Nashville-based artist Hadley Kennary unveils new single “Right By You”.

Written by Kennary and co-produced by Collin Pastore and Jake Finch, the new single came from a longing to meet in the middle: knowing you’re fighting the same fight from different angles.

“I hope this song helps people realize it’s ok to put aside your differences you have with another person for the sake of understanding each other. Compromise isn’t a weakness, it helps paint a more complete bigger picture,” explains Kennary.

Off her upcoming EP Habits, “Right By You” conveys catchy melodies with warm vocals and harmonies. Combining elements of pop and rock, Kennary continues to create her musical identity through this stunning single.

As a songwriter, Kennary recently co-wrote “Slippin” by Nashville-based artist Bre Kennedy, which features on Kennedy’s debut EP.

“Right By You” is now available on major streaming platforms.

Introduce yourself - where are you from?

Hi there! My name is Hadley Kennary, and I’m an artist/songwriter based in Nashville. I’m from all over the US. I lived outside of Chicago for the longest when I was a kid, and a lot of my family is from Detroit/I’ve lived there twice, so mostly the Midwest.

What's your story?

I’ve been obsessed with music ever since I was a kid. My parents always had music playing around the house, so I was exposed to a lot of different styles from an early age. I sang in choirs, played in band, and did musical theatre growing up. I studied music/music business in college, and I’ve been in Nashville for five years doing what I love.

When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I started writing songs when I was in high school - so about 15/16 years old. I remember listening to some of my favorite artists from then, hearing my thoughts and feelings articulated for the first time by someone else, and it made me feel understood and less alone. I wanted to try it for myself, and I haven’t looked back.

When did you know you could sing?

My family would tell you there wasn’t a time when I wasn’t singing as a kid. I would memorize songs from movies and musicals and sing them around the house. It was natural, and singing was big part of my childhood.

What did your time at Berklee teach you as an artist?

My time at Berklee taught me how to approach the music business as exactly that: a business. It also encouraged me to collaborate for the sake of collaboration. Some of the people I met my first year at Berklee are still my good friends and trusted musical partners today, and I’m very grateful for my time there.

How did your sound and artistry evolve since your very first release?

In some ways, I haven’t changed a bit - I’m still a girl with an acoustic guitar writing about her feelings. Nowadays, I’m a little more sonically plugged in, and I have a lot more people on stage with me. I feel a lot more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have, and I’ve found myself in a community that encourages me to do my thing. I feel very lucky.

"Right By You" is your new single. What's the story behind this song?

My song “Right By You” was the first one we recorded for this upcoming project. It’s about being on opposite sides of the same page - knowing you’re fighting the same fight from different angles. This song is my reminder to myself and to those I love that even though we don’t always see things the same way, the more remind ourselves that we’re on common ground, the closer we’ll get to really understanding each other.

Click on the artwork to stream “Right By You”

You worked with Collin Pastore and Jake Finch on this record, could you describe us the songwriting/production process?
In late 2017, Collin, Jake and I went to The Smoakstack in Nashville to record a couple of my songs with my band. “Right By You” was just written a few weeks before this session, but I knew I needed to record it. The song truly catalyzed this new chapter of my music. Collin and Jake constantly encourage me to step beyond my comfort zone and try weird ideas. Working with them is more fun than I could have ever asked for. They have such infectious energy, individually and especially when they work together. It’s inspiring, and I’m thankful they’re my people.

What did you feel when writing this song?

Writing this song was a much-needed release for me. “Right By You” came from a place of both frustration and love, and it I wrote it at a time when I really needed to hear it. It was one of those songs that I wrote in one sitting, one I couldn’t stop writing until I said everything that needed to be said in one go.

What do you like the most about this song?

I’m already nostalgic about this song because it set this new season of music in motion. To me, it represents the passionate need to communicate with somebody else. It serves as a reminder to trust my gut when it comes to my music, both in creation and production. Also, the bridge is my favorite part of the song, when all the vocals and bass come in (bass played by Andrew Brown, one of the best players/people I know).

What is your goal for this new single?

I hope this song helps people realize it’s ok to put aside your differences you have with another person for the sake of understanding each other. Compromise isn’t a weakness, it helps paint a more complete bigger picture.

What can you tell us about your upcoming EP Habits?

“Habits” is a reflective journey toward becoming a little more self-aware. As I’m getting older, I want to be intentional about deciding which of my habits to take with me, which I can learn from and leave behind, and which can be turned into better ones. These songs are my attempts to work on that.

What does it mean for you to be an artist?

To be an artist means to be unafraid to express yourself in an honest, vulnerable way - or at least that’s what I’m aiming for.

What does songwriting make you feel?

Songwriting makes me feel like I can be myself and be honest, and it makes me feel connected with people through a whole other language.

What advices would you give to new songwriters?

Write honestly and write often. Only you have your perspective.

What are your thoughts on today's social media?

I go back and forth between wanting to run away from all social media and going down rabbit holes on it. It’s easier than ever to only consume the highlights from others’ lives, and it messes with me sometimes. I’m trying to be more intentional about when I use it and using it for the reason it was created - for connection.

In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?

Patience.

What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?

Change is inevitable. Try not to be surprised by it. Learning to roll with it makes things a lot more fun.

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