Devin Kennedy
Los Angeles singer/songwriter/producer Devin Kennedy released his latest single “Something Bout That Feeling” on March 29th. Co-written by Kennedy, NonSense, Wolf Bradley, the new song is about the unconditional love of family and friends.
The pop single contains a digitized piano sample of Kennedy’s grandfather who passed away in the 90s.
“My family and I have him to thank for our creative, passionate and loving upbringings. A few years ago, we had all of his piano cassettes digitized so they could live forever. I re-mastered the tapes and sampled them in this song,” says Kennedy.
The music video was revealed on April 30th. Directed by Bryan Johnson (with the help of director of cinematography Jesse Kale), the personal video showcases a compilation of home movies from Kennedy’s childhood.
Memorable, personal and relatable, “Something Bout That Feeling” reminds us all that no one is ever alone.
“Something Bout That Feeling” is now available worldwide.
"Something Bout That Feeling" is your latest single. What's the story behind this song?
This is a really special one for me. Very personal. I wrote it about the unconditional love of family and friends, and how even on your worst days you have them to fall back on. Sometimes I just want to stay in bed and avoid all the bullshit, but what keeps pushing me to get up is knowing that no matter what happens, there's always going to be someone around to cheer me on.
When did you start working on it? Where did you get the inspiration from?
In February I set aside a full week to bring in some of my favorite writers to make some new Devin Kennedy songs. This particular session was Wolf Bradley from The Habits, NonSense and I. The goal was to write about family...and not make it cheesy. We wrote the song in a few hours, I finished the production that night, and then re-recorded the vocals, then mixed the song with my longtime collaborator Anthony Reeder a few days later. Songs get finished quick when you're super excited about them. Inspiration wise, I love that guitar is so big in pop music right now. I wanted to do something light and upbeat, but also organic and musical. I think that comes from a combination of 2019 pop, and all the guitar based rock stuff I grew up listening to.
What did you feel when writing this song?
From the second we started writing it, it felt special. It was the right amount of emotional, uplifting, and catchy. Music really does have a way with your emotions and this is a song that completely hits home for me.
You used a piano sample of your grandpa for this record. What can you tell us about him?
He was an amazing man. He raised 7 daughters in Long Island, New York. He was awarded a Purple Heart in WW2 for being injured in the line of duty and saving multiple soldiers simultaneously. And...as if that wasn't enough....he worked a full time job in printing and was a classically trained pianist. My grandmother and him met at a piano lesson when they were very young. They lost touch early, then reconnected over 15 years later when they were set up on a blind date. As my mom and aunts started to leave for college, he became very interested in recording his piano works to cassette tape. He passed away in 1997, but my family and I have him to thank for our creative, passionate and loving upbringings. A few years ago, we had all of his piano cassettes digitized so they could live forever. I re-mastered the tapes and sampled them in this song. Devin Kennedy featuring Kevin Kennedy.
What do you like the most about this song?
I love the use of the piano sample. I love the meaning, and how it makes me feel. I also really love how simple it is. The track is less than 10 elements. In a musical landscape where big, massively layered tracks tend to be considered "pop", I think we were able to pull of a super-catchy pop record that's easy and straight to the point.
Could you tell us about the music video? Who directed it?
Keeping in the theme of family, the music video is partly a 3 minute compilation of home movies that my parents took during my childhood. It has best friends, family, places I've lived, and some of my greatest memories in it. My very talented friend Bryan Johnson directed the video. We collaborated on the concept but he really brought the idea to life, and did an amazing job capturing the message behind the song. Also a big shout out to the director of cinematography Jesse Kale, he is an extremely talented guy. Bryan and him did an amazing job on this one.
Any favorite memories from the making of the music video?
The whole process was so collaborative and creative, I loved it. My favorite moment was shooting the first shot, seeing this incredible footage of my parents and I in 1997 projected onto a huge canvas. It's hard not to get emotional during moments like that.
What's your favorite part about being an artist? And what's the hardest part?
I'm in love with the craft of music. Creatively, I love being an artist because I can make what I want, when I want. I don't have to think, "what was the artist last album like? Will this be cohesive?"...for me, the meaning behind what I'm creating is truly the Devin Kennedy "brand"...so it evolves with me every day.
The hardest part is breaking through and having thick skin while you do it. Taking rejection gracefully and learning from your mistakes. It's a rollercoaster ride.
How would you define Devin Kennedy, the artist?
If someone were to tell me that they were inspired to write music because of my songs, I could quit music in that moment and be content. I was so blessed to be inspired by music so young, it helped define who I am. If I could do that for someone, that would be a dream come true. So, to answer the question, Devin Kennedy is someone who is deeply passionate about art and the effect it can have on our lives.
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