Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Avery.
Hi Kennedy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a 21-year-old musician originally from Chicago, Illinois. I have been playing piano since the age of 9, and I am primarily self-taught. I began writing and producing at the age of 14 and was in the jazz band all throughout middle school and high school as both a drummer and a keyboardist. I also was a percussionist in the symphonic band, and played piano and sang in the choir at my home church. Now, I am a graduating senior at Clark Atlanta University, majoring in music with a double concentration in Piano Studies and Commercial Composition, studying classical piano and modern music production. In January 2020, I released my first EP, “First Take,” a 5-song project that I produced, wrote and performed entirely on my own. Now, I regularly play at lounges and private events around the metro Atlanta area, collaborating with other local up-and-coming musicians while in school.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Music has definitely not been easy to pursue, but it is my passion. Initially, as a freshman, I intended to be a Biology major because the thought of being a full-time, freelance musician intimidated me. I didn’t know if I had the chops to be a professional keyboardist because I never really took formal lessons, and I had no idea how to break into the industry as a producer/songwriter. But after only a few days of going to STEM classes and not being able to play, I realized my only choice was to do music. It took me a while to come out of my shell enough to network with other artists and play in the area as well. It’s a bit of a challenge navigating the scene as a young, female keyboard player and producer because this field is dominated by men. But my love of the craft supersedes all of this.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a keyboardist, producer, songwriter, singer and arranger. I specialize in the neo-soul/R&B genre, but I incorporate a lot of jazz into my music as well. I am the most proud of my EP, “First Take” because of the fact that I did it completely on my own. I think that is what sets me apart from others: I am a self-contained female musician, and we are few and far between.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the community of Black artists in Atlanta the most. It seems like everyone is connected in some way, and I admire the way we support and celebrate each other. I love that there is always something to do (and eat) and somewhere to play or hear live music. The thing I like least about Atlanta is the day-to-day commute: heavy traffic, careless drivers and the potholes in the road. That’s pretty annoying.
Contact Info:
- Email: kennedyaverymusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_kennedyavery
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kennedy-avery-126291315
- Other: flow.page/kennedyavery
Image Credits:
Cedric Brooks
