Almost A Dirty Dozen with KENDRA ERIKA – SEPTEMBER 2024

According to a recent press release: “Acclaimed singer-songwriter Kendra Erika, known for her chart-topping dance hits and captivating performances, is set to release her latest single, “Body Language,” on September 13. Released under Oyster Shell Music/AMG Canada/Sony Music, this electrifying track promises to be a dance floor sensation, highlighting Kendra’s distinctive style and ability to convey powerful emotions through music. With its release, “Body Language” is set to get fans moving while speaking to the deeper, unspoken connections that define human relationships. Don’t miss out; download it and add it to your ultimate dance/workout playlist.” We get Kendra to discuss new music, influences, and 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?

It’s called “Body Language,” written by myself, Ellis Miah, and Marvin Buessau. It’s a very hot track that definitely speaks to unspoken physical communication—something that has always been an intriguing element to intuitive individuals and to the human race.

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

The journey began in classical training when I was eight years old because I was born tone-deaf and needed that structured and technical training to straighten up and fly right. I always wanted to perform and sing, but my skillset had yet to be developed. And it’s still developing! My sound and look are always evolving with me as I go through this journey.

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

My influences have been evolving as well throughout my inspirational journey. There wasn’t and isn’t any specificity in a singular piece of inspiration. However, the song that did add quite a monumental moment for me was “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli. The song landed a first-place medal at a well-known local talent competition in Boca Raton, Florida. It also landed me my first restaurant / lounge performance gig at a well-known spot in Boca Raton. So, that song has always had a significance in my performance pathway, even to this day.

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

Michael Bublé. He’s the closest to Sinatra. So, it’s better to do a duet with a live person than to utilize AI beyond the grave for collaboration.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

Definitely playing golf. Then, second down from that is taking long walks and/or hiking.

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’d describe it as dance-styled pop with commercial house and Euro influences. I can’t recall a disagreeable review or cringe-worthy comparison. Only years ago, when I was super blonde and tan, I was compared to Brooke Hogan, which, at that time, because reality stars were seen at the bottom of the respect totem pole, I didn’t particularly care for that one. But now, it’s water under the bridge, and I jam out to some of her music when I’m driving in the car!

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?

So, it’s either a restaurant doing the cooking or DoorDash delivering. I already have a beverage stash here, and I crack out the remote to watch either a historical documentary, reruns of a classic show, or an old classic movie.

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

Honestly, I don’t get starstruck very often. That’s probably because I see the people in my industry as colleagues. But I will say I get more “starstruck” when I meet people in the political and business field. Just recently, I met Larry Elder at an event, and that was the last time I felt that kind of rush of appreciation.

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?

For me, it would be being able to elevate people through song and performance as well as be an inspiration and bring awareness to causes or movements through the platform I’ve procured. If not being in music, then a detective, special agent, or investigative journalist.

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?

I’ve always wanted someone to ask, “What drives you to keep pushing boundaries in your music?” The answer would be that I’m constantly evolving and finding new ways to express myself. Music is a journey, and I’m always exploring different paths to connect with my audience on a deeper level. On the flip side, I’m a little over the question, “What’s it like being a woman in the music industry?” While I understand the importance of discussing challenges, I believe that focusing too much on gender can overshadow the art itself. I prefer to emphasize individual merit and personal responsibility over identity politics. For me, it’s about the music and the message I’m delivering, not about fitting into a particular narrative. I’d rather be recognized for my work, my talent, and my impact as an artist rather than just being labeled as a “female” in the industry.

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?

Probably to have focused more on building myself in my late teens and early twenties instead of trying to find validation and worth from individuals I was involved with.

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Category: Interviews