Since making his childhood love of music into a career, Kendre’ has evolved into an accomplished singer/songwriter/producer. Adopting the motto “Music Is Life,” Kendre’ channels that mantra into a unique blend of styles and genres intertwined with an inspirational message to create songs that are truly electrifying, refreshing, and uplifting.
Just like life isn’t meant to be a series of boxes to be checked, Kendre’ isn’t held back by genre. He draws from an array of influences from the R&B and Soul worlds to create a sound that is different than anything else, but unmistakably current. He currently lives in Los Angeles and has just released the single, “A Change.” His past releases include “Mess in The Morning,” “LIMITS,” and “That Love.”
With that said, The Crafty Musician Blog is very proud to feature Kendre Streeter in this month’s edition of Artist Spotlight…
So first of all, how would you describe your music?
My music is a blend of styles and genres. My gospel roots are definitely a building block. Also, my love for musicality and the sound of a live band helps me develop music which I hope will be timeless and inspirational. At the core, listeners will hear RnB, Soul, heart, and experience that some might say is beyond my years.
Very nice. Who are some of your musical influences?
I have a wide range of influences. Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson are two greats that would be on my Mount Rushmore of musical geniuses. I also appreciate and admire younger creatives like Anderson Paak, Mali Music, John Legend, and PJ Morton, and I dig indie rising singers like JeRonelle, and Durand Bernarr. Musically, I’m in awe of Mike Hicks and Robert Glasper’s ear for sound and musicology and I’m sure they will be the Quincy Jones’ or David Fosters of the next century.
That’s a nice mix of classic and contemporary artists. How did growing up in Clarksville, TN, and being immersed in the church have an impact on you?
Even though it was all I knew, I wanted to be free and independent. As a PK (preacher’s kid) you grow up going to or supporting church events morning, noon, and night. As much as I may have tried to avoid it when I think back to all I’ve gone through I realize that having a foundation of faith has in some ways prepared me for this industry.
With that said, I understand that you experienced some tragic events growing up that ultimately led you to pursue music as a career. Can you tell us a little about that?
Well, I lost my sister when I was a teenager. Not too long after that, l lost my mom. When my mom passed, I was still struggling to try and make sense of things. I was so frustrated at the time, wondering why God had to take the two most important women in my life when I was still learning how to be a man and figuring life out. I began to write poems and lyrics to relieve stress and process all the pain. For my mom’s funeral, my dad asked me to turn a poem she had written into a song, and to sing it. I can only say looking back now that that simple request from my dad planted a seed, which grew into a passion for music as a source of strength. In turn, it became my goal to use my talents to help others find their own way through life’s trials. Currently, my focus is music, but whatever business endeavors I develop in the future, the goal will always be to help inspire and bring joy to others, reminding them that they are not alone.
Wow, that’s really deep. Thank you for sharing that. I recently lost my father to COVID-19 and am still trying to make sense of it myself. With that moment being your foundation and the basis for your mission, it almost seems like everything you do in life now is in some ways a dedication to the memory of your mom and sister…
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. I can certainly relate to what you are going through. Losing my sister and my mom feels like it happened yesterday for me. If I could offer any word of encouragement, know that you are still here for a reason, and while it might not make sense now, what you’re going through today is a preparation for your tomorrow. Regarding your question, everything I do is dedicated to my loved ones, past and present. I have to leave people I meet feeling better having known me.
That seems like a really good goal to have in life. Speaking of which, what do you hope to give others through your music?
Music is a powerful tool for change. I strive to be honest and as transparent as possible in my lyrics. I want my music to break down walls of rejection, ignorance, sadness, and depression as well as build bridges of joy, brotherhood, inspiration, and hope.
That’s great! We definitely need more of that. How long would you say you’ve been making a career out of music and how has it evolved or changed over the years? My music career has evolved a lot over the last 10 years that I’ve been doing it. Looking back, I’ve been able to produce my own projects, make beats and jingles, and gone on multiple tours. On the music development side, I have honed my sound and become clearer on the vision I want for my music. Even if I don’t become super famous, if I’m able to inspire even one person, I’ve accomplished so much. I’ve also evolved to understand that this is a business after all. I get to do what I love, but I have also learned that sometimes I have to do things I don’t like as much as I like making music in order to be successful. The business end takes discipline, consistency, and a bit of humility. If I want to be around long term, building a good foundation is critical. I’m lucky to have a solid team behind me that pushes me to be my best.
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So tell us, how did you end up moving from Clarksville, TN to Los Angeles?
Living in Tennessee, the focus is on country music. I was getting traction as a musician and realized that to do RnB I needed to go to either NYC or LA. I decided that LA was the best area for my type of sound. My music isn’t as urban as the underground sound is in NYC. I also thought LA would be a great scene to find my niche fans and to grow more organically.
How long have you been in LA and what has that transition been like moving from a smaller town?
November 2020 will make 4 years here in LA. Maybe we shouldn’t count 2020 due to COVID 19, haha. Maybe we all can get a 2020 do-over? Naw, seriously, I’m fortunate that I have a great network here in Cali. The transition has been challenging, but necessary for my growth. Don’t get me wrong, there have been moments where I questioned my move because at times the music vibe of LA didn’t seem to have room for my style, but as my team reminds me in those moments, “what is for you is for you” and “consistent, focused work will produce a return on investment.” So, in those moments I snap out of it and remind myself, this ‘music’ is what I was born to do. It is God-given, so if I keep grinding, the benefits will show up in due time.
What kind of shows do you typically do and how often do you perform (before COVID-19)?
I’m so passionate about performing my music with a live band accompaniment. Before COVID 19 I was so excited because I had started to gain a core group of supporters and interest in my music had been growing. I was performing locally at smaller venues and underground lounges at least 3 or 4 times a month. I also wrote & produced for other artists while developing my own tracks. I realize I’m still relatively unknown, but I was able to stay productive doing what I have come to love.
