By Vera Rosales
The local music scene is seeing new artists who prove that diversity is a perfect breeding ground for emerging talent. A great example of these creative influences is singer Kenda Rae, who shared her musical journey – from her birth place of New York all the way to Abu Dhabi. Here’s her story, in her words…
“I was born in New York, and raised between both the Bronx and Harlem. I spent most of my young adult life in Atlanta, Georgia working first as an IT Consultant, then as a teacher. After teaching for several years, I decided to pursue an opportunity to teach aboard, which is what brought me here.
“I am a mother, wife, sister, teacher and a peaceful warrior. My music reflects my desire to inspire others to heal, live their purpose and share something meaningful with others. The world would be better place if we were all courageously creative and unafraid to shine our lights.
“My musical journey starts with my love for all things creative, which I know came from my parents. My mom is an amazing visual artist and overall crafts-woman. My home was always filled with eclectic decorations and music. My father was a successful perfumer and owner of a shop called the Fragrance Lab by the time I was born. He also recorded music and owned a health food store in his adult life. The concept of creating something tangible from the seeds of imagination was constantly reinforced by my parents’ example.
“My mom told me I sang and performed often as a toddler, but I remember writing my first song when I was 10. My classmates and I came up with a group and we would perform the songs during recess. Throughout the years, I’ve collaborated with many artists as a writer, singer, and lyricist. I also performed often in Atlanta and was part of a band in 2009. Since I write and perform my own songs, my show tends to chronicle both my musical and personal journey.
“When I start writing a new song it happens really organically. My music can be most described as fusion of future funk, spirit-lifting soul, and healing hip-hop. I think I’ll call it…Sol Union 😉 I am very curious about life so I am an observer, I enjoy putting words together to describe my reflections. Melodies come through best in the early morning hours or when I am doing something that’s routine like driving or washing dishes.
“I write mostly in my head and then write down the lyrics when the song is finished. I also keep a recorder with me to record parts of the song along the way. I love my recorder because it has a USB port so I can play the ideas in my car. Some songs come through in 10 minutes. Other times I will get halfway through a song and feel like it needs to rest for a bit. I’ll write down what I have and come back to it later. I never like to rush the lyrics. I feel like the right words come through when it’s time.
“I am inspired by whatever moves me to think or feel something new. It could be a conversation, a photo, or an epiphany. I wrote a song a few weeks ago that was inspired by a documentary I watched on the Cosmos.
“I have performed around Abu Dhabi, with the support of several other rising artists like Shaf Ahmed on keys, Alap Abooty on the drums, Zainab Hafiz on vocals and Crystal Priebe on vocals.
“There are so many artists that I admire and inspire me. Iconic artists are not only good musicians, but they also have original style, they create a shift in musical expression, and they have longevity. Prince without a question is one of my favorites. Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Grace Jones, James Brown, Donny Hathaway, Earth Wind and Fire, Sly and the Family Stone, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill are also some of my favorites. All of these artists make me ask the question “how would the world be different if they didn’t pursue their dream?” I am so grateful they shared their gifts with the world.
“I normally wake up around 5am and go workout then get ready for work. I work an hour from where I live so I use this time to practice my vocal drills, rehearse my music, and work on new songs. I teach and return home. That’s when I spend time with my family. I try to get together with my band, The Kenda Rae Experience, at least once a week. We practice more often as we get closer to a show.
“My advice to up and coming artists is to practice. Talent can only get you so far. Mastery of your craft comes through practice and the character that you develop along the way will set you apart from other musicians. Second, come up with a plan for accomplishing your goals and give yourself deadlines. The team of people who will help you along the way will change, but you can make the most of the time if you are clear about your objectives. Finally, visualize yourself doing what you love often. The more you see your greatness, the more others will too!”
Visit ‘Kenda Rae’ on Facebook.
