think it helped because I met a lot of cool people through creative writing — some other weirdos that I connected with, and we helped push each other’s writing.”

When he’s not in the studio or at UITS, Childers raises his two children. He has a 4-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son.

“I don’t really have time for anything else,” Childers said.

Though Childers agreed Gentleman Caller has the potential to make it big, he said it’s not something he thinks about.

“It’s not something I dwell on,” Childers said. “It’s not a healthy way to think, for me.”

Childers said his goal is to continue making music and writing lyrics, regardless of the outcome.

“I kind of realized it’s not a choice for me,” he said. “It’s what makes me happy. It’s the thing I’m doing where I feel most like myself.”

Follow reporter Lyndsay Jones on Twitter @lyndsayjonesy.