Thank you for sharing some time with our readers today, what have you been up to in 2019?
Thank you so much for inviting me to interview. 2019 for me has been measured in big strides of progress. I have grown towards my goals in significant ways. At the start of 2019, I decided I was going to break out of my shell. I was determined to blossom into the beautiful butterfly I know myself to be. What is interesting is the protective nature I felt in being self-conscious is not comfort at all. I actually feel most at home in my skin when I am sharing my emotive vulnerable side with the world; often this is on stage. 2019 is such a blessing. I am so grateful for my debut album, “of Vinyl”, which was released in July 2019. My EP “of Always” that was released on September 6, and my second book of poetry that will be published on September 13, 2019. I hope that the clarity and determination I dedicate to my creative pursuits can inspire others to do the same. It inspires me to let go and let pattern provide.
Any LIVE show experiences or road stories you would like to share?
I am heading to NYC in October to perform a few shows and record at a studio label. I really look forward to sharing those stories. A current story I’d like to share is from the night of my show at the TRiP Santa Monica in California. It was a really special performance for me, as my dad happened to be in town. He has seen me perform many times in the theatre and in local bands as a teenager in Houston, TX, but this was the first time for him to see me billed as a singer-songwriter. It was very meaningful to have my father experience where I am today, seeing my progress from a child to teenager to adult still living the same dream on stage, yet today, more and more realized. He had significant notes to share on my show too. He really thinks I have a Neil Young vibe going on, so we got to connect and listen to Neil on the way to the Lynyrd Skynyrd/ZZ Top show we drove to in Anaheim the following night.
With such a busy performance schedule, how do you find the time to rehearse and create new music?
Writing is a revitalizing practice for me. Poetry to me is similar to meditation. Writing a poem about the current location, state of mind, or emotional state I am in eases the bones of my back. It ushers in a deep moment of breath and joyful experience. Writing informs me of my place in the world and within my own reality. It’s like a checkpoint in the journey of attaining wisdom, goals, and knowledge amidst success. These poems in-turn inform the songwriting themes I am working with during a specific season of my life. Heck, sometimes the poems themselves become the lyrics. I generally have my guitar or ukulele with me, so I can record and play anywhere. Being an artist who creates on the go, I sometimes feel a part of the traveling three-ring circus. Step right up!
Where are you currently located and what are your favorite local spots to play?
I am located in the Hollywood/Valley area of Los Angeles. I enjoy playing Kulak’s Woodshed on Laurel Canyon; it has a home-style living room vibe. There are interesting posters everywhere, couches, and fellow singer-songwriters enjoying each other’s song. I also have found great treasure in performing at Silverlake Lounge in Silver Lake, East LA. On Sundays, there is an afternoon open mic for musicians and comedians. There is a certain type of laughter found in hearing a soft, beautiful love song followed up by the next act performing raunchy, slightly inappropriate stand-up. I am actually playing a full show at Silverlake Lounge this Friday, 9/13. Kendra & the Bunnies will be headlining. Show begins around 8 pm. I take the stage at 11:45 pm.
When we follow our dreams in life, there are sacrifices. What do you find to be the greatest sacrifices and the greatest gifts of your career?
Substantial inquiry. The biggest blessing of my career in music goes hand in hand with the biggest and best sacrifice. About one year ago, I was gifted a life changing event that brought me to the path of straight-edge performance and recovery. This means I gave up ‘partying’ to a certain extent. I am now able to elaborate on who I am as the best version of myself. I am able to be present, caring, and of-value to my community as an artist. I am grateful for the lightness this has delivered to the influx of inspiration and energy I receive. It’s a loving way to heal. Through my music, message, art, and writing, I aim higher everyday, hoping to impact the listeners of my music positively.
Please share with our readers how we can support your music on line as well as in real life!
Thank you so much for spending some time with me today. I recently released an EP and album that are both streaming on all music platforms. You can look my music up as “Kendra & the Bunnies” on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, YouTube, Bandcamp, wherever you listen! Follow me on Instagram and get to know me; I am @Kenbunny. This Friday, 9/13 I will be at Silverlake Lounge at 9/13.
Keep yourself updated with Kendra & The Bunnies music via her Instagram!