A Dirty Dozen with KENDRA ERIKA – November 2020

According to a recent press release: “South Florida recording artist Kendra Erika released her new single “Avalanche.” This single release comes after the success of Kendra’s recent single “So Fly,” whose music video boasts Kendra’s highest numbers to date with over a ½ Million views on YouTube!  This follows Kendra’s single “Break the Wheel” that peaked in the Top Ten on the Billboard Dance Chart which is Kendra’s fifth track do so in the last 37th months, following her recent #1 single “Self-Control!” “Avalanche” co-written by Kendra Erika and Mark Mangold, is the second taste fans get of Kendra’s new album, following the success of first single “So Fly”. Stay tuned to Kendra’s socials (below) for information in the build up to Kendra’s upcoming album release on her own label Oystershell Music via a new distribution deal with industry leader Symphonic distribution.” We get Kendra to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

I feel the only hidden nuggets or material in “Avalanche” is that my creative ability has been expanded. The drums Kenny Aronoff implemented are another golden nugget in there that uplift the song even more.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

When I was very young, watching Disney movies and admiring  the likes of the Britney’s, the Mandy’s, and the Aaliyah’s, wanting to do something like that, but putting my own spin and signature on that nuance. I realized I could inspire people through writing and performing music at a young age.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Well, when I saw *NSync in concert, their stage split and they were performing on this moving island throughout the crowd, and that’s when I was like “woah, sign me up.” But, as I matured, and I believe throughout my whole growing up process, my dad always had Frank Sinatra on.  That planted the seed for me today in what I strive to create, which is being clear with your words, your message, and being as cool as you can be in your delivery. Nostalgia is key to capturing and making moments that enable a genuine feeling.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Andrea Bocelli, Frank Sinatra, Enya, Lana Del Rey, and Inna.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I was thinking the other day, Disclosure. Their sound is best described as chic, and not as mainstream as their other DJ colleagues, but still inarguably rad, and that sounds very familiar on my end for what I do.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would tell them my voice is a Lana/Shakira hybrid, the message is universal, and the production is ever evolving.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

My band is me, so I’m training my cat right now to make a martini, and if I’m staying in, I cook.  If I go out, the establishment I’m at takes up the sushi making or oyster shucking role. Since I don’t play acoustic guitar, I crack out my pipes.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

The last time I was starstruck was in middle school, when I saw Britney Spears in concert.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part of being a musician is that since I have degree in communications and international business, I can present myself a professional way and still be creative in that limitless capacity. The “backup plan” would be investigative reporter for sure.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

It would certainly have to be this (these) questions. I’m tired of answering for my cat’s shady catnip cartel dealings. 😂

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I seldom have these moments of “what if”, because I believe in the universe, and the plans God has, and I trust in those. I’m happy I didn’t sell out at a young age and went to college to get an education.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I believe it would be for the “We Are the World” record. It was collective and everyone dropped their agendas, and got together to be a part of something wonderful.

BONUS QUESTION – Due to the current world situation with COVID-19 / quarantine / shelter in place, what have you discovered you miss the most from your life before the pandemic struck?

People and travel.

KENDRA ERIKA LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Interviews