It’s
awesome getting to use this blog to talk to bands. For guys who discuss, listen to, and think about music as
much as we do the people we interview are all awesome no matter where they are on the
charts. One of my favorite
concerts ever was going to see the Spring Standards. It was just a little free concert in a park, but they played
a great set, and their opening act, Reed Kendall, was great. After my recent post on these guys I
got in touch with Reed Kendall to asks him about his past, present, and future.
From what I understand you’re no
stranger to music. When was your first major music project?
My first project was in 1999. I
was 13 and had won free studio time at an open mic, so I recorded a 3 song
demo. My voice hadn't changed, so it's pretty funny to hear. One of those
tracks is hidden on our debut record "Holy, Open, Drying Road".
When you started out was this the
kind of music you thought you would be playing?
I knew I would write music that
spoke for me and was sincere, so in that sense, yes. As for styles and
techniques and such, that has all developed over time and is a product of what
I take in. There's no way to see that coming.
What got you into music?
I've been drawn towards
instruments, melodies and the stage for as long as I can remember. Michael
Jackson songs were the ones I remember singing first. When I was 5 I listened
to a cassette version of George Harrison's "I Got My Mind Set on You"
on repeat three times/night before going to bed.
Who would you say are some of
your major influences?
Recently I'd say Taylor
Goldsmith, Hezekiah Jones and Chris Kasper. Before hearing those guys I was
really into the writing of Bright Eyes and the live energy of Dave Matthews.
Big fan of Jack Johnson's film "The September Sessions", too.
What is the most difficult part
of the creative process for you?
Getting out of a slump. I'm
streaky.
A lot of your lyrics are about
the road, and traveling. Are these lyrics mostly inspired by your own
travels?
Without a doubt. "en
zed" is the only song on our record about staying put and taking it all
in, but it was written while I was traveling overseas. Each of the other songs
on the record, as well as the new ones, has something to do with restlessness.
I guess that's the phase I'm going through right now.
Is music your only artistic
pursuit at the moment?
Pretty
much. I have a lot of ideas for a music video for "Here I Haven Meet"
that I'm currently putting together with a friend. other than that I've been
working on a new fade-away slam dunk.
Are you more comfortable in the
studio or on stage?
I'm
comfortable in both places, but I enjoy making the connection to an audience
during the live show best. That's how it all started and it can never be taken
away.
What’s the next release we can
expect from you guys?
I'm
not entirely sure. We're still touring to get our first record out there, but I
do have an album + of songs I'm eager to share. I'm sure we will start
recording again very soon. Before that, the video for "Here I Haven
Meet" should be ready in a couple months.
If you could go back to when you
were starting up would you have any advice to give yourself?
I'm a big believer in playing
live as much as humanly possible.
I
wanted to thank Reed for taking the time to talk with us. You can find all the Up the Chain you
can handle on their website, and check out this song from their newest LP, Holy
Open Drying Road.
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