Joe Kenney is a recording artist, songwriter and pianist from Philadelphia. His music is rather jazzy, although it has a more contemporary sound than what you might normally expect from the genre – particularly with his amazing new tune, If It Lasts (remix). The song also features a rap by Sterling Duns, showing an artist capable of writing for many different genres. Find out more about Joe here:
By Jane Howkins
How was your 2022?
2022 was incredible. It was a whirlwind, and it tested me and propelled me into consistently existing beyond my comfort zone – it was fully rewarding and forwarding. I think the work I did – and continue to do — within myself, has had yields that have matched that inner transformation with outward blessings and abundance.
I released a full album (Reflections on Inner Transformation) and several collaborations spanning genres from hip-hop to r&b to classical and more. I performed over 100 shows across several killer bands and projects, and I continue to love the process of working on my art. I have also stepped into expansive opportunities, including the process of writing my first book, a beer collaboration with the amazing people at Root Down Brewing in
Phoenixville and multi-media collaborations – including with visual artists, comedians, and in curating talent at events (via Joe Kenney Enterprises, LLC).
You recently released a single titled If It Lasts (remix). What can you tell us about the track?
We actually released two versions of If It Lasts in 2022. In February the original iteration, written in collaboration with Elle Gyandoh, featured a vocal duet with Elle and Murphy Bug. Their voices blended beautifully on the track and it made for the perfect realisation of the vision of a song that expressed the nuances of change within
interpersonal relationships.
I then had an idea about the tune, months after the original release. Because of the hip-hop vibe and beat (props to my friend Adam Sisko for the drums) – and because of the fact I thought there was more that could be said to supplement the narrative of the original song – I asked Sterling Duns, my friend and collaborator on the album Forth (In The Mi(D)st) – to write and rap a few verses over the tune. He immediately captured the emotional essence of what I was going for, and it was incredibly heartening that we were so quickly aligned on the spirit of the new layer we were adding to the track. We tapped producer Martronimous and worked together to revamp the structure of the tune and tweak the production and aesthetic – and the result was fulfilling in the cohesive and
lovely final product.
How has the reception to If It Lasts (remix) been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
The reception has been great – we have received coverage on a bunch of blog outlets and playlists. Moreover, Dwight and I are just so happy with both the way the track sounds and the cathartic and uplifting rendering of a meaningful message. I love the vocal delivery and the overall sonic blend.
The track can be purchased at: https://joekenneypiano.bandcamp.com/track/if-it-lasts-feat-sterling-duns-remix and you can access a link to stream on your favorite platform, via my website www.joekenneypiano.com
How did you and Sterling Duns first connect?
I knew of Sterling Duns through a mutual friend, and I listened to and loved his releases. I was drawn to the positivity and hope behind his lyrics. I heard a depth of emotion and authenticity that was matched by a convincing hopefulness, and that was the type of energy I was trying to bring to my music in the collaborative album Forth. Duns and I worked together solely in a virtual capacity, via zoom etc. in 2020. We had at least 8-10
calls and the resulting track was In The Mi(D)st, the culminating track on Forth. (www.bit.ly/listentoforth)
We then worked on If It Lasts (Remix), still virtually, still without having met in person. I FINALLY got to meet Duns in person in September of 2022, when we performed the new track at a live show. I’m so excited for continued collaborations here, most passionately because of the type of convictions and actions that Sterling Duns lives – both through music and much more.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
I have just released Prevailing with Hope Linton (classical/cinematic), Elevate/Activate with Eddie Meyer (instrumental/jazzy hip hop) and have a track called How It Happened releasing on 22/02 with Tricki Nikki (hip-hop). I also have a new single coming soon for my jazz fusion project, as well as several more surprises with these and other talented collaborators. So — yes! Stay tuned, for sure.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
I believe several of the projects I’m actively working on have enough music with thematic threads that would carry an EP or album – though that is not specifically the focus right now. The material released in the near future is going to be ample, but the main objective is executing on the intentionality of the sound and message of each individual record – and I don’t see that tied to a packaging of content in an EP or album.
What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Anything that emotionally resonates finds a way into my music, in some way or form. I’m currently listening to Yebba, Cory Henry, Dermot Kennedy, Ethan Stauffer and Carter Fox.
You’re based in Philadelphia. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
We have a thriving music scene in Philadelphia and it’s an inspiring place to call home. The talent and good vibes in the musical community of Philly is amazing; it is – and though I say it with an obvious bias, I also say it with earnest belief, passion, and pride – unrivalled.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not right now, but that could change quickly!
Any last words for the fans?
If you made it this far, cheers. Thanks for reading. Thanks for listening to my music and for taking an interest in my journey. I’d love to connect, so feel free to reach out via email/social media, and I hope to see you soon.