‘Just a little bird with some headphones…’
A refreshingly light-hearted introduction, perhaps, to a powerful, old school soul voice that commands attention. This, ladies and gentlemen, is British singing sensation, Kymberley Kennedy.
The catchy tunes only serve to compliment her talent and, when coupled with her song writing prowess, prove that this girl is a force to be reckoned with. Kymberley has spent the last year working with producers from around the globe, honing her skills as a producer and putting her own stamp on infectious songs like ‘That’s What He Said’, which jokes about quitting singing on account of her being too loud.
Growing up in a musical house, her father being a musician himself, she had an abundance of influences. Though, she had originally wanted to be a dancer. It wasn’t until she was 16 that she began writing songs, after the loss of a parent. ‘Ok, nobody tells you how to deal with that,’ she says, frankly, ‘nobody knows what to say. You get angry and upset and look for someone to blame. It’s nobody’s fault so you have to find a way to deal with it. Writing was my therapy.’ You have to admire her wisdom. She writes what she knows and draws from her own personal experiences which only add to her credibility as an artist. ‘When I have a bad day, I sit down, write a song and feel better about it. Half the time I end up mocking whatever situation I’ve gotten myself into and it’s ok to see the funny side again. I mean, if you can’t laugh at yourself, what’s the point?’
Kymberley’s songs ooze enthusiasm and her jaw dropping vocals nail it every time. ‘Blackout’ is the poignant tale of somebody taking control of their life after being put in a position where they have none. The striking (almost) acapella composition makes for a stunning work of genius. There’s an air of humour in the quirky ‘The Big I Am’ and it’s right up there with ‘That Man’ by Caro Emerald. ‘Oh My Love’ is a magnificent pairing of smooth vocals and sumptuous lyrics which completely encapsulate the feeling of being in love. Phrases like ‘Your gift of freedom’s seeing me always as you do now’ show that you don’t have to belt out a number to make it beautiful. ‘I can do runs and a bit of vocal gymnastics,’ she says, ‘but just because I can, doesn’t mean I should.’
Quick witted, talkative, charismatic – she ticks all the boxes, so it’s astonishing that Kymberley was once without a voice. Once she found it, of course, she discovered that she had quite a lot to say on just about everything in her life up to this point and there’s a real honesty in that. ‘I was always the quiet one. But now… life’s too short. Just be yourself, stop trying to control everything, learn from your mistakes (coz you’re gonna make more) and don’t take yourself too seriously.’
Incredibly inspiring and amassing quite a following online, Kymberley already has two Glastonbury performances and a live session at Maida Vale studios under her belt. She has worked with a string of exceptional producers on both sides of the pond, including High Voltage (Burn Like Ice) with whom she had a top #20 hit, beating Jay Z and The Gossip in the Hungarian charts. A self driven, perfectly packaged singer songwriter, Kymberley has sung for Krafty Kuts, DrumAttic Twins and DJ Askillz (Finger Lickin records) and last year released ‘The Good Girl’ EP with Grinny Grandad on Jam City records which has been described by Groove Armada as ‘Motown meets Def Jam’.
A warbler extraordinaire, indeed, and she knows what she wants.
But it’s a modest attitude the Leeds born singer applies toward her influences. ‘I don’t like to pigeon-hole my musical tastes. If I like it and it sounds good, it’s on my iPod – simple.’ For instance; she is in love with Alanis Morissette’s candour (and still proclaims ‘Jagged Little Pill’ as one of her all time favourite albums), mesmerised by Mariah Carey’s timeless voice, captivated by Aaliyah and always left in complete awe after any Beyoncé performance, with legends Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin, clear examples of music royalty, leading the way.
With Kymberley, it’s not about churning out powerhouse song (a term she’s adopted to describe songs with lots of runs and hard-hitting notes) after powerhouse song. She likes to have fun with it and see where the music takes her.
Recent comparisons include the likes of Christina Aguilera and Nikka Costa and with the seal of approval from The Invisible Men (Jessie J, Pixie Lott, The Noisettes) this girl is going places. We’re just along for the ride.
