Kennedy Shaw is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter residing in Philadelphia, who has already accomplished so much at a young age. From television appearances to Sofar Sounds performances, there’s no stopping this singer/songwriter. As this blog continues to grow and evolve, I want to highlight more female creatives in the city, who share a passion for female empowerment. This is one reason I’m thrilled to have Kennedy on the blog today.
Hi Kennedy! Thanks for chatting with Positive Publicity. To get started, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi! I’m originally from Millville, NJ, but I moved to Philly last fall to attend UARTS. As far as hobbies go, I’m not too talented at anything besides music, but I love roller skating and attempting to paint. Poetry is something I try to stay in touch with, I think the spoken word is extremely powerful.
How did you begin singing and performing?
Since I could talk, I would sing. I would stand on tables at family parties to “perform” songs I had made up. Because of this, I started taking piano and voice lessons around 7. I had a lot of trouble at my elementary school for trying to perform songs during lunch, and in a few years time my parents started driving me to poetry readings at local coffee shops where I could play my music for local artists. After that, a lot of talented and kind people saw my efforts and the rest is history.
Give us an inside glimpse into what it was like releasing your album Girl Almighty. How did it feel to release an album?
Girl Almighty wasn’t my first release, but it was the first work I created that felt worthy of praise. For me Girl Almighty will always be special, it documented my coming into womanhood, and all the strange blue that comes with it. Because it is so specific and personal to my life I’m still surprised every time someone shows it love or relates to it, but it reminds me all of us, as humans, aren’t too different. I’m still really honored.
Tell us about the single you’re about to release, Boys:
Boys is a pop song that will be out on all platforms May 3rd. I wrote it after a rough breakup and felt too unattainable to be claimed, possessed, or tied down, and the song came along as inspiration to that. The song is pretty pop compared to my usual style, and Zo (@trannabilector) will be featured on the remix. I’m very excited.
Boys cover by Julia Conner
You’re so young and have accomplished so much already. What goals do you have for your music?
Thank you! Right now my goal is to play as many shows as possible, keep creating, and collaborate with organizations/artists I really believe in.
Check out Kennedy on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. Thanks again Kennedy, we’re excited to follow your music!
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