Exclusives

Our exclusive chat with Kendal Conrad

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Country cutie Kendal Conrad is an award winning singer-songwriter with a brand new single out. She’s also an actor and published writer, so we had to talk to her on it all.

What’s the story behind your latest single, “Leader of the Pack”?
This song is about not counting yourself out, even if everyone else already has. At the end of the day, I am always willing to gamble on myself and my ability to not only get myself through tough situations but to come out on top. Do not let the actions or opinions of inconsequential people rule your world.

You’re not only a singer but an actor and a published writer. How do you balance it all?
It’s not really balancing, more like being offered the right opportunity at the right time and then acting on it. I love Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” so when I saw that the Civic Theatre of Allentown was holding auditions for the play, I jumped at the chance to play Holly Golightly. No brainer. Had no idea that I would actually get the part and have one of the best theatrical experiences I’ve had to date. I’m a huge horror buff and had some creative writing pieces from college that I was really proud of. Submitted to a horror anthology on a whim, and they chose my piece. I’m never afraid to put myself out there.

Is any acting or writing projects on the horizon for you?
Not at the moment, but never say never!

Do you ever fear being too personal when writing?
Maybe I should, but I don’t. I just removed myself from a toxic situation that was not only bringing me down but making me lazy and negative, two words I would never ever use to describe myself. Started blasting Cher’s “Strong Enough” and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and BOOM I felt a lot better. Music heals. If I can share my story with someone else who feels alone and isolated but is also feeling the same way, then that’s my job as an artist: you are not alone.

What can we expect from your debut EP?
Lyrically the EP as a whole is confident and honest, and sonically it lives in the gray area between country and pop. There’s a power ballad, a dance track, a cool R&B-flavored jam. I’m excited to see people’s reactions!

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Own who you are, and don’t apologize.

Are you able to perform your new music live?
Yes! The only place to hear the unreleased songs on the EP are at my live shows.

What is your favorite book?
Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Thomas Hardy is a phenomenal writer, and this novel is tragedy, poetry, and romance all rolled into one.