Interview: Kendra Chantelle

Kendra Chantelle is a tortured soul with a vulnerable, positive message. Writing from the depths of her own experiences and singing from the guttural rock bottom of emotion sets her apart and allows for her unique expression. Kendra spent much of the last decade singing alongside some of the greatest artists in and around Nashville (Tom Keifer, Lindsay Ell, Zac Brown Band, Will Hoge, Lzzy Hale, STS9, Scooter Brown Band, Trigger Hippy, Cheap Trick , Kristian Bush and SO many more) and has cultivated her own sound piece by piece. Her long awaited new album ‘Carousel’ comes 2020.

Thank you for taking this interview! How is the start of your 2021?

Thanks so much for having me here to chat. I have kicked off the new year by diving into my online voice lesson practice and continuing to promote my album "Carousel" that I released at the end of 2020.

Are there any projects you're excited to release in 2021?

I got to be a part of a compilation album (Write by the Sea vol 3) released Jan 30th! It is such a unique project because it features several artists and we each wrote and recorded our songs remotely due to the pandemic and it was a beautiful opportunity to lean into a new way of doing things while still collaborating. Producers Ben Jackson and Brian Fechino really captured the vibe of each artist while maintaining a congruent album sound. So proud to be a part!!

What is inspiring new music lately?

I have been inspired by re-visiting some really old music lately. I find myself wanting to go back through Donny Hathaway's catalogue and see what I haven't heard before and re-listen to some of the songs I love from him. His VOICE! My gosh, there is none better. I've also found myself listening to early Michael Jackson/ the Jackson 5 and Linda Rondstadt. I just go through periods where I want to hear the great music of yesterday- it's amazing how the best music is so timeless. That is inspiring for sure!

What is a goal you want to achieve this year?

I am the queeeeen of goals so I have learned to set goals like "slow down and be present" for myself, even in the midst of a pandemic, because I find myself doing way too much trying to do all the things. My main goals right now are to find quiet time each day, take a walk every day, find 3 things to be thankful for daily... just trying to remain really centered!

Describe in one word the intention you have set for yourself as an artist?

Ooh I love this- my wholehearted intention, artistically and otherwise, can be summarized with the word "authenticity". I just think it is the end all/be all element as an artist. I would truly rather be disliked for exactly who I am than to be loved for anything I'm not.

Let's have your socials so we can keep up with you!

Thanks again for having me! You can follow me on instagram.com/kendrachantelle and here is a link tree for all things kendrachantelle https://linktr.ee/Kendrachantelle