Kyle, our Laner of the Week, was born in Ashland, Oregon, and lived there until he was ten. Then his family moved to Maui, where he learned to surf, jump off waterfalls and dream up a life of becoming a musician! After high school, he moved to Los Angeles, and he’s been there ever since! Kyle has been pursuing that dream of being a musician by serving as a vocalist in a band that he founded called Havoc Faction. It’s a post-apocalyptic/vigilante themed rock band! Sounds like we should learn more…!
What do you like about Mustard Lane or just working events in general?
Mustard lane takes great care of their staff and has great clients. A few of my friends were on their awesome roster and I’ve already made some new ones as well! I love working events, and have been doing it since 2010. The past three years I’ve been doing it more full-time and can’t imagine working in any other industry.
When you’re not on the Lane…what are you doing?!
I love surfing, rock climbing, and in the winter: I snowboard. I love singing, so when I’m not working on music for Havoc Faction, I’m at a karaoke bar.
Favorite restaurant or food?
One of my favorite restaurants is Lazy Dog. They have a great happy hour and all of the food is really good and high quality. They also make great drinks, and have a wide beer selection. The service is also consistently great.
2025 is coming to a close…any last goals?
I get to play one last show with my band at the Whisky on December 16 (DM me for tickets! haha). But, other than that, I’m just hustling away so my girlfriend Janise and I can enjoy a holiday trip up to Oregon to visit my family and friends, and show her my hometown of Ashland. It’s really pretty for Christmas. We also definitely wanna do some snowboarding.
Name a place you’d love to travel to. And why?!
I love traveling to England. I love the history there and the people are so fun to drink with haha. I went to London last year by myself for 4 days to see one of my favorite bands called Fightstar. They haven’t played a show in 8 years and I’ve never gotten to see them, so I had to take the trip. When I was there I met 3 friends that now have become some close friends of mine who I just went to visit this year in England again. Music has brought some amazing people into my life from around the world and I’m forever grateful. I got to explore the ruins of a castle this year. I can’t wait to go back to see my friends, maybe catch another concert, and see another castle, and drink some local ale!
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from the Lane?
Depends on my mood. If I’m feeling active, I’d want to surf or hike or rock climb. If I’m feeling lazy, I like to watch movies that are related to each other or binge a tv show and make food and cocktails and relax on the couch all day…maybe play some guitar.
Any other fun concert-going experiences?
Yeah! Another one of my favorite concerts was traveling to Birmingham, Alabama by myself to attend Furnace Fest, an emo, punk, hardcore festival that featured so many of my favorite bands. It was my first time attending a 3 day festival, and my first time traveling by myself to a state I’ve never been. The festival was amazing. I had the best time and enjoyed all the bands…even discovered some new ones that I became a fan of because of that festival! I made a few awesome friends as well.
What’s your hidden talent?!
People don’t know that I scream like a metal or hardcore vocalist.
If you could have your dream job tomorrow – other than Laner of the Week – what would it be?
I’d love to tour and be a working musician full-time and have my partner with me along the way…eeing the world together and performing together (she sings as well).
What’s an essential part of your daily Laner routine?
Having gratitude. Always taking time to say thanks for all the blessings that I receive. I’m so grateful for the life that I have built for myself, and the friends that I’ve made on this journey, and meeting the love of my life. I always try to have moments of gratitude everyday.
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
Always trust your gut. Your intuition serves you. Listen to your body. I learned this young and ever since I’ve been able to trust the universe and trust myself in navigating life. I don’t take things too seriously. I go with the flow. It makes life much more enjoyable.
We’re entering the “Holiday Season”…what do you look forward to this time of year?
I’m really excited to watch holiday movies, drink eggnog, go snowboarding, and walk around in areas filled with Christmas lights. It’s my first holiday with my girlfriend, Janise, so we’re really excited to enjoy it all together.
What’s on your Laner wishlist this season?
Hmmm…I think a new acoustic guitar would be nice haha.
Favorite Holiday Dessert…go!
Always pumpkin pie or pumpkin rolls. They remind me of my mom and I love pumpkin anything.
What’s a brand or event that you would love to represent or work as a Laner, should the chance ever arise?
I’d love to work with any action sport brands or outdoor brands.
How do you stay inspired?
That’s a really good question. Movies really help me with this. They probably inspire me the most. I love when things spark my imagination.
Any advice for someone looking to enter the world of events as a Laner?
Bring your A-game and have fun! This world is competitive but it’s also really fun. As long as you show up on time and do what’s asked of you – and have fun doing it – you can go as far as you want to. Too many people take this job for granted or they take advantage and they don’t last long. Enjoy the work you do and be the best you can be, it’s really quite simple. And if you do all this – and network and meet as many people as you can – the work will come to you.
To learn more about Kyle, check out their instagram @kyle_rutchland.
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