DEVIN KENNEDY Shares New Singles "HURT U" & "SUNDRESS" | We Talk Life Hacks & Lockdowns

LOS ANGELES, CA – Singer-songwriter and producer Devin Kennedy has shared his most vulnerable single yet, “Hurt U.” The song shares some details of Kennedy’s own experiences to create a raw, honest story about falling in love.

“Hurt U” follows single releases “Sundress,” a sunshine-infused love letter to your favorite person, and “Mean To Me,” a bold anthem about being your own worst enemy that features buzzing songstress Caroline Kole. The singles have landed Kennedy on playlists including Spotify‘s soda, Chill Pop and Fresh Finds, Apple Music’s Relationship Goals and New In Pop and Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Pop and Brand New Music, as well as earning praise from pop superstar Meghan Trainor.

Since then, Kennedy has written and produced for other artists including Ben Platt, EBEN, Jake Miller, Alex Aiono and more.

Hurt U' is one of the most honest and genuine songs I’ve ever been a part of. My co-writers and I set out to create a whole world within this track, including specific lyrical details that are relevant to my life. The story we’re telling here is the experience of falling so in love with someone that you would bend over backwards to make sure that they’re comfortable and content. This is about that person who you connect with so deeply that you know there’s nothing that could ever happen to change how you feel about them.

Tell us a bit more about your single “Sundress” What inspired it? What was the process behind it, what is your favourite lyric?

I started writing Sundress over the summer of 2020 with my good friend and collaborator Dan Burke. We wrote about how in relationships there are specific moments that tend to stand out, and how it’s really important to be present in those moments. The whole song stems from a specific memory I have with a specific person, walking along the beach in California. It doesn’t get much better than that. My favorite lyric is “if I’m dreaming, don’t wake me up”.

**You’ve reached 80k* Streams so far and this latest track has been added to multiple playlists including Spotify and Apple Music. In addition, you’ve gained support from pop superstar Meghan Trainor- How does it feel to gain that kind of recognition for your work?**

It feels amazing! I’ve been making music for a long time and I’ve always felt extremely lucky to be able to stay creative and make music every day, but this year definitely feels different. My project has grown a lot and it’s very, very exciting for me.

**Tell us about the inspiration and making of the accompanying music video has been added into on-air rotation with MTV as well as to Vevo’s Incoming Pop playlist?**

Sundress is a feel good, viby song and I wanted the video to match. The whole track can almost take place in a dream, so thats why you start to see the colors blur and get trippier as the video progresses. The director Evan Hara had a great idea to use some movie magic and create a floating dress, and it all came together so easily.

You were raised in a musical household playing drums, guitar and bass all before the age of 10 and you attended the famous Berklee College of Music, how was your college experience and how do you feel you have developed as an artist since then?

I loved Berklee, and I learned so much. Berklee really taught me to appreciate all genres of music. To respect quality, regardless of genre. Learning that really opened my eyes and helped me shape a sound for my project. Since I graduated, I’ve developed a lot. Not only do I feel that I’ve really figured out what I want to sound like, but I’ve also been able to take a similar approach when working with other artists.

We noticed your posts on social media are limited. What are your personal thoughts on social media?

I love how social media keeps me connected to friends, family and people who enjoy my music. There are times where I get in my head about numbers and start comparing myself to other artists, and thats where it can have a negative impact on my mental health. I’m working on being better about that, and doing what I can to stay focused on what I’m doing and nothing else.

What do you think sets your music apart?

I’m always working to combine very musical/organic instrumentation with catchy and memorable lyrics/melodies. I like to combine things that don’t usually get combined on tracks. I like to do things a bit unconventionally. I like it that way. I think the only thing that listeners can expect from me is the unexpected.

How did the lockdowns impact you and how have you adapted to the situation since covid?

It was an adjustment in the beginning, but I would say I’m as busy as I’ve ever been. I’m writing a lot on zoom and spending a lot more time with family through the lockdowns, and that’s been amazing.

What is the most memorable or funny experience you’ve had to date on your music journey?

The first time I went to Las Vegas was to play the iHeart Festival with my friend James Maslow, and it just so happened that the show was 2 weeks before my 21st birthday. So it was kinda funny to have this crazy experience, and then walk directly back to my hotel room and do nothing because I was underage. I ordered doughnuts, it was a legendary evening.

What are your career ambitions?

I want to make music forever, and I want to reach as many people as I can with it. It’s as simple as that.

Who would you most like to tour with?

I would love to tour with John Mayer, Jon Bellion, and so many more

Do you have any pets?

I do. I have a golden retriever and two cats.

Who are you listening to right now?

I’m currently listening to the Justin Bieber album on repeat.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m wrapping up a ton of new music, and finishing some projects for some other artists as well.

What are your top 3 food destinations in LA?

Rodini Park
Laurel Tavern
Joe’s Pizza

What has been your favourite travel destination so far... and where else would you love to go once travel is permitted.

I love visiting San Diego, which is about 2 hours from where I live in LA. Outside the US, I visited Antigua once and it was the most relaxing trip ever. Next, I want to go to London and Hawaii.