Lili Kendall chats to theaussieword.com in an exclusive interview…
What can you tell our readers about you? How and where did it all begin?
I am a 17 year old Brisbane singer/songwriter, I started writing music when I was 11, travelling to the states when I was 13 and go there regularly now. My management, Monroe Management and mentor, Cameron Jaymes, who I write with frequently and also produces my songs are based there.
What had you first interested in music?
I went to a Michael Buble concert with my dad when I was 11 and loved every second of it from the minute I walked in. When I was 12 my parents got me a guitar for my birthday and I just started writing songs, it came naturally to me.
Who motivates or influences your quest to make great music?
New life experiences definitely motivate my music, but I think a big factor of my music is my mentor Cameron Jaymes; he doesn’t let me off the hook for anything and is always pushing me to do better lyrically, melodically and as a person.
Do you have any planned tours coming up?
I am finishing my final year of high school so I can’t really just pack up and go as of yet! I am really excited to be able to tour around next year for my music and see new places! I have just returned from North America where I did two shows in Toronto and one in Los Angeles.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
At the moment I am not doing this to make loads money or have fame, I do it because I have passion for it and I know it is just who I am. Of course I want to be able to live off of my music, but the most important thing to me is that people really love what I make for them and I get the recognition for that.
What can fans expect from you in the coming months?
Lots more music (1 single a month) and a new video to come very soon!
Success, what is the secret to it and what has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Hmmm I can’t say I know the secret to success just yet, though my biggest highlight so far in my career would most definitely be Canadian Music Week choosing me to perform in Toronto, and being the only female artist representing Brisbane! I got my first sync this year also where a fashion label in New York is using one of my songs for their spring campaign, it is very cool to hear your music behind an ad!
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Artists that I really admire are ones with voices that really resonate with me and connect with me emotionally (deep). I love Sam Smith, Amy Winehouse, Beyonce, Nat King Cole, Sia, Matt Corby, Louis Armstrong and James Vincent McMorrow to name a few.
How would you best describe you and your music to your fans?
My music is for sure pop but has a certain R&B essence to it. Pop with a unique twist to it!
I have been and still am releasing one single every month for a year, until I have my whole album! As I go along I don’t necessarily know which song I will release for the next month. I love doing this, as I am still kind of writing the songs and growing with it. I am expecting to release my album at the end of the year which will include my favorites tracks from this year along with some new surprises.
Are there any new exciting projects in the works?
A new video for a song called ‘Run’ is going to be released very soon! The song and the video may just be my favourite that I have created so far.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Making music, and still loving it.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
Matt Corby, Sia, Sticky Fingers. I have managed to get a lot of my US friends hooked on Matt Corby!
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I haven’t been in this industry for very long so I can’t really say how it has changed, but from what I have experienced I can say the music industry is a tough one.
The use of social media is paramount to getting your music out there today. I try to post on my social media as much as possible because connecting with my fans is really important and personal for me. I cannot imagine the day when you didn’t have this direct contact with your fans!
Thank you for the interview! What can you leave fans of theaussieword.com with here today?
Be you, Do what makes you happy in life, and surround yourself with the people that truly care for you.
Website: www.lilikendall.com