[Exclusive Interview] Rising Artist Dante Kennedy Chats on His Passion for Music x Being an Inspirat
When you have a passion for something and you work hard at it, you start to see things coming into fruition far bigger than what you could ever imagine. This is how the dream that Dante Kennedy is living out is going. Dante is a singer, writer, dancer, and producer from Philadelphia. In his music career he has had the opportunity to play the drums for Travie McCoy of The Gym Class Heroes. He has also toured on the Jingle Ball Tour, done several award shows, and performed on both The Ellen Degeneres and The Queen Latifah Show alongside Travis McCoy.
Dante also joined Travie’s Batsquad Music as an artist in 2012 and sung at the Hit Factory in Miami with McCoy, Ax, and Siya from Sisterhood of Hip-Hop. He is currently gearing up to release his album, “The Rare Album,” on March 16. which he sung on, wrote, and mastered on his own.
In addition to his accomplishments in the industry, Kennedy released a digital single called, “You Don’t Belong” on July 18, 2014, which went global in 24 hours landing National Air Play and a feature in Hip-Hop Weekly magazine’s August 19, 2014 issue. Following that, on May 1, 2015 he then release his single “Abandoned.” It made iTunes’ high popularity list in two days.
“The song is doing great numbers,” Kennedy stated. “And it is captivating a lot of attention. It’s headed to radio and can be found on every musical platform around the World, including iHeartRadio, and so much more.”
Dante’s latest single, “I See You,” was released on iTunes on October 16, 2015.
As you van see Mr. Dante Kennedy is quite accomplished which is why I had to do an interview and spotlight him. Check out the Q & A session with the rising music icon where he chatted in depth on his aspirations and career goals.
What inspired you to get into music?
My Father Howard Kennedy, inspired me. He is a drummer, producer, writer and a all around great example that helped push me in the direction of musicality. Growing up I watched my entire family sing, write songs, produce, tour, or do something that involved some sort of music. Its in my veins to just do it.
What inspired you to dance?
Dancing wasn’t a first passion of mine until I began to really watch my younger brother Darrien dance, it wasn’t until he darn near levitated that I was like, “Ok, I have got to try this.”
We had to be like 10 and 13 years old then. We started a dance group a few years later and started battling at YMCA Parties in Abington with some good friend’s Aamir Beckett and Leonard Leach. Darrien and I later started dancing for Tye Tribbett & G.A for like 5 years and that just took it to the next level for me.
Who are your inspiration (s) and why?
My wife Leah and my Children Imani, London, Tayah and Amari. They are the reason I go to my 9 to 5, leave there go to a rehearsal, perform, tour, and stay up late in the studio. I live to make their lives so much better and to provide in a way that really matters, and that can be inspirational to people who need to be inspired. My mother Dawn Kennedy inspires me as well, she instilled a lot of valuable tools to help me grow as man and how to treat women. She works really hard and cares so much about family, as well as from my father.
Where will your album release party be taking place?
#TheRareAlbum Concert Experience will take place at The Rotunda at 4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104. Free Admission and all ages. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m.
Where can people get the album?
#TheRareAlbum will be available every where. Tidal, AppleMusic, iTunes, iHeartRadio, GooglePlay, Amazon and anywhere else music is available.
What can people except from the album?
People can expect something extremely different. They can expect to get that space filled that’s missing in music. I totally bring something to the table that’s untapped and will showcase a whole new light to music. It also contrasts my life and it’s stories.
Are you working on any other projects?
I already started working on my album that I’ll be placing out next year. As well as a summer tour for 2016 and I’m getting booked up for a lot of gigs now. I’ll still be playing drums for people on the side from my own career.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Being creative, designing, and practicing my craft, but most importantly spending time with my family.
Where do you see yourself in a year from now?
At the Grammy’s nominated and/or on my first World Tour.
What’s your advice for success in the industry?
Success never comes easy, but it’s all about the consistency of your will to achieve the thing you desire the most. I’ve been told no at every angle from the A&R reps, to family, to friends, from anywhere you can imagine and sometimes it’s just you and God and that’s alright. It gets hard but KEEP Going. You have one life to live, don’t waste it on people who will try to dictate who you are.
Keep in Contact with Dante:
Instagram: @dantekennedy
Twitter: @dantekennedy1
Email: [email protected]