Kendra Chantelle – Carousel

By starrymag | June 2, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Hi and thanks so much for having me! I would describe my sound as soulful americana.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I have SO many musical influences, but I would consider the main ones Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner and Led Zeppelin.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Carousel.”

 

A) I wrote the song “Carousel” thinking about a relationship going nowhere. I had this mental image of two people on carousel horses, going round and round but never meeting each other, just stuck in an endless fantasy. I love the whimsical element of it!!

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think fans connect to the song because most of us have had at least one relationship like that – it’s a fun game but we know it’s doomed!!

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) My songwriting process is not always the same! Most of the time, I have words and a melody show up together and add music later but on occasion I have written to tracks or already established music. I usually prefer the more organic approach where you start with a blank page, that way your idea doesn’t have to stay within the parameters of the music.

 

Q) Bobby Holland and Brad Sample lent a hand in production for this song, but how much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Oh my gosh, Bobby Holland and Brad Sample are THE greatest combo. I am so thankful they co-produced my album. They have killer instincts and always leave room for the artist’s vision, so I was able to have my hand in a lot of the direction of the album. They both choose their details to “fight” for extremely well, so nothing ever felt like a compromise or a war (like I have experienced in creative endeavors of the past) instead it felt like all three of us were nurturing this thing we love to be its best self.

 

Q) What songs off your album Carousel were the most challenging to create?

 

A) When I think about the songs on the album Carousel, I really don’t feel that any were a challenge. I think the most unique was probably “Past Lives” just because it is so different from the rest but because my producers knew exactly what the song needed to be, it was never a challenge.

 

Q) What single on the album holds a special place in your heart and why?

 

A) I think each of the songs on the album hold a special place in my life, but “Beautiful & Tragedy” was the first song released on the project and I made a video during COVID-19 lockdown 2020 where I had a lot of my friends send me photos to edit in. So, it’s extra special to me because it launched the album and it allowed me to include people I love during a time where I wasn’t able to see them.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album as a whole?

 

A) When people listen to the album as a whole, I hope they walk away feeling inspired to authentically follow whatever dream their heart has. I know that sounds cheesy, but this was such a movement of authenticity and pure creativity without letting my inner critic wreck the plans. I hope the music carries that medicine with it and people are able to apply that thought to their own lives.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage?

 

A) With concerts being on hold, I absolutely miss connecting with fans in a live setting but I know that’ll make it a thousand times sweeter when we do get back out there for some live shows! I can’t WAIT!!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Oh, the list of my dream collaborations is long!! I would say the top spots are reserved for Chris Stapleton, Dolly Parton and/or Sheryl Crow. They are my heroes and it would be such an honor!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I am currently listening only to my buddy Brad Sample’s new album Ghosts of Love. It just came out a couple weeks ago and it is truly the greatest collection of songs I have heard in a long time! I also got to do a lot of the background vocals on the record, so it’s fun to hear the finished product. Go check it out – he is the best!!! He, of course, collaborated with Bobby Holland on the creation of the album so it serves as another testament to their combined genius!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I think social media is an important way to connect with fans because it allows us to communicate and stay connected during times we are apart, especially in the last year. That’s been so nice! It also is a great way to let everyone know what’s going on musically.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) To everyone who is a supporter and a fan, I say thanks SO MUCH! I appreciate your kindness and support and it means the world to me that you listen to and admire my creations!!