Kendra Erika

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Kendra Erika is a #1 Billboard Recording Artist

Interview conducted on November 24, 2020

By Dan Locke

Kendra Erika is a #1 Billboard Recording Artist/Songwriter from Boca Raton, Florida. She has achieved 5 Top Ten songs on the Billboard Charts in less than three years.

Kendra’s House/Pop recording style developed from the eclectic vibes of her surrounding musical culture and community. Focused on being truthful to her core artistry and authentic to whom she is, Kendra brings a dynamic cinematic experience to everything she produces. Trained in classical and jazz, she draws inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey, Solange, Ellie Goulding, and London Grammar who make engaging and emotional music that is felt in the bones.

What was your upbringing like?

– Wonderful, had a cell phone by eight, and a canopy bed shortly after that. Didn’t get a car till Christmas after I turned 16, I was spoiled with travel experiences, and was surrounded by my parents’ friends, who showed me how to talk and connect with all walks of people. The one thing that wasn’t given to, or didn’t spoil me was my voice. I had to work very hard for that. As well as my golf game. I can say with a satisfied heart and mind, that I was surely given the gift of work ethic and being a student of the world around me.

How did you discover music?

– I grew up on Disney movies, so I discovered music through watching the various princesses and characters enjoy what they were doing, which was song and dance. Funny to think that now I get referred to as a Disney princess in how I present myself and operate creatively.

How did you start to write music?

– I started when I was 15. Being that I was singing covers and other artists’ songs while I was gigging in South Florida, I wanted to make my own mark and write my own music. I was always enthralled by the process of creating a song from start to finish, so I wanted to become my own artist and leave a mark of originality in the whole music spectrum.

Describe your music

– It’s different and allows you to experience a raw feeling, whatever that may be. It’s not run of the mill. Think more red brick road.

What was your first performance like?

– It was in the living room of my childhood home, and in my mind, but to the dismay of the guests who were present; I crushed that Little Mermaid song.

What do you think makes a good songwriter?

– One that follows the beat of their own heart, the melody and lyrics of their own mind, who is independent, and does not conform to a mold.

Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association?

– I know I belong to BMI. I have submitted my songs to the International Singer-Songwriter Association in the past and am also a voting member of the Grammy Recording Academy

What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?

– My first original song was entitled “For You”. I recorded it when I was 15 with two brother producers in Miami, David and John Julca. I co-wrote this one with renowned Latin artist, Fabian Hernandez.

How was it to sing The National Anthem twice?

– I mean, I have sung The National Anthem more than twice, (at Football & Baseball games and at countless Charity events. I have to say that singing the Anthem makes me feel so empowered, and proud of our country.

How has your music changed since “Try to Go On” and “I Got a Secret”?

– It’s deepened and continues to evolve to showcase my vocal ability. Those songs were written over 10 years ago.

Why did you decide to start your own label “Oystershell Music”? Why that name?

– It was very entrepreneurial of me to do so. “Oystershell Music” because my music is an aphrodisiac.

What is the biggest problem about owning a label?

– I don’t see any problems in owning my own label. It only legitimizes independence.

Since you are classical and jazz trained, have you put them into your music? I checked out your cover of Back to Black in 2014.

– Little by little, I’ve been incorporating my foundations into my projects. I have something in the works right now, where my operatic vocals will come through very nicely and be showcased. I did record a dance remix of Phantom of the Opera a few years ago.

You did a remix of “A Deep Love” with Aretha Franklin. Are you planning to do anymore?

– I believe the remix you’re referring to was a mashup and convergence a DJ put together combining my original song “A Deeper Love” and Aretha Franklin’s “A Deeper Love”. It’s up to the pool of DJs out there to do any more mashups or remixes of my songs, so for sure.

Tell me about your latest single Avalanche?

– It’s a hot ballad even though it’s a chilly one. I wrote it with Mark Mangold, who has worked with the likes of Cher, Michael Bolton, Laura Branigan, and more. He came up with the piano chords and the chorus, and then the verses were generated by yours truly. We wanted the lyrics to be as visual and as abstract as possible, and being like-minded in that aspect made this all the more collaboratively wonderful.

How soon before your album, is release?

– It’ll be released in the new year. Either spring or summer for the album of the year.

What has been your favorite music video release so far?

– “So, Fly” was a fun video to release, because it showed so many looks and had a lot of personalities. “Avalanche” was a powerful video to release, and one that showcased my vocal tenacity and, of course, the Ice Sculpture piano. Both releases were great in their own forms

How do you stay healthy while performance?

– I eat very healthy, almost like rabbit status, and I work out six days a week to keep my immune system intact to make sure my endorphin levels are optimal for performances.

How was it to open for Jason Derulo? Any words of wisdom did he give you?

– What a great night that was. I love seeing successful people give back to charities, especially when they’re based in that artist/performer’s hometown. I always say that when you make a success of yourself if you don’t give back to the hometown that supported you, then what is it all about? So, that was the unspoken wisdom he showed me. He gave a very energetic and cool performance, and he was very positive.

What are you’re feeling about streaming music?

– As long as my music is streaming nicely, we’re all good.

Digital vs. vinyl?

– It’s situational. Digital for on-the-go and for the sake of staying current, and vinyl for wanting to hear music analog fashion.

How was it to record the “Break the Wheel” acoustic video? This was not your only unplugged session you have done. Are you planning to do some more?

– You know, Lazaro Rodriguez and I are the acoustic dream duo. Whenever we link up to do any acoustics, it’s always a chill time, and we make sure whatever song we’re recording comes through in a very open and lyrical way. I absolutely have more acoustic videos coming your way.

What song from the past is in your mind right now during Covid-19? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?

– I wrote a song a couple years ago with Chris Garcia (Lana Del Rey, JoJo, Demi Lovato), called “Point to the Sky”, and the lyrics are so pertinent to what is going on in our world today. Freakishly enough, it’s as if I have clairvoyance lol. Nevertheless, the concept behind this song was that instead of pointing to the sky, the air, your surroundings, (especially when it comes to the virus,) pointing to what’s inside of you to make the difference. Essentially speaking to people to gain their inner focus of control back in order to be open-minded.

How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?

– I feel at this current standpoint, it’s affected the live concert-going aspect of music. Although concerts have been virtual, it’s not the same experience. Artists such as myself, are still creating and recording, so there is still momentum in generating projects, however, the in-person sharing has been compromised.

How was it to spend 3 months virtually writing and recording via zoom?

– Would have much rather been traveling to make it all happen lol. However, it was an exceptionally productive time for me. I wrote and recorded six (6) new songs with some major producers all over the county.

Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies since Covid-19?

– Potential suitors would be pleased to know I can also be creative in the kitchen. And, I’ve rediscovered I can still kill it on the golf course, which is another bonus for any potential suitors out there.

95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?

– I’ve really taken a liking to Hulu. A lot of great shows and movies.

Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses. The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only. How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?

– They need to let artists share their talents and voices during this time. They shut down venues, so open up your medium to continue to let artists perform. Trying to monitor, control, and censor creatives is not a good look for them. First amendment represents!

How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?

– Goes back to the previous answer. By not putting provisions on artists/bands on social media, they’ll be able to keep their fans and continue to be active and interactive. Merch can also be sold via social platforms and individual websites.

If you couldn’t do music what would you like to be doing?