By: Ed Petersen
Kendra Erika’s latest single, “Body Language,” is taking the music world by storm, with its sultry beats and infectious energy captivating fans around the globe. The official music video has already amassed over 1 million views, marking yet another milestone in Kendra’s rapidly rising career. As her star continues to shine, we had the opportunity to sit down with Kendra and talk about the inspiration behind her new hit, her experience collaborating with renowned DJ and producer StoneBridge, and the journey that has brought her to this moment of success. Here’s what she shared about her creative process, career growth, and the road ahead.
Your new single has been making waves. What inspired the song, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
The song was inspired by the fact that everyone today is saying so much verbally but so much more nonverbally. We need to read body language and unspoken forms of communication to get the deeper meaning behind what someone is saying. Plus, body language can also mean physical movement and dancing on the dance floor for those who are looking for a more surface take on the song.
What was the creative process like working with DJ StoneBridge on this track? How did his influence shape the final product?
I sent him the stems of the track, and I delegated to him to do what he does best, which is stylize and remix. The best way to lead is to let others exercise their ability. Leaders know how to delegate and not micromanage.
Did you and StoneBridge have an instant musical connection, or did it take time to develop a shared vision for the track?
Once he heard the song, we had an instant connection musically.
Your collaboration with StoneBridge has a strong electronic/dance vibe. How does this genre align with your personal style, and where do you see your sound evolving from here?
Symphonically, he does a great job at enhancing and aligning with the dance sound that I’ve been traversing through. His sound is very chill, house, and dynamic, which is where I like to be hammocked between in style and sound-wise.
You’ve had international success, especially with your music reaching new Asian territories. How does it feel to know your music is resonating with audiences around the world?
Frankly speaking, in other countries such as Asia and Europe, in order to be considered for proper promotion, you have to meet a certain standard or caliber to be played and promoted. As much as America is the strongest and freest nation, the quality of talent that has been mainstreamed here can surely be improved and elevated. So, that’s why it’s such an unsaid compliment and testament to what I’m doing, to know that I bring something invaluable to the table internationally and to that high caliber level.
Looking back at your journey, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist, and how have they shaped your career?
The biggest challenge and blessing I’ve faced in my career is I never felt like I fit in anywhere. I’m too poised in the dance and pop field; I’m too hip in the jazz field, I’m too poppy in the Broadway field, too conservative in the Hollywood field, and I’m too original in the field of cookie-cutter ways. But, every icon has always had to face that challenge at some point in their careers. You best stand out or sit down with the rest; you can’t be your best if you’re like the rest.
Was there a particular moment in your career when you felt like everything started to click and knew you were on the right path?
Yes. It was when I stopped listening to what the industry standard wanted.
As an artist who’s been evolving with the digital age, how important are social media and online presence in shaping your brand and connecting with fans?
It’s a necessary form of promotion, and it’s an evil that you have to navigate through. Being like Goldie locks, and doing the just right amount of posting is very adequate to do. And, I will say that the one who doesn’t post content, progress, or videos every minute or every day, is the one who’s got something stronger cooking below the surface. Reasons why the Black Pearl in Pirates of the Caribbean only emerged to the surface when it was time to fight a great battle or when there was a significant reason to do so.
What do you feel has been your biggest achievement to date, and what are some goals you aim to achieve soon?
My biggest achievement has been maintaining my independence. Goals are a personal thing, and I’d like to aim towards them respectfully individually.
What advice would you give emerging artists trying to carve their own path in such a competitive and fast-changing music industry?
That feeling you get in your stomach when you’re standing up for yourself but feel this urge to want to pacify and appease the industry by not saying anything, fight the people pleasing and say something. If you see something, say something, and if you feel something, say something. Don’t give in, and don’t give up.
Watch the captivating music video for “Body Language” here, and explore more of Kendra Erika’s music on her official website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Published by: Martin De Juan