Kendra Morris has a big voice and a soulful heart. In 2011 she received the Holly Prize by ASCAP and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which recognises new singer/songwriters whose talents honor the legacy of Buddy Holly. Morris releases her album BANSHEE this week, so Twin caught up with the singer to find out a little more about this creative talent.
In your childhood you were constantly surrounded my music as both your parents were in bands. What was your first musical memory?
One of my first musical memories was the late nights when my parents would have friends over and they would have jam sessions or rehearsals with their bands. I would always creep out of my bedroom and secretly listen to them play.
Who did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to this oldies station 92.5 that played a lot of different bands from the 50’s and 60’s. I also had a cassette tape called Crusing Classics that I listened to over and over again. On it, it had Buddy Holly, The Shirelles and The Beach Boys, and I would listen to it and dance and sing in front of the mirror.
When was the first time you remember thinking that you wanted to make music?
I can’t remember. I always loved performing and being in front of people. If I couldn’t perform in front of a live audience then it was in front of my toys. I remember Whoopi Goldberg hosting the Oscars one year and when she talked to the TV and said “this could be you kid, ” I was like… Yeah, that’s me!
What was the first song you ever wrote? What was it about?
First song I ever wrote, I think, was when I was around 15 or 16… I can’t remember the title but it was something about believing in love, even though I didn’t know it yet.
When did you decide to leave St Petersburg, Florida and move to New York?
I always dreamt of moving to NYC but was so scared… It took the catalyst of having a strong headed band to link up with and do it. Sometimes you just need a little push.
What’s the weirdest thing that ever inspired you to write a song?
I don’t think anything is really weird to inspire you. You can pull inspiration from anything.
Your album BANSHEE was just released on iTunes. What are your favourite tracks?
That’s tough. It’s like picking a favorite child. I am attached to them all in different ways… I think I love Just One More because it was so difficult to get out and then I love BANSHEE for the story and then If You Didnt Go, I love the melody in the chorus. I could go on and on, each track has a special place.
What tracks have you been listening to recently?
I’m writing again so I’m listening to a lot of the new stuff we are working on.
What do you have planned for 2014? Are you playing in London soon?
I’m in the middle of a European tour in support of BANSHEE right now. We play in London on the 26th and 27th of February and then back home to continue writing and finding inspiration for the new album… I bet I find some inspiration on this tour too!
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