Daily Inspiration: Meet Simon / AKA Pushki Huntley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Simon / AKA Pushki Huntley.

Hi Simon / AKA Pushki Huntley, thanks for sharing your story. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in the Kansas City Northland. When I was three years old, my parents spontaneously decided to relocate to rural France, where we lived until I was sixteen. It was a rather isolated environment, which compelled me to find my sources of entertainment. I’m told I quickly displayed signs of a knack for rhythm, as I would often drum on pots and pans from age three. Consequently, my parents purchased a drum kit for me shortly after that. I began constructing “Music Studios” and “Live Stages” in my bedroom at around six years old, primarily performing and dragging my parents and my older sister to join in. At that time, I also made my debut performance at a local bar alongside my father, who played guitar. By turning thirteen, I had joined a band with two older adults and began playing professionally. At sixteen, I strongly desired to return to KC and immerse myself in what was often heralded as the “Cool US Culture.” I enrolled at Park Hill High School, where I became a part of the Drumline and developed a passion for theater, particularly lighting design. My dedication in this field earned me a Blue Star Award and a Cappie during my junior year.

Around seventeen, I approached a dear family friend, Stephen Goldblatt, to inquire if Quixotic Fusion, a local performing arts group in Kansas City, had any internship opportunities. Thankfully, they did and agreed to give me a chance. I went above and beyond to prove my worth, taking on tasks ranging from clearing snow in the parking lot to handling equipment cases until my hands were numb, hoping to get a shot at a bigger role. That day came sooner than expected. After just under a year of being there, Quixotic, who needed a drummer for their live band, heard of my capabilities through Stephen. He promptly exclaimed, “If you’re looking for a drummer, you have one downstairs!” I auditioned on the spot and cut. Not long after, I performed at festivals to massive crowds across the country and continent. At just nineteen, I went from the Ritz in Miami to a sold-out headline show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. The experience I’ve gained is like no other. I am indebted to Anthony Magliano (Creative Director), Mica Thomas (CEO), Shane Borth (Musical Director), and Stephen Goldblatt (Visual Designer) for the chances they gave me and subsequently launched my career.

Around 2016, I crossed paths with Calvin Arsenia, known in KC as “Your Friendly Neighborhood Harpist,” who had recently returned from Scotland and was preparing to release his latest album, “Catastrophe.” Quixotic recommended me as a lighting designer for his album release show, and over time, I also took on the role of drummer in Calvin’s band. In 2018, he offered me the opportunity to go on tour, and together, we traveled along the West Coast, Canada, and throughout Europe. During the journey, we worked on creating his subsequent album, “Cantaloupe.” Upon our return to Kansas City, we joined forces with Jametatone, a renowned local producer with international acclaim. We released “Cantaloupe” on Centercut Records, and subsequently, Jametatone, Arsenia, and I worked together on the electronic release “Honeydew.”

Amid the pandemic, I adopted the alias “Pushki” to create a persona for my musical productions. Under this name, I’ve been working on a full-length release expected in the coming year. During this period, I co-founded “Camp Clover” with Jametatone, Spade, Alec Nicolas (owner of the Emerald KC), and Zach Hames, releasing a full-length album. Today, I am increasingly returning to France to care for my father battling dementia. As challenging as this may be, it has given me invaluable insights into life and emphasized the importance of living in the present moment and cherishing one’s community. It has reinforced my belief that if you have a dream, there is no better time than the present to pursue it. I have been actively creating more music and am set to release my first jazz track under my own name to showcase my newly acquired “skills” on the tenor saxophone, titled “Life, Death & The Rain,” on September 8th.

I continue to work closely with Calvin Arsenia, Quixotic, and Jametatone. Additionally, Jametatone, Alyssa Murray, and I have formed “Les Marmoppes,” a deep funk project, and our first single is slated for release at the end of September. My passion for lighting design remains steadfast, and since 2017, I have served as the Lighting Director at the Folly Theater, affording me the privilege of collaborating with some of the world’s most esteemed artists, ranging from Yo-Yo Ma, Jane Lynch, Mitsuko Uchida, and the finest talents of Kansas City. Most recently, I’ve worked with A$AP Rocky as a drummer for his directorial debut in Kansas City in his newest music video, ‘RIOT.’

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve always felt some imposter syndrome. Even in the middle of a show, far away from my friends, I wonder if I belong or am good enough. I’ve learned to push through and enjoy myself and my passions.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a producer, musician, and visual artist specializing in percussion. One of my proudest achievements in my career is the meaningful friendships I’ve cultivated along the way, the music, and the moments from them. Taking the stage before a crowd of strangers can be a daunting experience, and it’s not something that everyone is comfortable with, so I surround myself with individuals who share my commitment to vulnerability and giving their all. My desire to understand each step in my work sets me apart. Whether organizing a show or producing a record, I want to be familiar with each person’s steps, from travel logistics, mixing techniques, and physical requirements of specific instruments to how people take their coffee or tea. If I have a greater understanding, I can make the experience as pleasant as possible to free myself and others around me to create off-the-cuff and from the heart. It also helps to know the rules so I can promptly break them or even discard them completely.

Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
What matters most to me is my community and family and to create in the present for the present, hoping my energy gets passed on. It’s important to be around people who push you to think, who you trust, and who love you for you. Memories can fade, and all you’re left with is the present moment, the people in it, and how you made them feel. So be nice.

Contact Info:

• Website: simonhuntley.studio
• Instagram: @whoispushki

Image Credits
Main profile pic and fire pic: Jeff Everard, Additional photos: Todd Zimmerman (ZIMFO) and Myself