Review Fix Exclusive: Devin Kennedy Talks ‘Bad Habit’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Devin Kennedy, who lets us know all about the creative process behind his new single, “Bad Habit” and more.

About Devin Kennedy:

The multi-instrumentalist, based out of Los Angeles, began self-teaching himself at an early age, mastering drums, bass, guitar, and piano all before his teenage years. It quickly became clear that music was his calling. After being accepted to the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Devin began writing, recording, and promoting his own music to much critical acclaim. His debut single, “Call Me Back,” garnered over 140k Spotify streams in less than six months and received praise from media outlets such across the country. The performer and songwriter has hit stages across North America including performances at the iHeartRadio Music Festival and iHeartRadio’s annual Jingle Ball alongside Big Time Rush member James Maslow — all before the age of 21. Now, with his solo career ready to take off, he’s set to debut one of his most dynamic tracks yet.

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Devin Kennedy: My grandfather was a concert pianist and my dad is a film and tv producer/mastering engineer. I’m lucky, music has always been around. I grew up playing drums and picked up guitar, piano and bass over the years. 

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

Kennedy: It really depends on the song. I am so in love with the creative process that music allows, I like to let it take control. So much of pop music these days is based off the concept of the song, so when I can dial in a strong concept the song usually comes quickly from there. 

Review Fix: What inspires you?

Kennedy: My friends, my family and all the amazing writers and producers that I get to work with. They push me to be better. 

Review Fix: What did you listen to as a kid?

Kennedy: I grew up listening to bands like All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance..etc. I still love those bands. Welcome To The Black Parade is hands down my favorite album ever. 

Review Fix: What inspired “Bad Habit”?

Kennedy: I think love has the potential to be our worst habit. Not always, but sometimes in relationships (platonic or romantic) we have a tendency to pick up bad habits from the people we surround ourselves with. When that’s the case, the love that connects us is the true bad habit. 

Review Fix: What’s your standout track besides this one? How was it written?

Kennedy: My latest single “Body” has become a standout track online and live. I wrote and produced it with one of my favorite writer/producers Anthony Reeder in Los Angeles. It was the first session we ever did together and the song came so naturally. Anthony and I love to nerd out on little things when we produce, things like vocal takes, guitar tones, samples, lead lines..etc. It’s so much fun. 

 

Review Fix: What’s been the best moment of your career so far?

Kennedy: In August I headlined and sold out the Peppermint Club in Los Angeles. I brought along long time friends NonSense and The Habits as well. Not only was the show absolutely nuts, but it was amazing to have friends and family there to share it with me. It was a very special night. 

Review Fix: Why music? What does it do for you?

Kennedy: In my opinion, there is no art form that allows endless creativity like music does. In music we have the ability to create literally anything, any day, any time. We can walk into a room, meet someone for the first time and write an amazing song together. 

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Kennedy: Experimental Pop that’ll take you on an emotional rollercoaster. 

Review Fix: Who’s an artist you love that people might not expect?

Kennedy: This is a hard one. Recently I’ve had Dan + Shay on repeat. I’m not sure if that’s necessarily unexpected, but being a huge country fan is definitely newer to me. I love the songs so much.  

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?

Kennedy: The studio work is very pop, made for streaming, made to be shared. In certain songs I tend to shy away from guitar and real drums because it depends on what I’m feeling for the track. Live I’m really lucky to have great musicians who show up and make me sound good. We do full drums, guitar, keys…etc. There are solos, lights…it’s a party. 

Review Fix: Which one do you prefer and why?

Kennedy: Impossible decision. There is nothing quite like playing a packed show, it’s magical. 

Review Fix: What has been the most memorable moment in your music career so far?

Kennedy: The Peppermint Club show was pretty unbelievable. I’ve also played quite a bit with my buddy James Maslow (ex. Big Time Rush), last year we played the iHeart Radio Festival in Vegas. Will never get over that show. 

Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2018?

Kennedy: I’ll have a couple more singles out through the end of the year, in addition to some festival dates and award shows that I’ll be playing. Keeping busy!

Review Fix: What are your long-term goals in music?

Kennedy: I want to keep creating genre-bending, introspective pop songs. I want to collaborate with as many people as possible. Eventually I’d love to develop some artists. One step at a time!

Review Fix: What’s next?

Kennedy: More music & tour. 

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