Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Jennings.
Hi Kendra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
There’s not a lot to do in the small town I’m from in Missouri so I spent a lot of time losing myself in things. Movies, music, the summer theatre program… I was just always in my head. Over the years, music remained the thing that I knew my life would be built around. Even when I didn’t know what that meant or what it would look like.
Now I’m a Nashville-based indie artist, and I’m still figuring out exactly where it’s going, but I’m having a lot of fun figuring it out. I love building worlds. I love following a feeling. I released my first single last year and it made my world so much bigger. I feel so lucky.
When I moved here I didn’t know anyone but now I’m surrounded by artists who’ve become the greatest friends and community I’ve ever had. I am inspired constantly. My younger self would love to hear that.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
At 15 my life changed a lot. I was diagnosed with a rare condition. Taken out of school. I started spending a lot of time getting treatment and in the hospital, which meant I was lonely and in need of a lifeline. I don’t necessarily see it as an “overcoming” story, but it has affected how I experience time, identity, relationships, and what it means to feel like I’m moving forward. A lot of those things naturally find their way into my writing. As do the worlds I built in my head in all that time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an artist and songwriter working mostly in the indie alternative space. I’ve really developed a love for creating immersive worlds for myself and listeners to disappear into. I’m drawn to the contrast between fantasy and the ugliness that we can find in our own sobering self-reflection. I guess I want each song to feel like its own place. Somewhere to see parts of yourself more clearly or to forget what you don’t want to see yet.
I write and play a few instruments, but I’m probably most often seen with my Taylor guitar and my Omnichord from the 80s. I’m slowly diving into production and have really enjoyed being able to translate what’s in my head in a more honest way. Once we finish a song, I spend a lot of time putting together a visual world and continuing to build beyond the track itself.
I enjoy being behind the camera and when I can’t be, directing what’s in front of it. I also love to do things with my hands for the project often hand sewing and embroidering things for our photos shorts or song covers.
What makes you happy?
Connection. With people. With experiences. With art. True present connection. It doesn’t always come naturally to me. The world is so loud. Our minds can be loud and there’s so much fighting for our attention so when I am able to really be in something that is when I’m happiest and most inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kendrajennings
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendrajenningss
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5yTpYDX1zfQe6ZG8O6vBpL
