Today we’d like to introduce you to Ares Kennedy
Hi Ares, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Getting to where I am today has been a journey of resilience, creativity, and staying true to my roots. Growing up in Milwaukee, I was always surrounded by the rich cultural and musical history of my city, but at the same time, I felt a bit out of place. As a Black queer artist, I often found myself navigating the complexities of identity and expression, trying to figure out how to fit into a world that didn’t always feel like it was made for me.
Music has always been my outlet. I started writing and creating music when I was 13, and by the time I hit 21, I was ghostwriting for other artists. That was my training ground—where I really honed my craft and found my voice. My background in political communications also gave me a unique perspective on storytelling, blending the personal with the political. I realized early on that I wanted my music to be more than just sound; I wanted it to say something real, something that people could connect with on a deeper level.
The release of my debut album, *Lilac State*, was a turning point for me. That album is a reflection of my life—growing up in an environment where being myself wasn’t always easy, dealing with heartbreak, and finding my way to self-acceptance. But it’s also about the love and support I’ve received from my chosen family, my best friends who have been my rock through everything. *Lilac State* is raw, it’s honest, and it’s 100% me. It’s a blend of R&B, Neo-Soul, and alternative influences, and I think that’s what makes it stand out. It’s not just music; it’s a story.
I’ve been fortunate to secure a joint venture and publishing deal through Page Publishing, Paramount, and Noir Music Group, and I’ve had the chance to work with some incredible people like Monte Moore and his son Nathan, who is my producer. These opportunities have been game-changers for me, but I still keep things close to home. I often record in my home studio, and when I need to, I head to Nathan’s studio in Chicago.
Through it all, I’ve learned that authenticity is everything. I’ve had to break through a lot of barriers to get here, but every step of the way, I’ve stayed true to who I am. My journey is far from over, but I’m excited for what’s ahead. I hope my story inspires other artists to embrace their truth and create from a place of honesty and passion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up in a homophobic family was one of the biggest challenges I faced. I knew from a young age who I was, but it felt like there was no space for me to truly express myself. I was constantly suppressing parts of who I am just to keep the peace. It was like living a double life—one where I was trying to fit into the mold that was expected of me and another where I was quietly holding on to the pieces of my true self.
The hardest part was not having the freedom to explore my identity openly. Every day felt like walking on eggshells, worrying that if I slipped up or if someone found out, it would lead to more pain and rejection. That kind of pressure weighs on you, especially as a teenager trying to figure out who you are. Music became my escape, my way of processing all the emotions I couldn’t express otherwise. I wrote about my experiences, my frustrations, and my dreams for a life where I could just be me.
Moving out at 18 was a turning point. It was the first time I felt like I could breathe, like I could start living for myself instead of for someone else’s expectations. But even then, the journey to self-acceptance wasn’t instant. It took time to unlearn all the negative things I had internalized growing up. I had to rebuild my sense of self, piece by piece, and that wasn’t easy.
The struggles I faced during those years are a big part of why I make the music I do today. I want to create a space where others who feel like I did—isolated, misunderstood, and trapped—can find solace and strength. My music is a reflection of my journey, from the pain of hiding who I was to the freedom of embracing my true self. It’s not just about the struggles; it’s about overcoming them and finding the light on the other side.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is a reflection of everything I’ve been through and everything I believe in. I’m an R&B and Neo-Soul artist, but my music pulls from a lot of different genres, like alternative R&B, rock, and even a bit of punk. I think that blend is what makes my sound unique—it’s rooted in soul but isn’t afraid to explore new territories. My lyrics are always at the core of what I do. I pour my heart into every word, drawing from my personal experiences, whether it’s love, heartbreak, or the struggles of being true to yourself in a world that often demands conformity.
What I’m most proud of is my debut album, Lilac State. That project is so personal to me. It’s a story about finding yourself and coming to terms with your past, all while trying to create a future that feels right. The album is inspired by my journey, growing up in a homophobic environment and eventually finding the strength to embrace who I am. Each track tells a different part of that story, and I think that honesty resonates with people. They can feel that this isn’t just music for the sake of music—it’s my life, my truth, put to sound.
What sets me apart from others is my willingness to be vulnerable and raw. I’m not interested in sugar-coating my experiences or fitting into a neat little box of what R&B is supposed to be. My music challenges the norms, both in terms of sound and content. I blend acoustic instruments like violins with electronic beats, layering it all with vocals that are meant to be as expressive as possible. I want listeners to feel every note, every lyric, as if they’re living it with me.
How do you define success?
I define success by authenticity and staying connected to my roots. For me, it’s not about chart positions or the number of streams, though those things are nice. It’s about being true to who I am and making music that resonates with my story and the stories of others who’ve felt the same way. Success, to me, is knowing that I’m creating something real, something that isn’t compromised by the pressures of fitting into the industry’s mold.
Staying connected to my roots is a huge part of that authenticity. Milwaukee, and everything I’ve experienced there, shaped who I am as an artist and as a person. Growing up in an environment where I couldn’t always be myself, I learned the importance of holding onto your truth, no matter how hard it is. That’s why I make music that speaks to those experiences—because I know there are people out there who need to hear it, who need to feel like they’re not alone.
I measure success by the impact my music has on others, especially those who share similar experiences of navigating identity and acceptance. If my work helps someone feel seen or gives them a sense of empowerment, that’s more valuable to me than any accolade. It means I’m doing what I set out to do—create music that’s not just about me, but about a shared journey.
At the end of the day, success is about staying true to myself and never losing sight of why I started this journey in the first place. It’s about making music that matters and staying grounded in the experiences that shaped me, all while pushing forward and continuing to grow. That’s what keeps me going, and that’s how I’ll continue to define success, no matter where this path takes me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://areskennedyk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/areskennedyk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AresKennedyK?_rdr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVYDZlleEBADTeb8QUcRiAA
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/areskennedy
- Other: https://unitedmasters.com/a/ares-kennedy
Image Credits
Laura Lawon
