Elon alumnus Shawn Kennedy has abandoned his job search to pursue a passion for  music. His band The Pikeys held its first performance Sept. 15 at Front Street Public House in downtown Burlington,.

As band manager and bassist, he said he recalls that as a student he "didn't like seeing a cover charge." So, Kennedy opted not to charge cover for the show. He believes in starting with a free show to showcase the band's talent, and only after building interest and connecting with an audience would he charge admission.

Kennedy says he believes that music "should not be sold." Plans are in the works to record soon, but he does not plan on capitalizing on the sale of the recorded music.

"I think music is a universal language," he said. "To make that a commodity is so wrong."

The Pikeys consists of three other Elon alumni, as well as a Burlington native. Kennedy said The Pikeys have the vibe of an "Irish attitude" and mix acoustic and electric sounds to create the band's indie sound and collaboration style.

Kennedy graduated from Elon in 2010 with a degree in philosophy. He says music has been a part of his life since he was three years old when his parents enrolled him in Kindermusik, a musical-based education program.

"They had no idea what they were getting into," Kennedy said.

He said in college he was self-conscious and "afraid of criticism" so he shied away from playing his own music but always enjoyed the local music scene. He said he is excited to pursue success for The Pikeys, as well as two other developing musical projects.

One of his other projects, Phunakadelic Groovetrain, is an eight-member band that will be playing at 10 p.m. Oct. 12 at The Fat Frogg. Another developing project involves a genre he has not previously explored: dubstep.

His advice for those wanting to pursue music is to be sure you're willing to dedicate yourself.

"If you have a job, quit your job. If you're gonna do it, do it right," he said.

Kennedy offered several recommendations of venues other than the steps of Moseley Center for finding local talent.

"I love Fat Frogg as a venue," Kennedy said. "(Playing there) would be like a coming home."

Front Street Public House offers an intimate pub setting, Kennedy said. For those more than 21 years old, Kennedy recommends Brewballs. He warns that the bar is for those who come with a good attitude and are open to people, the interesting crowd makes the scene a "great place for people watching."

Kennedy's next performance will be with the Pikeys, Sept. 30  at Front Street Public House.

Kennedy was originally reported as playing a different instrument than the one he does play, the bass.