What inspired you to pursue music?
I mean, just like any person, when they’re little, I would see singers and entertainers like Britney, Madonna, and many others, and I had that innocent sense of idolizing them, and was intrigued to do something like that. However, throughout my own process of performing and singing, I realized that I wasn’t making my own staple, or my own mark on the musical sphere. Which then led me to become so fascinated with writing and creating something from thin air, like creating something that was my own. So, I became more motivated to pursue writing my own music. Now, I’m finding it’s more rewarding to be an actual artist than just an entertainer. Your valid truth enables more connection to people, rather than just singing and dancing on stage. I’ve definitely evolved in my purpose and the reason as to what truly inspires me.
Did you have a break-out song that really launched your career?
“Oasis” was the song that literally was THE break-out song. When I released it, it pleasantly, surprisingly was number one that week on Billboard Dance’s Break-out songs. So, that was very interesting and also a pretty cool thing that happened with that song. It definitely set the tone to build upon for the following songs, “Under My Skin” and “Sublime.”
Where were you when you learned “Under My Skin” was a Top Ten hit on Billboard’s Dance Chart and how did you react?
I was at a local gig, and on my break, I believe my mom was either there or she called me, and she told me. It was actually a great pick-me-up to hear because that night it was super busy in the club I was performing at, and when people are deep into their night festivities, they can get a little out of control and overwhelming at times lol. So, from hearing that, I was just coasting and cruising on that news the whole night.
What does having a Top Ten under your belt mean for your career?
It definitely boosts credibility. But, it doesn’t have to stop there. Charts will be charts, and the opinions of others should be a compliment to you, not a definition of you. I see the bigger picture as to where my creativity can broaden.
Your new song, “Sublime”, is amazing. What was the process like creating this song?
At first, I was sent the skeleton track to listen and to conjure up anything prior to being in the studio to start writing. When I got in the studio, Damon and I started trading ideas, and we both came to the word “sublime” as a pretty cool word with lots of visual potential. From there, with the nostalgic and simplistic power the track itself possessed, it was easy to come up with something psychedelic to run with.
What was your first thought when you heard the finished product?
I was honestly blown away. Like, I could just feel all the neon and the electro-vintage strength it had. Everything that is in the actual video, I saw being played out in my head when I initially heard it. Deja vu for sure.
Is the pressure on to get another Top Ten?
I mean, if we’re treating music like competitive varsity sports, yes lol. But, I’ve always found, whatever I’ve created from an authentic stance, I, the sole-proprietor (the only one that matters) feel that it touches more and ripples out more firmly to those who are impacted by it. Creating from the heart is what promotes more big picture opportunities. When you write just to please everyone, it puts you more on a temporary stance.
Do your fans have a name?
I haven’t come up with a name for them. I feel that when artists do that, it’s like a congregational notion where people have to idolize you so much to the point that they see your life more important than living their own lives, and being who they truly are. It’s also like creating an army of petty usernames. I don’t see the point in making everything into some kind of sacrificial hashtag twitter warfare against other artists. There’s enough of that in this world, and it doesn’t need to affect the very industry that is supposed to bring people together. Like, I said, I see the bigger philosophical picture.
How do you want your relationship to be with your supporters?
All I want it to be is genuine. Like, I really want my relationships to be of some humanistic value. When people look at me like some kind of zoo animal unicorn exhibit, I honestly want to be like “snap out of it”, just chill and vibe with me, and let’s enjoy a cocktail and have an enlightening conversation about moving the world forward.
How would you describe your musical style?
Currently, it’s very DJ-friendly. But, my new projects coming out are very smart-lyric and message forward, and I can’t really pin-point a style with them. Pretty much a blend of electronic, pop, singer-songwriter.
What artists do you look up to right now?
Right now, I really enjoy how Taylor Swift is showing her process as an actual actively writing artist, and keeping everything not too saturated. Another is Ellie Goulding. She is just effortless in her tone and also holds herself with humanistic class and edge. Justin Timberlake is another one that I enjoy so much watching go against the grain. His halftime show was about the music and not about the pageantry of making a spectacle to feed peoples’ eyes, but numb their ears from hearing actual music.
You recently opened up for Jason Derulo. How did this opportunity come about for you?
I was asked by the Boys and Girls Club to open for him. I actually enjoyed watching him when I was younger. He always just had this genuine positive aura around him. He was very appreciative to give back to the organization that helped him.
Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like to open up for Jason?
It was a fun time. He was very supportive. My show went so smoothly and I’m so glad everyone in the audience was vibing with me.
Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
I have some pretty interesting tracks I am so looking forward to releasing soon, as well as my “Ride Or Die With You” Tour, which kicked off last weekend in Ft. Lauderdale. I also have a London tour and I have my eye set on Germany too for more dates. As well as “The Groundskeeper” film I have releasing this year.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your supporters?
Pretty much the classics, FB, IG, Twitter.
Any last things you would like to tell your fans?
Although we may be going through some crazy times nowadays, never be afraid to take chances and evolve.
Check Out Kendra’s New Single Sublime Now:
