Kendra Kay
Kendra Kay is a singer/songwriter based in Manitoba, Canada.
Her latest single “How It’s Done” was released in October 2019. The country record is about living our best life.
“I knew from the moment I did a demo for this song that I wanted to release it. I felt we all needed a song out into the world that just talked about having fun and letting loose,” says Kay.
By combining traditional country elements with modern country in her music, Kendra Kay has reached wide audiences across Canada and beyond.
“How It’s Done” is now available on major streaming platforms.
Photo credit: Melanie VanHeyst
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
My name is Kendra Kay. I come from a little town of 500 people on the southwestern side of Manitoba called Elkhorn.
What's your story?
I grew up always loving to keep myself busy. From my country lifestyle with the horses on the farm to playing hockey and all things sports, I was always keeping myself as busy as my parents would allow. I had always enjoyed singing but it wasn’t until an injury in hockey that made me really turn to music. I started taking singing lessons and competing in local singing competitions around Manitoba and Saskatchewan and in 2013 I made my first trip to Nashville. That trip really fueled my fire to start pursuing a career in Country Music.
When did you start feeling connected to country music?
I always have had a connection to country music. Growing up, country was all that was played in our home. I fell in love with country music “the right way” growing up on 90’s country and listening to the traditional country music my parents played around the house.
How would you define Kendra Kay, the artist?
My music pulls influences from all eras of country music. When I very first started recording and releasing music, my songs had a strong traditional sound to them. But over the past few years I have really grown into the who I am as an artist which can best be described as modern country with traditional country elements in the music.
What lessons did you learn since your very first release?
I think the biggest lessons I have learned since my first release is working with people who truly believe in you. The industry can be tough and having people to stand in your corner to pick you up when things get tough and having people there to celebrate the successes with you is one of the most important things.
“How It’s Done” is your latest single – what’s the story behind this song?
This song is all about living your best life. In the everyday business, we sometimes forget to always make time to do things that make us happy. We only get one life to live and tomorrow isn’t a guarantee so this song is just a message to everyone to step back and enjoy what their doing!
What do you like the most about this particular song?
I love how fun this song is. I love the message behind it and I love that it’s something that makes people want to have a good time.
What made you want to release “How It’s Done” as a single?
I knew from the moment I did a demo for this song that I wanted to release it. I felt we all needed a song out into the world that just talked about having fun and letting loose.
What do people think of this song so far?
People are responding well to the song! Nothing makes me happier than getting a message from someone saying that they love the song and it makes them smile and want to dance!
How would you define country music?
Country music has evolved so much through the years blurring lines between pop/rock in modern country but to me, country music has and will always be a story told through lyrics. Any and all good country songs have a story behind them that can make the listeners feel emotions and connect through the lyrics.
Any Canadian country artists you'd like to recommend?
There is so much talent in the Canadian country music scene right now. It’s hard to just name a few but some of my favs are Meghan Patrick, Madeline Merlo and The Washboard Union.
What do you feel when you're performing?
Performing is my most favorite part of being an artist. When I am on stage and the crowd is singing and dancing along, it is a feeling that I couldn’t ever describe. I lose myself on stage and step into a persona where I don’t think or worry about anything but what is in the moment and it is such an amazing feeling for me!
Who’s helping you shape your artistry and career?
I am lucky to have an amazing team of people working around me to help build my career. My manager, Jeremy Johnson has been a huge part of helping me shape the artist that I am today. He has always believed in me and my goals and helps carve the path to get to where I need to be.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is to always be myself. Being in this industry there’s always people telling you how they think you should look and act but at the end of the day I don’t want to be anyone but myself.
Do you remember a specific moment in your life where music made a huge impact?
Music has gotten me through a lot of things, good and bad. The biggest for me was after my grandpa passed away. I wrote a song to honour him and it really was the turning point in letting go.
How do you feel when your music has a positive impact on people?
It is a special feeling when someone can connect with your music. As an artist, I put my heart and soul into the music I put out and to hear when someone can relate to it is an amazing feeling.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
Besides music, I am most passionate about my life on the ranch. I spend all my free time with my horses and helping with all the farm work that I can. During this time of year, we are calving cows and there’s nothing I love more than seeing the baby calves running around the barn and corrals.
What are your thoughts on social media?
Social media is a great thing, especially for us in the music industry. It is an amazing way to grow a fan base and connect with listeners. We can tell a story and let people get to know us by sharing pictures and stories. It really brings the world so close.
As a human being, what do you want to accomplish?
I just want to be happy. Life is too short to be anything but happy and if I can continue to chase my dreams and do the things I love I will always be able to say I am accomplishing what I want out of life.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
The world would be a better place if there wasn’t so much hatred. I think if there was more love and less fighting, we would live in a better world.
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