Upcoming young musician Kennedi has just released her debut EP “self”, a compilation of five beautiful autobiographical tracks. Earlier this month, the artist gave listeners the single “liquor love,” a great demonstration of talent to prepare listeners for the project.
self is part of a two-part set of mini-albums, set to be followed by another EP titled SABOTAGE in 2021. The lower case to upper case lettering choice implies the two will both go together/work in synergy, while simultaneously being opposites.
The tracks on both sides are meant to give insight into the brain of the Midwest-born, LA-based singer/songwriter. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, kennedi wanted to create two EP’s to showcase both sides of her mind. Each holds their own distinct sound and feel, “self” holding more light, while SABOTAGE shares darkness.
On self, kennedi does not hold back, sharing truths about relationships, sexuality, mental health struggles, and more.
“You like to watch me like my body's gold / And when you touch me right, I let you know / So let me break it down, I got a hold / Said you won't fall for none, I proved it wrong,” she sings about sex and feelings on “liquor love.”
Both the lyrics and style of kennedi’s music display great authenticity and talent for the new star.
“The self EP is exactly what it sounds like - myself and all of the raw emotions that come with me,” says kennedi. “It's a snapshot into how I felt in the moments during the time I was writing these songs. It tells the story of my journey over the past year - my relationships and life experiences. Honest and raw. That is self.”
On the opening track “better,” kennedi talks about the tough experience of trying to make a relationship work when it hasn’t been. “Don’t let you tell yourself that we can’t work through it no more / You know we made it here, so don’t just waste it to restart / No, we both know we’re only worth it if we’re working.”
The relatability present in each of her lines makes for an even more enjoyable project to anyone listening.
Over and over throughout her work and personality too, kennedi embodies uniqueness. Although she signed a publishing contract in 2018, she made way by writing songs for other artists behind-the-scenes in the years since. Some of her notable co-written tracks include “Fake Smile,” for Ariana Grande’s thank u, next LP, "Hesitate" for Jonas Brothers' comeback album Happiness Begins, and "Boys Will Be Boys" for Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia.
Through both her solo-work and songwriting, you can see great talent and rarity emanating from with-in this artist.
Still of course, there is room for improvement and growth. It’s something I highly anticipate being able to witness. Here’s to- kennedi’s future.
I would give this EP 4 out of 5 Swoops.
