Interview with Kendra & The Bunnies

Hi Kendra! Great to have you here!

Thanks so much for inviting me to interview!

Tell us about your latest music release! What was the creative process for this song?

I am really excited about my recent single release. It’s my first-holiday song to ever write and release. Additionally, I recorded it in conjunction with an amazing team in the Nashville music scene. The song was produced by Grammy member, Justine Blazer, at Ten7Teen Studios and co-written with notable songwriter, Corey Lee Barker, with MC1 Nashville. The creative process was ‘very 2020’. Since I am based in Los Angeles, we met via FaceTime for our songwriting session, then we linked up through the app Audiomovers for Logic X. She was able to stream in real-time what they were doing in the studio, so I could hear it too.

Do you have a dream venue you would like to perform at, if so what is the venue?

Absolutely! I am a live-music lover, so I have been to venues all around the country. I’d say my top venues that I am interested in playing are Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, the Hollywood Bowl in California, Ford Amphitheatre in Colorado, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Texas. I grew up in Houston, TX, and have seen several shows at Cynthia Woods. I also grew up going to Ford Amphitheatre in Vail, CO. There, I saw the Vail Symphony perform many times as a kid. It is always such a transcendent moment for me when I am hearing music there. I love full-circle moments, and I feel like performing at each of these places would be one of those full-circle moments.

How do you balance artist life and normal life?

Interesting you should ask. It’s somewhat like there is a narrator or commentator constantly in my mind. As a writer, poet, actress, and songwriter, there is always an inner monologue going on in my head, and at times, I even hear the stage directions… “She walks over to the printer. Feisty triumph in her eyes. She reaches down, grabs the paper, and reads the lyrics to her newest song. She sits down and begins strumming the guitar.” Since I began professional theatre training at age 4, I have literally always had the sensation of being in the spotlight or that life is a stage. The way I balance this with normal life is by being nice to myself. I let myself experience life as it is, then I tell myself, ‘It’s okay, you’re an artist. A big reason why you are experiencing this is to help others by transcribing this into a song.” Also, I move around in life like I am on-stage, physically… Mindful of my angles or the way I will look in a certain light. I am entirely conscious of things in normal life that I learned through acting like not speaking over other people’s lines or speaking over people when they are talking. Unless my character would do that, then I do interrupt! Also, I am always looking for a good storyline.

What are the essential qualities that make up a good musician?

Determination. Willingness to succeed. Knowledge of self & the industry. An ear for sound & personally unique tones. Maintenance of mental strength, image, & ability. Dedication to the craft. There are so many types of artists too. Break the mold.

How did you come up with the name Kendra & The Bunnies?

The name Kendra & the Bunnies was created from a number of different routes. Firstly, I am Kendra, obviously, and the bunnies are my fans and band members.

I was inspired to name them the bunnies, as rabbits are a beautiful and opulent spirit animal. I am also very influenced and inspired by ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and the character of the White Rabbit. The White Rabbit is a symbol of discovery of self and exploration for Alice. Also, there is the song “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane…

I must mention as well, the playboy bunnies. There was that reality show back in the day, ‘The Girls Next Door’ where one of the gals on the show, who was a Playboy bunny, is named Kendra. All of those powers brought together with sugar and spice + everything nice makes me ‘Kendra & the Bunnies’.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Trust yourself fiercely, and listen to yourself, souly (solely).

Find faith. Get sober. Let things go. Let things arrive.

Play the guitar and write poetry.

Bullies, meh. They are hurting themselves.

Shine.

Please tell our readers what platforms you are most active on and how they can follow you!

Amazing… Yes, come follow me on social media. I post interesting, endearing, and smiley content every day!

Instagram: @kenbunny

Twitter: @kenbunny

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kendraandthebunnies

Stream my music on all platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Pandora. Links here: https://songwhip.com/kendra-and-the-bunnies