Our next finalist, Brady Kenneth, was born and raised in Manitoba, Canada and started his journey in music around the age of 13. Taking the stage in a small talent show in High School solidified Brady’s love of performing. Brady established himself in the local music community as the lead singer of a hard metal band, playing bar shows in Winnipeg. That band lasted for 8 years before Brady found himself drawn to the country genre and undertook a solo career as a country music singer. With influences like Eric Church, Easton Corbin and Josh Turner and a playlist ranging from Beethoven to TuPac and Chris Stapleton to Ariana Grande, Brady began writing songs that made people smile, dance and sing-along.
With the release of his 2016 EP, That’s The Way She Goes, Brady has played festivals around Manitoba opening for incredible Canadian Country stars like Gord Bamford, The Washboard Union, Tim Hicks and Chad Brownlee. Brady’s new single, “What I Gotta Do”, is the first single off of his new EP Under This Hat. His goal was to be as honest as possible and write what came natural to allow the listener to see the real Brady. Brady will perform this Thursday afternoon as part of the 2019 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase but before he takes his turn in the spotlight we asked him a few questions so that we can all get to know him a little bit better.
Brady Kenneth LIVE (provided photo)
#1: Hundreds, if not thousands, of musicians submit for their chance to make the top 8 in this annual showcase. You are facing off against 7 of your peers for a chance at the title of 2019 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist of the Year a title shared with artists like Tebey, The Reklaws, James Barker Band and Jade Eagleson to name a few. What made you apply for this opportunity?
I’ve been working really hard the last few years to improve my writing and create better music. I finally feel like I have a product and a drive to be part of something bigger than myself. So when the opportunity to apply for this came up, I jumped at it with no real expectations while also knowing that have what it takes now. It’d be an understatement to say that I was surprised and hugely honoured to make the top 7.
#2: Every artist I’ve spoken to has a story about how / when they decided to pursue music as a career. Describe the moment that you knew that music was the path for you.
To be honest, the words “music” and “career” have never actually crossed my mind in the same thought until fairly recently. Music has always been very near and dear to me and I’ve often dreamed of having a career in it…but I feel like it’s these past couple years of hard work and teamwork that have ultimately convinced me that this is a real possibility. It’s been a bit more gradual for me I think. That said…receiving an email from you guys was definitely one of those moments!
#3: What’s your all-time favourite movie?
Movies are like music for me…I could never pick just one as my all time favourite. I love so many. The Notebook is one of my favourites though.
#4: Your ideal brain food?
Chicken Salad.
Brady Kenneth (provided photo)
#5: If you could see any artist in concert, who would you see (living or dead)?
Brothers Osborne
#6: Name a fictional character most like you?
Oh I don’t know!…lol….Jim Carrey as The Grinch? In a funny way. Not miserable lol.
#7: If you were a superhero what would be your superhero name?
Probably The Birdman…since my nickname is Bird.
#8: Who are your musical influences that inspired you to follow in their path? What artists today, if any, inspire you to continue down that path?
My dad was my first influence. I grew up watching his band play and was always inspired by his guitar playing. Artists like Eric Church, Brothers Osborne and Easton Corbin have really influenced not only my love for country music but my love for the art of writing.
#9: You’re going on a world tour as a headliner, who would you pick to open your tour for you each night?
I’d have to go with Eric Church or Bros. Osborne because not only could I learn a ton from them, they seem like they’d be super fun guys to hang out with.
#10: Tell us why you should be crowned the 2019 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase winner?
To be honest, I’m not the type of person to make that bold of a statement lol. I do believe in myself, my songs and my abilities…but there’s 7 other talented artists performing too. We’re all working hard to do something big with our music and I’m just so appreciative to even be part of this showcase.
Want to know more about Brady? You can follow him online at any of the links below!
Website: http://bradykenneth.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BradyKennethMusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradykennethmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradykenneth_
Big thanks to Brady for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck next Thursday, we look forward to watching your career evolve.
