TOAIM - Interview #2: Kenelis

An Inspired Tale: Interview #2
Kenelis

Words to describe Kenelis! Alternative, Attitude, Punk, Rock, Grunge, Melodic & Anthemic. A unique mix which gives the band their own distinctive sound, with fans crossing over all alternative genres. Comparisons have included the raw angst of Hole, vulnerability of Placebo and diversity of Radiohead. Kenelis are constantly developing their sound and are known for experimenting with different time signatures and song structures, whilst staying true to creating unpretentious memorable rock music.

Band Members: Mel Sanson, Andy Seabrook, James Chilton, Andy Henry, & Oli King

Interview with Mel from Kenelis

1) How did you come up with your band name? What does it mean?

Mel: It was originally my family name, who came over here from Greece (which is now part of Turkey) but it was spelt and pronounced differently. It’s also a type of flower (again spelt differently) that survives in harsh weather conditions. We can all related to that!

2) How did you meet?

Mel: We’re all from the same area, so friends family, friends friends, friends boyfriends, that kinda thing.

3) Tell us about your new album?

Mel: Oh I’m so excited. Our first album was finding our sound, our second album is like we have arrived. It’s a lot more current, faster, punk, political with a couple of love based songs thrown in to give it that album variety dynamic!

4) Who are some of your influences?

Mel: I’m hugely influenced by the women who made it in rock, there’s not really that many sadly, Courtney Love (Hole), PJ Harvey, Patti Smith, Stevie Nicks, Skin (Skunk Anansie) Also frontmen who have something to say, even if it pisses people off like Axl Rose, Kurt Cobain... I’m gonna say it, it’s like there’s no current Rock Stars anymore. Everyone is repressed or has nothing to say. That’s depressing. Musically we’re all influenced by bands like Radiohead, Biffy Clyro, Muse, Placebo, At the Drive In, Kings of Leon, Paramore... we’re all big music lovers so everything we listen to influences us in some way.

5) What inspires you guys to write your songs?

Mel: Life is such a torturous event there’s never anything to not be inspired by. Lyrically I’ve always got something to say, something on my mind and the boys are really good at enhancing the imagery with sound. I always want to give more! Never short of inspiration.

6) What’s your favorite song off of the album? Why?

Mel:We could die any minute’ it’s possibly our most accomplished song musically and I absolutely love the lyrics and meaning of the song. We don’t record songs unless we really like them (no point being humble about it – we give too much!) and often scrap songs or use bits and make other songs out of them so all the new album tracks are of what I consider to be great... however this... it’s a fucking masterpiece.

7) Any new projects in the works?

Mel: We are going to be in a film called L is for Lala. Soundtrack and live performance. It’s about a lesbian/stripper/actress which is pretty sweet. We’ve got the album to finish which will be out next year. Next big thing for us is our Single launch for ‘Jealous’ which a song about those horrid girls that are so desperate for male attention they are complete bitches to other girls. I’m the anti-sisterhood slayer! The official launch is at the IndigO2 on 11th Feb. Can’t wait!

8) What’s the most important thing you want your fans to take away from your music?

Mel: If I sing a lyric to music that hits home to someone, which is what I get from listening to music, then that’s the biggest compliment and makes all the blood sweat and tears worth it. Especially for my lesbian fans who don’t have that many ‘out’ artists to relate to – in regards to a song being sung by a girl about a girl.

9) Where can viewers find you on the web?

Mel: All over it! If you go to www.kenelis.com you can download single ‘Sick’ for free. There you’ll find links to our facebook, myspace, twitter and all the essential online community fun stuff.

Fun & Inspirational

I've decided to include a couple videos in my blog/vlogs every week of some music videos that I find to be brilliant in their respective genres and messages. I hope you enjoy them!

with host Jess

All My Love,
Jess
pnttvmusic@gmail.com

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