Yeah man, it’s all about doing what you love. Does most of your income come from your shows and merchandise sales, or do you have other income streams as well?
It’s a combination of all of that. Since I play 5 instruments, I’m able to supplement income as a backup musician, beatmaker, and producer. I’ve even written a couple of jingles for a major eyewear brand. I also backfill my income as a musician for churches and other indie bands as well as with some non-music related projects. All in all, I’ve been very fortunate to have a great team and fantastic supporters where I can say I do music full-time.
Absolutely! How has COVID-19 affected you, both in life and in your music career?
It has been very important to stay vigilant. I think going through so much at such a young age has made me tougher. And luckily my team and I plan our year out in advance. So while we had goals mapped out for 2020, as things have changed through the year we’ve just dusted ourselves off and adjusted as needed. The virus has also affected me by not being able to connect and see loved ones, especially my family back home in Tennessee. That has been incredibly difficult.
Yeah, that has been difficult for a lot of us. You mentioned that you have a team. Can you tell us a little more about them and how they help you?
Sure, so we are a small but mighty bunch. I have two co-managers: on the East Coast is Ken Streeter and on the West Coast is Kenya Streeter. Ken, Kenya, and I make up the core family-owned management company KECS Enterprises. I’m fortunate that we each bring different strengths to the table. Ken is the technology and logistics master, Kenya is the financial, business, and contract guru, and, of course, I’m the creative engine. We also have our PR Manager, Franziska Pugh from JAQS Publicity, who’s helping me build my brand and staying connected with fans. My personal/road manager is Isaiah White, who keeps me on schedule. Isaiah also doubles as my writing partner, and we all double as sounding boards for each other on every aspect of this journey. There are others to help bring my songs to life but this the core team at the moment.
That’s great that you have so many people helping and supporting you. One song of yours that really stands out to me is “A Change.” Did you write and release that as a response to recent events over the past couple of months?
No, this song was in my heart for several years, and we went through a setback that caused us not to be able to release it until now. But my faith shows me that timing is always perfect.
Do you produce all of your own music?
Yes, and for some of my songs my brother, Grammy winner Maestro Lightford produces for me. A Change is a Maestro production.
When it comes to equipment, are there any items you are most fond of, either for performing, recording, etc.
Absolutely,!
Bass: Music Man 4-String Sting Ray Bass – The tone and quality is like no other, smooth low end, punchy high end.
Keyboard: either a) Yamaha Montage – Gives everything needed out of from classic piano sounds to amazing synths sounds; or b) Komplete Kontrol – This one makes producing very easy and can utilize all the components of the keyboard, where I don’t have to touch my laptop if I don’t want to.
Microphone: I recently ordered the Bluebird Baby Bottle SL – Has classic warmth and presence in the vocals and other instruments.
Interface: Universal Audio Twin Apollo MK11 – This industry standard interface changes the game with the pre-amps and plugins. It is one of the best in the game.
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Has your definition of ‘making it’ as a musician changed over the years?
Not really, I understand there is a real element of “making it” that requires that I be able to pay the bills and enjoy some basic comforts. However, my feelings haven’t changed about not wanting to be so famous to the point where I can’t go to the mall or grocery store or take my kids to the park without being able to enjoy the moments. “Making it” to me would and has always been that I have a musical catalog of work so timeless that it is remembered long after I’m gone so that people not yet here will be inspired by the sounds, melodies, and lyrics I’ve created.
Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
Yes, we will be attending the ‘March on Washington 2020’ in August with plans to perform ‘A Change’ in solidarity. We are also releasing new music in the fall; a Christmas compilation of covers this year, an EP in early 2021 and prepping for a spring 2021 tour as the opening act. Besides the Spring 2021 tour which is in the works amid the outcome of COVID 19, the rest will go on without a hitch, You never know what more 2020 has in store for us all. I just keep pushing forward as the strength to persevere must come from within.
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Wow, that’s awesome that you’ll be at the march in DC. Sounds like you have a lot of projects in the works as well. Where do you see your music career 5 years from now?
I see myself writing and producing with or for some of my heroes in the game and releasing good music that’s considered go-to classics like those iconic songs that Michael or Stevie made. In 5 years, I would love to perform 80% of the year all around the world.
At this stage in your career, what accomplishments are you most proud of? Don’t be afraid to brag…
Oh wow, to date my song “A Change” has over 130,000 streams and my Spotify page has gained over 33,000 monthly listeners and over 4,000 followers. This has happened very rapidly. At the beginning of the year, I didn’t even have 10% of that.
Opening for Morris Day and getting the opportunity to pitch songs to the likes of Rihanna, Faith Evans, Afrobeats great Meaku, Indie rising star Durand Bernarr and rap legend Rick Ross has been humbling.
And then, less impressive to some, but for me being able to sustain a living as a full-time artist while maintaining a great relationship with my children over 3,000 miles away from them and building a very solid team with a great foundation for the future has been validation that I’m doing what I’m supposed to do to contribute to this world.
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Very nice! What advice do you have for artists looking to become full-time musicians?
Take your talent and this business seriously. Become a student of your craft. Understand what kind of artist you want to be and understand what it will take to accomplish that goal. Collaborate with good people, like me that are willing to help produce YOUR music for YOUR sound. If you already write and develop beats and you love it, release your work. Use the internet and social media to build your fanbase. Listen, learn, network, and most of all, DO IT.
That’s great advice. How can our readers find you online?
Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Youtube
Email & Bookings: kecsenterprises@gmail.com
Well Kendre, we really appreciate you sharing your story on The Crafty Musician. Definitely keep up the great work and we wish you the best!
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