Essential 8+: Kendall Beard

Courtesy of the Artist

On her new album, Here Comes Trouble, Austin’s Kendall Beard continues in the proud tradition of country artists like Loretta, Dolly, and Miranda — females who aren’t afraid to show their strength. Or their vulnerability. On thirteen tracks, Beard fuses country and pop, with an occasional push into rock territory, that will definitely grab the listener. Of the new album, Beard says she wanted to cut loose. “It’s about breaking free in the moment and coloring outside of the lines, going against the grain. I wanted to put something out that was a bit edgy; something that would stir up some talk.”

Here, Beard answers her Essential 8+ where she talks about the album, how she spends her days off, the importance of staying true to yourself, and much more!

Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
I was in a development deal from age 15-18 in Philadelphia PA. During that time I got to meet and work with so many different song writers, including writers for Boys II Men. They taught me the groundwork for writing a good song. I don’t think Id be where I am now without that foundation!

With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?
"Here Comes Trouble" and "Broken Angel" were the most challenging songs to write on my album. I went back to the drawing board multiple times. "Broken Angel" I wanted to have a lot of biblical and moral references. I think I knew it was where it needed to be once I knew the references that I had created accurately portrayed the story I was trying to get across.

Is there a story behind your album’s title?
“Here Comes Trouble” is kind of like “My Story” with performing music. It's what I feel and what everyone else to feel when I get on stage. It's about having fun and cutting loose...maybe breaking a rule or two.  Life is heavy. It gets us down and sometimes we need to have an opportunity to loosen up, party, and stir up some trouble!

Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did?
I wanted this album to be a bit edgy. I wanted to color outside of the lines. My first album was very predictable.  I have grown a lot since then and this album is not so cookie cutter country girl. I wanted it to reflect how I've grown and changed. 

---

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
I draw inspiration from my life and the life of others surrounded me. I draw from moments ive failed in life, from moments ive succeeded, and from my hope and dream of my future.

When/where do you do your best writing?
I have a two year old, so its made finding time for writing more of a challenge. But, I these days I do my best writing when he’s in school in my bathroom! Hahaha I know it sounds weird but I love the acoustics in there!

Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
All of the above.

What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician?
Probably to stay true to yourself and to your art. Not everyone is going to like or be a fan you your art and that’s okay. What’s appeals to one person doesn't always appeal to everyone. In this business it's hard not to get down on yourself and compare yourself to others.  There will always be someone better and that’s okay. You just need to “Do you.”

What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
For me, I started writing better songs once I picked up guitar. I'm not a wonderful guitar player but I have learned enough to help me become a better artist. So I'd say pick up an instrument and just study and try to constantly get better at your craft.

What’s your favorite/”go-to” food on the road?
That’s a hard one. In the van I'd say my go to is cheddar popcorn and trail mix.

Do you have any touring tips?
Try not to burn yourself out. I had to learn the hard way.  Yes, you have to grand and play gigs but don’t run yourself until your battery dies. You need to take care of yourself to be the best.

What are your “must have” albums for the road?
So many, but right now I'm into The Civil Wars, Amos Lee, and Miranda Lambert NEVER gets old.

How do you kill the long hours in the van?
Podcast, music, and Netflix.

What’s the most frustrating thing about being on the road?
Having a two year old, I'd have to say it's being away from him. It’s the first time I've ever missed someone so much that it hurts.

What do you love most about being on the road?
Getting to see new places and getting to meet new people. Its always fun to make a new fan.

What has been your biggest struggle so far?
This time around, it's balancing mom life with musician life.

What has been your biggest success?
Finally putting this album out!! Its been so long in the making and I kept hitting road bumps. So just finally getting it out has been so exciting for me.

What’s your favorite venue and why?
I’d have to say The Saxon Pub in Austin, TX. It's just where I feel like home! Plus, it's such a legendary venue! When your on that stage, you can just feel the legends that stood there before you. Plus the crowds are always amazing and so responsive!
 
What’s your dream venue and why?
Red Rocks! I just think it would be the most amazing place to play!

Who would you love to collaborate with?
I'd love to collaborate with Jack Ingram. He’s a Texas guy and I've opened for him couple of times but I've never gotten the chance to write with him and I'd love that!

Which song of yours gets the best crowd response?
I'd say “Broken Angel.”

Are there any songs you are tired of playing and why?
Probably songs from my first album because I've been playing them for so long.

Is drinking at gigs a positive or a negative?
HAHA both! I do better with a little drink or two before the show. It loosens me up. However, if I over do it, it’s a major negative.

Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended?
Janet Jackson! She just blew me away.

Favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spend time with my son, rest, and just grill at my house.

Do you have a favorite gift from a fan?
Yes!! I had a fan hand make me this cool Texas Flag! Its beautiful.

Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go?
I haven’t met Miranda Lambert but I did get the opportunity to play her in an upcoming docu-drama on the Reelz network that will premier early 2019! The show is called “The Price of Fame’ and it was so cool getting to learn about her life! It’s a true honor to have been cast to play her! 

Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to?
My Friend and fellow Texas Country Artist, Bri Bagwell, just released a new album that I'm loving.

Song (of yours) you wish you would have released as a single and why?
I'm not sure yet. I've only released one off this album and I'm still deciding what will be next.

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
There are too many to probably list. I think as you progress as an artist your list just keeps going. I'm adding more to it faster than I can check things off.
 
Website/Twitter/IG