“High School came and went
Graduated to a college plan
Spent a couple years
Trying to figure out who I am”
Kevin Kennedy III has traveled the world searching for the songwriter within. Over the past ten years Kennedy has traveled to over 89 countries all while writing music, playing shows, and living life. Which is why he has such a unique twist when it comes to country music.
“Strike up the band and leave out the chorus
I think your life could use a few solid verses”
Growing up in Nebraska allowed Kennedy to have the influence of old school country, hip hop, and punk rock. It painted a musical spectrum on his soul that gave him a longing to create something different. As Kennedy put it “People are always trying to put you in a box, but good music is good music. Country music resonates with me because it’s raw and real. Who are you to say something is or isn’t country?”
“Wild tornados spin across these plains
Changing pressures keeping you awake
It’s always raining somehow on a sunny day
When you stay bundled up inside”
Kennedy tried the traditional route of recording and writing in Los Angeles and then in Nashville but it just didn’t seem like the right time or the right fit. He wanted to be out there living as a songwriter.
“Is this the place where angels play
How did they ever come to stay
Cause this city is killing me
When heave seems so far out of reach”
The longing for a different way led Kennedy on a journey around the world to all seven continents to create what he calls a “musical kaleidoscope.” By traveling to each corner of the globe Kennedy was able to write with talented and interesting songwriters all while sharing his midwest perspective and of course country music. Although Kennedy now called his brand of country music - surf country due to his surfer lifestyle and the influences coming different parts of the world.
“Worked so hard for a ticket to a foreign land
Spent my money for a seat on this caravan”
During his songwriting travels, Kennedy decided to create a 7 part documentary series about song writing on every continent. Each episode is 40 minutes long and breaks down the culture, music, and nature of a specific area. While on the road, Kennedy encounters new cultures, makes friends, and writes music all while outrunning debt, an approaching pandemic, and many traveling mishaps.
“Old Rolodexes, yeah my exes send me texts
Wondering which city I’m in and where do I think I am headed”
The thing about Kennedy is he is a small time artist on the come up, but he has had more adventures and stories from the road than most mainstream artists. Kennedy dedicates his time to his craft and that is clear on every song that he drops.
“Now I’m stuck in the Majors
Only Playing Minors
Every song has got me feeling you”
The future is looking bright as a full episodic series will drop this coming year with a corresponding album exploring the music of the USA, Argentina, Antartica, Laos, Ethiopia, Serbia, and Australia. He will also be dropping 12 songs over the next 12 months each with its own music video. So keep your eyes peeled for Kevin Kennedy III.