Hailing from Milton, Ontario is emerging country artist and songwriter, Kendra Gabrielle.
Following up on the success of her debut release “Bad Boy” in 2020, Kendra is back with a brand-new single: “Drunk On My Own”. Through a new signature sound and relatable lyrics, the song shares the powerful message that a woman doesn’t need an S/O in order to feel whole & fulfilled in life.
Recently, I spoke with Kendra about pursuing a career in country music, her latest single and her goals for 2022.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with you and your music, can you tell us a bit more about how you got your start? Why country music in particular?
Kendra Gabrielle: Yes totally! So my journey in music officially started in 2011 when I got into a music program in high school, there I learned all the theory, history and performance aspects of music and I was hooked. I knew back then that music was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life and that’s exactly what’s happening. As I grew I got more interested in writing and playing my own music. Well I grew up listening to Shania Twain but I’ve also always been a huge Taylor Swift fan and she was a big reason why I chose country music, I felt I related to the way she was telling her stories and that I wanted to share mine in the same way. The more I learned about Country music it because evident very quickly that this was the genre I’m meant to be in and am very fortunate, that my voice suits the genre naturally.
Kyla Pearson: To kick off 2022, you released your empowering single, “Drunk On My Own”– which speaks of an independent woman who doesn’t need a significant other to feel fulfilled. Why do feel this is an important message to share in 2022? What do you hope fans take away from this?
Kendra Gabrielle: I personally feel this is an important message at this time because in the media we’re constantly told that you need a significant other to be whole or even to be happy but I’m afraid I have to disagree. I think the moment you feel fulfilled is when you are totally in love and accept who you are as an individual. I hope fans take away the message of just being yourself and being unapologetic about it. If someone does not accept you for who you are that’s totally okay.
Kyla Pearson: In relation to the previous question, Can you tell us a bit more about the songwriting and recording process? Why did you want this song to be your debut release of the year?
Kendra Gabrielle: The process was super fun, so I’ll start with the songwriting part. I wrote the song with two other female artists Jessie Bower and Taylor Adams, this was our first co-write together and we were just talking about how in our twenties we’re expected to find someone and settle down but what if that’s not what you want, what if you want to focus on your career, yourself and your friendships knowing that love will come when it needs too. That’s how we went about writing Drunk On My Own through a conversation.
I wanted this to be the first release of the year because this message is something I’m actively living at the moment and I wanted to share an empowering message to kick off the new project. Plus it’s a super fun song and I couldn’t wait any longer to share it.
Kyla Pearson: According to you, what is the ideal setting to listen to the song in order to fully experience it?
Kendra Gabrielle: This is such a fun question! I think the ideal setting is when you’re getting ready for the day or night and blasting music that’s when you should turn this song up. Or even driving in the car that’s always my personal go-to place to sing out loud.
Kyla Pearson: Drunk On My Own also introduces fans to your new signature sound. What sparked this shift?
Kendra Gabrielle: The shift came about very naturally, to be honest, the more I learned about myself as an artist and songwriter the clearer the vision came that the sound will be shifting to showcase the growth that happens. So I’m very excited for fans to hear the new sound and it will continue to evolve as I grow every year.
Kyla Pearson: Moving forward in 2022, what is one goal you hope to achieve by the end of the year?
Kendra Gabrielle: My one goal is to get my song on the radio, it would be my first time doing that and I think it would be super cool.
Kyla Pearson: Do you have any upcoming shows that fans can catch and hear you play “Drunk on My Own” live?
Kendra Gabrielle: Yes, I will be playing at Brook’s Farm on July 3 at 12pm, and the Rec Room in Toronto on July 15th at 8 pm. Tickets for both those events are on my website, along with the list of other shows.
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, what is one thing fans may not know about you?
Kendra Gabrielle: One thing that fans may not know about me is I’ve sung in multiple languages before such as French, German, Italian and Chinese – and I speak none of them.
Listen to “Drunk On My Own” now:
Stay up to Date With Kendra Gabrielle:
TikTok: @kendragabriellemusic
Spotify: Kendra Gabrielle
Apple Music: Kendra Gabrielle
Amazon Music: Kendra Gabrielle
Website: https://kendragabrielle.com/
Works Cited:
Gabrielle, Kendra. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, May. 22, 2022.
Unknown. “Featured: Official cover art for Country Artist & Songwriter Kendra Gabrielle’s latest single, “Drunk on My Own”. Photo courtesy of Kendra Gabrielle.”. Photo courtesy of Kendra Gabrielle. Accessed Jun. 27, 2022.
Unknown. “Featured: Country Artist & Songwriter Kendra Gabrielle. Photo courtesy of Kendra Gabrielle.” Photo courtesy of Kendra Gabrielle. Accessed Jun. 27, 2022.
Unknown. “Featured: Country Artist & Songwriter Kendra Gabrielle. Photo courtesy of Kendra Gabrielle.” Photo courtesy of Kendra Gabrielle. Accessed Jun. 27, 2022.
