British singer-songwriter Alex Kennedy is an emerging new voice who’s gearing up for a massive 2020. Already this year, he’s re-released his single, “Baby Steps,” a dedication to his daughter that chronicles the thoughts and feelings he experienced bringing a newborn into the world. It’s our first taste of what’s to come as Alex prepares to drop his highly anticipated debut EP, Square One. Pop Culturalist caught up with Alex to chat about this exciting chapter in his career.
PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Alex: From my earliest memory, I’ve always loved music, but I can distinctly remember playing with my parents’ LP player as a child and just being enthralled from listening to old Motown records. That definitely ignited something in me to have a real love for music!
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Alex: It’s hard to pinpoint. I’ve always listened to such a broad range of music, from pop, jazz, folk, hard rock to metal. One of my favorite artists is most certainly Nick Drake. I find I can return to his music at any stage in my life and still find something new, interesting, and captivating.
PC: How has becoming a father changed your life and the way you approach music?
Alex: Any parent knows that as soon as that little person arrives, spare time becomes a thing of the past! With music now, I really have to structure my practice/writing time in order to get things done. This usually involves very early starts or late nights.
PC: If your daughter wanted to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give her?
Alex: The #1 rule has to be to enjoy what you’re learning, whatever the instrument. Go to gigs, listen to lots of different artists, and practice the things you love! No matter what, I’ll always be there to support her through whichever path she chooses—musical or not.
PC: Tell us about your new single, “Baby Steps”. What inspired the track?
Alex: “Baby Steps” was inspired by the arrival of my daughter. It really is a song that conjures up all the different thoughts and feelings that I had of bringing a child into the world, from both utter excitement to complete fear of the unknown. It’s very much written from the heart.
PC: You’re getting ready to release your debut EP, Square One. What can fans expect?
Alex: Fans can expect a diverse range of songs. A lot of time and energy has gone into recording and producing this EP, and I’m lucky enough to have some fantastic musicians playing on it as well. It was all recorded in Surrey Studios in Caterham with Jack Vasiliou as my producer, who simply has one of the best ears for music I have ever seen in the industry.
PC: If you had to choose one song off Square One that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Alex: I struggle to stylistically categorize myself as an artist, which is why this is a tricky question. If I had to choose, I’d probably go with “Give Up Giving In,” as it’s definitely got a lot of soul to it, but “Baby Steps” still has my heart!
PC: What’s ahead for you in 2020?
Alex: 2020 is a new year for writing and most importantly getting my music out there through performing and touring. It’s going to be a busy year with the arrival of our second child as well.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alex: Ricky Martin
PC: First album you bought?
Alex: Dangerous by Michael Jackson
PC: First concert you attended?
Alex: Johnny Cash
PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Alex: There Goes Rhymin’ Simon by Paul Simon. Prior to listening to this album, I thought all pop artists wrote songs about being in love, etc., but Paul Simon just blew my mind at the sheer breadth of subjects he’s able to engage his audience with. My favorite track is “Something So Right”.
PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Alex: Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado
PC: A must-have on the road?
Alex: “Give Yourself A Try” by The 1975
To keep up with Alex, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify.
Photo Credit: Create Often Photography
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