Interviews
Kendra & The Bunnies – Self Love Proclamation
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I love, love, love that my music is ever evolving. It’s art that moves and breathes as I go through the different phases of my life. I’d say my sound is fresh vintage with a storytelling touch. My genre is primarily folk rock with pop Americana influences; however, some songs venture into different lands… For an example, I just wrote a very grunge inspired couple of songs.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) I always love this question because I get to take us down memory lane. Some of my musical influences are: the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Led Zeppelin, Britney Spears, Fiona Apple, Sia, Animal Collective & A Tribe Called Quest.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Self Love Proclamation.”
A) “Self Love Proclamation” unfolded beautifully. In 2020, I started working with an awesome producer from Nashville named Justine Blazer. Since we were all at home anyways, it became the norm to write songs cross-country over Zoom. So, we got together from Hollywood and Nashville to co-write a song. The idea that I brought to the table was self-love. Basically, my birthday was coming up in February and I wanted to release a single as a gift to myself. The true gift though was FINALLY being able to accept myself for who I am. Flaws and all… or no flaws. It’s so great, when I really let go of what I thought was imperfect about myself, those things then started to feel perfect. That’s my self-love proclamation.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) The unique tempo and upbeat lyrics. I have had several people tell me the chorus keeps getting stuck in their head.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) The video plays into the message of the track in a few ways. Of course, off top, there is imagery of flowers blooming throughout the video, bees buzzing, and a blonde girl being drawn. That’s my way of saying, “Look, I’m busy like a bee blooming, while creating my own path!” I am making it up as I go and coming from a place of integrity.
Q) Why is self-love so important these days, especially in 2021?
A) Self-love is important in 2021 because of all the constant communication flowing at us. There are advertisements, social media posts, trending hashtags, viral scandals and more going on. It’s a lot to wrap our minds and spirits around. With all that, we have to hold steady to ourselves to keep our true identity on lock.
Q) The song came out on February 12th. How did you celebrate the release?
A) I’m glad you asked! I actually celebrated my birthday on the 11th, too! It was a celebratory week, culminating in the release of my music video on Valentine’s Day and a single release show here in LA at The Mint.
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) It totally depends. Right now, I am working on writing a #1 hit song. I want it to be a song that makes people stop in their tracks to Shazam it and share it with friends. For this process, I am collecting ideas before moving forward on the melody and lyrics. I am thinking the melody will come to me soon.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I completely produced my first three albums and my first two singles on my own. Now, I am starting to work with big-time producers, so it’s about 50/50 because I let them do a lot to help me develop the instrumentation. The amazing thing is that the producers I am working with get my style.
Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?
A) Absolutely! This month, March 2021, I am recording my next full-length album in San Francisco at Dreamrack Studios and Hyde Street Studios! Then, in May 2021, I am traveling to record a four track EP at Ten7Teen Studios in Nashville.
Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage?
A) The lights glaring in my eyes and the sound of my guitar strums bouncing around the venue.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Porter Robinson, John Mayer, Gwen Stefani.
Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Tea Leaf Green’s “Midnight on the Reservoir.” I am digging it big time because it’s smooth listening and very jammable. It is a band that I haven’t really checked out much, but I know a lot of my friends have loved them for years. I can see why!
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) Social media is a direct connection to our music listeners. My music is so personal, and I want my fans to feel like they are part of the creation of my songs. Through my social media, I provide insight into who I am on the day to day.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you. I’m glad for every bunny. Get excited for my next two albums and books…! I am started to put together my next book soon enough!
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