Pennsylvania native Kendal Conrad is one of the most unique up-and-coming country artists out there. Her self-written bio on her website oozes a truth normally expressed in personal journals. She doesn’t fit the sweet bubble-gum country girl mold but rather one that was smashed to dust right after she took her first breath. And while she does love glitter, she also loves coffee at midnight. Much like her honest bio, this amazing song-smith’s lyrics don’t hold back either, as shown in her latest release “Leader of the Pack.”
We caught up with Kendall to talk about her musical journey, her latest track and what’s around the corner for 2020.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
KC: I’m a pop/country singer-songwriter from Pottstown, PA who enjoys horror movies, pancakes, and things that sparkle.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
KC: Whitney Houston and Taylor Swift are my two biggest influences, personally and musically. I always say Whitney taught me how to sing and Taylor taught me how to write songs. Right now, my influences range from Ariana Grande to Carrie Underwood to Imagine Dragons to Halsey. All of these artists know who they are and have a sound all their own, which inspires me to stay true to myself and my music.
CN: In your bio you describe your guitar as your best friend, which is a wonderful way of giving a visual to your relationship with the instrument. At what age did you start playing?
KC: Thank you so much! I started playing around 16 or 17. I remember my dad taking me to Sam Ash and buying me a guitar for my birthday, and I never looked back. My guitar got me through a lot of lonely, tough times in high school and college.
CN: Do you remember the first song you wrote?
KC: Yes! It was a cute, little ditty called “Acoustic Heart.” I can actually still remember some of the chorus as I type this haha!
CN: What was the first album you ever owned?
KC: Pretty sure it was The Lizzie McGuire Soundtrack — I wore that CD out!
CN: You are quite the Nicholas Sparks fan, and you had the chance to perform for him! Can you tell us about how that came about?
KC: I have always been a huge fan of Nicholas Sparks and how beautifully he portrays true love in his stories. I just thought how lovely it would be to have a relationship like that in real life, so I wrote a song called “If We Were a Nicholas Sparks Novel.” He wound up seeing the video I uploaded to YouTube and tweeted it to his followers! After that, I saw he was doing a book signing in Philadelphia, and the stars just aligned. He signed my novels, I got to play the song for him and his fans, and I got to tell him how much I love his work.
CN: From Keith Urban to Walker Hayes, you have had the opportunity to perform along with some of country’s biggest names and open for others. How has each experience helped you grow as an artist?
KC: Everyone is searching for the secret to success in this business, and being able to be so close to these incredible artists has taught me one thing across the board: the secret is class and kindness. You have those two things? You’re already successful.
CN: You also have performed at some incredible venues from the White House to NYC’s Bitter End, and have sung the National Anthem for almost every professional sporting league/event out there. Do you have a favorite moment?
KC: Singing onstage with Keith Urban at Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA is pretty untouchable as my favorite moment. He was larger than life and treated me with such respect, like an equal. I’ll never forget that.
CN: Your current single “Leader of the Pack” was released at the end of October. It delivers an awesome punch vocally and is a great example of how you like to mix genres. Please share with us the background of this song – the inspiration as well as how the production came together.
KC: I’ve been betrayed and hurt by people who called themselves my friends in the past, and “Leader of the Pack” is about taking that feeling of being crushed and turning the tables on the people who thought they outsmarted you. It’s probably the most satisfying song to sing in my set. When Matt McVaney (the producer) and I started to work on the production, I remember that eerie banjo line in the beginning being one of the first components we set in stone. Then I asked my incredibly talented buddy Eamon McLoughlin to play that insane fiddle part over a big, thumping bass line, and I knew I had exactly what I wanted.
CN: As a songwriter, can you take us through your songwriting process?
KC: I’m a hook girl, so I always like starting with that. I text myself titles or full hooks that I think might be cool. Then when I actually sit down to write, I pick an idea that I’ve archived and write the entire song around that hook or title. What is the full story behind that line or title? How do I flesh that out? How do I get there? How does the story end? It’s like a puzzle. If I can fit all the pieces together, I’ve got a great picture to show someone. That’s songwriting.
CN: We’re very excited to hear that you have a full project in the works for 2020? Care to share any details about what fans can expect?
KC: I don’t have a release date yet, but I am really excited to see the reaction when I put it out. There’s a ballad, a dance track, a slow jam. Each of the songs on this EP really do live in their own lane — I wanted each track to have a different mood. So there’s definitely something for everyone.
CN: Do you have a dream collaboration in mind?
KC: They are out of style nowadays, but I really do love the big power ballads. I would die to sing a love song with Michael Bolton or Boyz II Men. I think the Chainsmokers are doing some cool things, would love to jump on a song with them.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
KC: Hilary Duff at the (then) Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
KC: Indefatigable. Sometimes I get down and uninspired, but I pick myself up and march on regardless of any negativity or obstacle in my way. Never give up, never surrender.
CN: In addition to new music, what’s on the horizon for 2020?
KC: Hopefully more shows in new places! Posting pictures of my food adventures on Instagram. I’ll keep working hard and pushing myself, and I’m excited to see where the year takes me.
For more information Kendal Conrad, visit her website at kendalconrad.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.