Music releases can be fleeting. Artists work on projects with great skill and care. They might get the right players, use the best studios, and tirelessly craft their compositions. But when the project is released, sometimes it’s lost in the shuffle. Obviously, such an event is disappointing, but every so often, a deserving project gets a second chance.
Kendra Morris is a soul singer-songwriter who has had her music featured in an episode of Ray Donovan and her version of Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” was used in the trailer for the film, Dead Man Down (2013). However, in 2016, Kendra self-released an EP titled “Babble” and the response didn’t quite meet her expectations. However, the material on the EP was rich and the first 50 vinyl releases even featured handmade album jackets from Kendra as she is also a very talented visual artist.
Her last full-length album—Nine Lives, released in 2022—came out on the Karma Chief Record label (a division of Colemine Records). Kendra and the label have recently re-released “Babble”—including three new tracks—in an effort to give the material another chance to be heard by a wider audience.
Kendra and I have a fun conversation about songwriting, her inimitable style, what she’s watching, and how she is preparing for her upcoming tour. She also explains why “Babble” is so important to her and why you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to love it, the second time around.
Evan Toth is a songwriter, professional musician, educator, radio host, avid record collector, and hi-fi aficionado. Toth hosts and produces The Evan Toth Show and TVD Radar on WFDU, 89.1 FM. Follow him at the usual social media places and visit his website.
