Kendall Lake – A Songstress You Should Know
Having already appeared on HBO’s then popular/now defunct True Blood series, native Los Angeles, CA, Pop/Rock recording artist, Kendall Lake, is no stranger to the entertainment industry. At a very young age, Lake initially got her start being cast in music videos with Rock’n’Roll royalty such as The Smashing Pumpkins and Fleetwood Mac. Whether it’s on screen, stage and/or in the studio, Kendall continues to prove that she is a definite force to be reckoned with and optimistically looks forward to what is destined to become a hyper-speed 2017…
Parlé Mag: Tell me your whole inception into music, when did you first become interested in it? And, how did it actually all begin for Kendall Lake?
Kendall Lake: To be honest, it started from my inception. My parents are knee deep in the entertainment industry. I was groomed from a very young age and educated on the history of entertainment. My mom would give me books to read; one of my favorites was about Dorothy Dandridge – ‘Everything and Nothing’ – and have me do a book report on it. I hated it as a child, but I thank my parents for doing that now. So I guess it began in the beginning!
Parlé Mag: Now you’re are a Los Angeles, CA, native, correct? So growing up in the ‘City of Angels,’ who all did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Kendall Lake: Big ups to the mean streets of Burbank, California! I was fortunate to have been exposed to a vast music catalogue. When I started buying my own CDs and walking to school with my Walkman, I would listen to Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Limp Bizkit, Britney Spears, etcetera. You can also put on a Eartha Kitt song and I’ll sing along…Don’t play when it comes to Michael, Janet Jackson or Madonna. They are my personal classics!
Parlé Mag: At what point in time, specifically, did you opt to pursue music on a professional level?
Kendall Lake: Five years ago. It’s my therapy, so I never wanted to share it before then. Or should I say, that was the time I was brave enough to share it. I’m really sensitive and a bit of a hermit, and I don’t care to share my inner demons for anyone to judge. This shit is hard. I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my shit.
Parlé Mag: That being said, how do you classify your overall sound and/or style?
I don’t classify it. I try not to at least. I don’t give a fuck about titles, I do what I want. (Like they say on the Maury Show). No one is just one thing, and I think in this day and age the lines of everything have been fading. From music genres, genders, everything… and I love that it’s becoming more and more acceptable for people to not have to commit to just one thing, and just follow their hearts and be true to themselves and not give a fuck about outside perceptions. So I guess that’s my style…I don’t give a fuck.
Parlé Mag: Your latest single/video is entitled “Thought You Should Know,” and it features Ajona Camile. Tell me about this particular track? How did it come to fruition?
Kendall Lake: I’m so excited about this project and can everyone make sure to check on my girl, Ajona Camile! She’s a beast and I’m so happy she got on this track with me. I wrote this song years ago, clearly mad about something, it’s one of my favorite tracks. Who hasn’t had their heart broken?!?! It hurts and you get angry and you have to hold it in, never getting to revel in the anger. That’s what “Thought You Should Know” is. A good ole’ fashion angry/honest break up song, and I hope everyone likes it as much as I do.
Parlé Mag: When can we, the masses, expect some more music from you? Like maybe perhaps your “official” full-length debut solo album?
Kendall Lake: Oh god, I have no idea. I’m trying to figure that out because my music has had so many chapters, and what it’s evolved into consists of over 20+ songs no one has ever heard. I’m not done yet though, I’m still figuring out who I am in a sense and I need to make sure when I put out a full body of work it’s really reflective of who I am. That’s why I’m just releasing singles on SoundCloud [www.soundcloud.com/kendalllake] depending on my mood at that time.
Parlé Mag: What do you feel you bring to the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?
Kendall Lake: A feeling, an energy. I can’t really explain it honestly. It’s hard for me when I try to define it, I don’t know why. Um… a vulnerability and a reckless abandonment and a lack of willingness to succumb to definitions, while still being relatable. I think. I don’t know. You tell me, ha ha! I’d love to hear how someone else would answer that for me.
Parlé Mag: Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?
Kendall Lake: Who hasn’t had problems in their career? It’s a given. I think it’s a necessity. Makes you stronger. Challenges and failures are just as, if not more important that successes in your career. Or that’s what I tell myself.
Parlé Mag: What do you want people to get from your music?
Kendall Lake: Love. Love of hate, self-love, lack of loving oneself, falling in love, falling out of love and being in love with being miserable. I want everyone to connect to that with me. Love is the root of all evil in my opinion and is the strongest emotion.
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Kendall Lake: That changes depending on my state of mind. Right now, I would have to say Fred Durst! I love him. Limp Bizkit is one of my all time favorite bands for so many reasons and a huge inspiration among others. I crept into his DMs on IG about collaborating… I’m still waiting for a response.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Kendall Lake: I’ve been really lucky to have performed at some legendary venues in L.A. that I’ve dreamt about as a kid. The Viper Room, the Troubadour and the House of Blues to name a few. Madison Square Garden is the new dream. I’ll be nervous as hell, but that’s where I wanna be.
Parlé Mag: One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
Kendall Lake: All of them. Every single song I sing is a piece of my heart and soul. They all define me.
Parlé Mag: In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?
Kendall Lake: Honesty and hard work.
Parlé Mag: Acting is already something you have been dibbling and dabbling in as of late, especially considering your appearance on HBO’s ‘TrueBlood‘ – Is this something that’s still on your radar and that you will continue to pursue?
Kendall Lake: I’m a terrible actor, and I’ll never subject anyone to that again. Laughs I would really like to be on SNL though. I’ve spent a couple years learning improv at The Groundlings and it’s so much fun. I would have the best time doing that some more. But no more acting. You’re welcome.
Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside/additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Kendall Lake: My goal is to be happy. That’s the only reason anyone does a thing. To be happy. So I’m holding onto that light at the end of the tunnel, not caring about how I get there particularly, as long as I get there. Who knows what’s going to happen in the future and who I’ll evolve into. I just want to be happy and right now sharing my music makes me happy. I’ll always make music, but who knows if I’ll always share it.
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, would it be fair to say that you are happy with the current state of music?
Kendall Lake: I’m still being entertained and inspired by modern day music, so I’m happy with it.
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?
Kendall Lake: Just doing music as a career is the biggest moment. I can’t believe people are into it or people care to interview me. It’s crazy and I hope it doesn’t end anytime soon.
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Kendall Lake: On a stage singing my little heart out. Happy as shit.
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for Kendall Lake?
Kendall Lake: A shot of tequila and writing a new song!
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