What is your name?
My name is Kendra Black.
What is your genre of music?
I like to define my genre ‘electro pop’ as it’s infused with EDM and electronic music.
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a NY based professional singer. At the beginning of this year, I released my album, The Fire, available internationally online and in stores. My latest releases include my award winning single “Dangerless”, released last year in May 2018, and my first album, The Edge, featuring the renowned Snoop Dogg available everywhere. I also tour nationally and internationally; all dates and music are available on my website, www.kendrablackmusic.com
What made you go into music?
I’ve always envisioned a career in music! It’s what makes me feel alive, it gives me energy, and it’s one of my favourite ways to connect with people.
Are you signed?
I’m not signed, as I’m in the process of building my own label and brand, but if a big opportunity comes along, I’ll grab it of course!
You released your new album The Fire, tell us more about the album.
The Fire was the album that I had the most fun working on! It‘s a pop-based album, but it’s infused with electronic music, dubstep, and even alternative R&B.
What is the meaning behind the album?
The Fire is an expression of many emotions. The themes of Fire and water are very recurring throughout the album and are used as symbolism for the different energies and emotions that drive us.
Describe each track in two words.
1. This Love – explosion, love
2. Smoke Signals – heat, desire
3. I’m Better – strength, ambition
4. Covered in Sin – sensual, sultry
5. Mind Games – powerful, deep
6. Medicated – fun, vibey
7. Storm – liberating, angry
8. Set Me Free – determined, moving on
10. This Love (Remix) – Dreamy, sweet
What was the writing process like?
I started by envisioning the album as a whole and what concepts and feelings I wanted it to convey to my listeners, and creativity took over from there!
What was the recording process like?
I recorded the album at NYC’s Lounge Studios. I was there everyday for about 3 weeks until we finished both the recording and the mixing process.
Who did you work with on the album?
I worked on this album with a few different professionals that I hand-picked and chose based on their professional skills. Among these producers are Berlin-based Enrico Tiberi, New York City-based Nicholas Babian and Mikaelin Bluespruce ‘Blue’, as well as Braith Anderson ‘Androse’ and Aubrey Smith
We also see a couple of Music Videos you released. Tell us about the video making process and how they were different.
The video for my single “Rude feat. Snoop Dogg” was a lot of fun to make, and the party theme gives it a very classy-urban touch.
The video for “Air Pack Jet” for example has more of a house party vibe, and the choreography video for “Air Pack Jet” is all about the choreography and vibing with my background dancers. I usually like to give all of my projects slightly different vibes, and I’m not afraid to work with multiple videographers each with their different styles.
Listen to The Fire
Do you have any shows coming up? If so where will they be?
I will be closing out the year with two NY shows, one at the TCS NY Marathon on November 3rd, and the next on November 23rd at N.O.R.D in downtown NY. Tickets are available on my website www.kendrablackmusic.com, as well as my soon-to-be-finalized tour schedule for 2020, which will take me across both the East Coast and West Coast!
What else can we expect in 2019?
The end of the year is gonna be dedicated to my two upcoming shows this November at the NY Marathon and in downtown New York, as well as finalizing some partnerships in both music and fashion.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with other artists?
I have a single coming up with the renowned rapper ‘Spice One’, as well as a remix pack by Italian DJ and producer Vittorio Ferrigno, a couple tracks with Billboard Artist Chris Casino, and more collaborations with various DJs that I will be announcing soon!
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Absolutely, I love collaborations! Both my team and myself can be contacted through the Contact page of my website www.kendrablackmusic.com
Do you play any instruments?
I love to play the piano!
Who are your influences?
I have many different influences, among whom Melanie Martinez, KFlay, Alessia Cara, Selena Gomez, and ‘Hippie Sabotage’!
How do you get inspiration to write your songs?
I either start from an idea or concept and develop the track from there, or I let myself get inspired by a beat and follow that lead to create a song.
Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
Traveling the world, releasing music, performing, and also working on fashion and tv productions.
When you’re not doing music, what do you enjoy doing?
I love working out, running, dancing, swimming, as well as going out and experiencing the city (or just a hot tea and a good movie depending on my mood!)
What was the song or songs you listened to the most that influenced you to go into music?
The first album I ever bought and listened to was ‘Konvicted’ by Akon, which inspired me to experiment with more urban styles of music, as well as The Black Eyed Peas and Amy Winehouse, whose songs contributed to my many different musical influences.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Some of the best advice that I have ever received is that life is now and there’s no time for excuses… There is always a way to achieve your dreams if you really put your mind to it.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry but just as an artist?
Constantly evolve and adapt your craft to the current industry demands but make sure you never lose the essence of your sound in the process
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Life will never give you anything that you can’t live without.”
Where in your hometown is a must-visit?
Even though I was born in Italy, I consider myself from NY as I’ve been living here for most of my life, and I would really recommend the beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, like the Hudson River Park, Bryant Park, Central Park.. and of course the theater district and the amazing music venues!
You’re coming off tour…
1) Where do you go first? Starbucks
2) Who do you see first? My local friends
3) What do you eat first? A good salad or a local dish that I haven’t tried before
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My personal mic and XLR cables, my lipstick and mascara …and a Starbucks!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
