Kendra Muecke is a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and astonishing poet performing as a solo act under the name “Kendra & the Bunnies”. Based in Los Angeles and born in Houston, Texas, her mission is to bring about a peaceful gathering of the community through song, voice, and action. Kendra combines music, spoken word, theatrical staging, and healing ritual to transport the audience into a mystical-surrender of now. Under the self-titled genre of “Native Americana’ that chants from the valley of Folk and Rock”, Kendra aims to bring the listener into thinking about where the roots of folk-Americana were founded.
This year has been an incredible year for year Kendra Muecke. The multi-talented artist decided that 2019 would be the year she made her dreams a reality and this was evident through the consistently brilliant releases. Her debut full-length album “of Vinyl” is a beautifully charming 14-track story-line that gives Kendra’s fans an honest look at her life. She has a charisma and aura about her that’s contagious and affects anyone who hears her wonderful music. The album was followed up by her EP “of Always”, again featuring 6 original songs. Among these releases, “Timely Vision” and “Sad Sap” absolutely stood out for us. Kendra's lyrics are hypnotically poetic and beautiful. Not only has she been releasing music this year, but she also released her book of poetry titled “Project Non-Arch: Operation Clown School", available on Amazon Books, Barnes & Noble, and on website. Listen to Kendra & The Bunnies' new music here.
Hey Kendra, welcome back! We're completely captivated by your sound, you have such a strong and warming presence throughout your tracks. Can you tell us more about your intentions when you first began to curate your debut album “of Vinyl"?
Thank you so much for inviting me to interview again! I began writing the album "of Vinyl" during a period of major self-discovery in my life. Starting to put together this album marks the beginning of a vast intellectual transformation in my life, as well as an emotional growth period. I had just moved back to Los Angeles from Denver, Colorado, where I lived for two years. My intention for "of Vinyl" was to portray the deep love I have for life. When I say deep love, I mean the mysterious infatuation there is to be had in surprise revelation. There is so much to learn and so much to share with the Earth, with the Moon, with the Companion in the air.
You've had such a strong love and passion for music at such a young age! How do you think you and your music have grown since you first started writing, versus now?
This is a great question. I have actually been thinking about this query on and off as of late. When I first began writing poetry at 14, I would do 'automatic writing'. My pencil would greet the page and write, write, write, write with no editing in-between thoughts. I just let the words flow. The next period I went through was a questioning of, "Has this all been done before?" I coaxed myself to think about what my writing was really etching at; often it was emotion encased in themes, but I wondered how can I take these efforts further? I found a way to follow the emotion of my current state into exposing theme in and of itself; a braiding motion, weaving character. My current writing style is a mix of the two previously mentioned with an emphasis on purpose and cause. I have added in the inquiry, "How does my writing result?" How do my lyrics paint a picture of tomorrow?
We are loving your new music video for “Sucré Mon Cherí”! Does the fact that it was filmed in Austin, TX on 6th St. hold importance in relation to the track?
Oh, thanks! I grew up in Houston, Texas, so I've been visiting Austin for years. The city is close to my heart. When I knew that I was going to be in town to attend Austin City Limits Music Festival, I immediately envisioned shooting a music video there. That vision included 6th Street and the rock 'n roll bluesy song of mine, "Sucré Mon Cherí”. 6th Street has club after club after music venue after music venue lined up next to each other. Any and every night of the week, one can waltz down the street and hear bits and pieces of different country and bluegrass songs coming out of each honky-tonk. It's got a real pulse and still has bands toting guitars. I find that the prevailing theme of carrying on through heartbreak via music sat perfectly with the downtown Austin vibe. After all, ATX is called the Live Music Capital of the World. Alright, alright, alright. Song writing and the City.
You’re an artist who is extremely active on social media in regards to sharing your new content and videos on Youtube! Do you think that’s a large and important part of being an artist in 2019?
Entirely. Functionally, I incorporate social media into my life as a modality of my art. It's like a moving time-piece of my own gallery where I get to curate what viewers will read and see. It's a great snapshot of where I am (literally), what I am working on, and what I am looking forward to (and what I expect my viewers to look forward to). I like to take care of those who follow my actions. Social media, also, is a great platform to share all those musical, writing, and film endeavors I create. Marketing 101.
Your versatility as an artist always keeps us wanting to see more! What is the concept behind your music video for "Lamental Limerence"?
The footage for "Lamental Limerence" was filmed by a good friend of mine, Tricia Parker. We shot it on Super 8 film in Boulder, Colorado a couple of years back. The idea springs from the 1960's art-house pop-art movement, think Twiggy with Andy Warhol. We ran with that vibe in black & white with a layer of impending freedom from self-constraint. As you can see in the music video, I am changing from outfit to outfit. This is a representation of changing from facade to facade in-efforts of obtaining a certain result; in this case, the result in the song would be recognition from a desired lover. "How can I change myself so this person views me as I'd like them to?" We take this further in the video by showing me painting my face with a big paint brush... from clothes to mask.
Thank you again for chatting with us, Kendra! It’s always a pleasure catching up with you! Do you have any parting words or announcements for the BuzzMusic community?
Yeah! "Be the Voice You Wish to Hear on the Wind... Listen."
Also, I have some upcoming shows on the horizon.
10/30 -- FREE Halloween show at State Social House, 7 pm.
11/12 -- FREE Songwriter Showcase at Kulak's Woodshed, 7 pm.
11/21 -- $10 Presale for show at the Viper Room, Acoustic Lounge, 7 pm.
As always, info & tickets on my website [www.kendraelisabethmuecke.com]
Follow me on IG & become a part of the Bunnies. I am @Kenbunny.