Life Of A Kennedy
By: Simon Mounsey |
Thursday June 18, 2009 |
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He's big in Vegas |
| Previous Silver Sun Pickups and current solo artist Kennedy is the kind of artist who likes to experiment. Whether it is dance, disco, or pop, Kennedy is not afraid to infuse something new into his songs. Currently enjoying success from the single “Karate” courtesy of the Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist soundtrack and the recent release his solo album Life is a Party, the summer looks bright. During his downtime, we were lucky enough to track him down and force a confession. How initially did you get interested in music? I was given Barry Manilo's Greatest Hits at the age of 3. It became my favorite record and I listened to it everyday while finger painting pictures of guitars. Also, my father was a musician before dedicating his life to perfume sales. I found his accordain amplifier under our pool table and began playing guitar and writing songs. Oh, and watching Sesame Street and the Muppet show, because they had some great tunes. I think seeing Peter Bjorn and John on the Muppet show was what sealed the deal. I saw that you were listed as a "Singer/songwriter." This genre seems occupied by more low-key mellow artists. How do you classify yourself? I classify myself as a lipsyncer/ songwriter. It took many years of vigilance to free myself from the self indulgent writing and performing that many artists dive into (i.e. Elliot Smith.) I love a good heart felt song and once in a while, I'll have a good cry and pick up the guitar. Usually though, I dedicate myself making music that makes people smile, dance, have sex, or hopefully all three at the same time. Who says you can't write upbeat songs and still be a singer songwriter? What ultimately made you decide on the sound you have established with your music? Are there some other artists that inspired you to this route? My record label called and said they needed a record that sounded like Panic At The Disco. So, I tried to capture that Panic "vibe" as closely as possible. Apparently I dont know what I'm doing because the record came out sounding like Wham if they were black and on ketamine. I also did a masters on Shakespeare for my post grad. He is a massive influence on my dope rhyming abilities. What inspires you from a lyrical standpoint? Women. Drugs. Politics. Money. Lack Of Money. Death. Life. Parents. Kids. Marriage. Lack Of Marriage. Lack Of Kids. Picture Frames. Couches. Lots Of Couches. Strangers Telling Me About There Lives And What They Dream About. Breakups. Hookups. Makeouts. Makeups. Adventures In Foriegn Countries. Adventures In The USA. Louis Lamour Novels. What’s different from being in the Silversun Pickups to being out on your own? What was it like being in the Silversun Pickups? Being in Silversun Pickups was like being in a supportive, creative, nurturing family of friends who care deeply about each other and push each other in positive directions. It was a special time and place in my life which is hard to describe. I learned a lot from Brian and Nikki about friendship, music, and integrity. Then, I forgot all of it. Going solo was like droppin acid and sky-diving into Bagdad naked. Would you be open to being in a band again or do you prefer the solo thing? I've played guitar, bass, and drums in quite a few bands over the years. I love making music with friends. I'll totally join a band as long as we can call the band Kennedy. You were featured on the Nick and Nora's Soundtrack and the upcoming Saint John Of Las Vegas soundtrack. How did those projects come about? Do you enjoy doing songs specific for soundtracks? What’s that process like for you, any different? I went to an audition for the lead part in Nick and Nora. When it came time to read my lines, I completely blanked. In a moment of panic, I sang the lyrics to "Karate." The casting director said I was "the worst actor" she'd ever seen, but she thought I was kinda cute. She invited me to come over to her house and watch You've Got Mail. We dated just long enough for her to give my song "Karate" to the writer of the movie. The rest is history. As far as Saint John Of Las Vegas . . . my mom lives in Vegas, so i am kind of a big deal there. Where do you go from here? Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years? I have a very specific plan for the next ten years. I'm hoping to fade into a spiral of booze and online porn addiction for the next 2 years. I will get into rehab around year three and reinvent myself as a Born Again Christian or, maybe, a right wing politician. Five years from now, I will battle the IRS over unclaimed income and seek asylem in Norway. Then, I'll retire as an artist and write hits for artists who haven't been born yet. Year nine the aliens come and take everyone off the planet except for myself. 10 years from now, I will be living alone somewhere tropical with good surfing, making music from coconut shells and smoking banana peels. Or maybe I take a job at an advertising agency. Do you know Karate? I have a pink belt in Pilates.
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