Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Checketts
Hi Kendra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started singing at a really young age during a tough time for my family. When I was a kid, my dad had a cerebral brain hemorrhage, and it turned our world upside down. In the middle of everything, I found that singing became my way of coping—a way to process everything going on around me. Music felt like my safe space when everything else felt so scary.
I also taught myself to play the piano, and one of my favorite things to do was play and sing John Lennon’s Imagine in the lobby of the hospital. My dad was able to come down in a wheelchair when the nurses brought him down, and those moments became really special for both of us. After four brain surgeries, my dad made an incredible recovery, and I truly believe those little moments of music helped us all get through it.
During this time, my school held a talent show when I was in 4th grade, and I told my mom I wanted to perform. She was surprised because, up until then, she’d only ever heard me sing jokingly around the house. But after the show, parents were coming up to her asking where I’d been taking singing lessons—which was funny, because I hadn’t. I had just learned by listening to my favorite singers and mimicking what I heard. That talent show lit a spark in me, and from then on, singing became my entire world.
Throughout high school, I performed all over San Diego and LA, building my confidence and figuring out my sound. I started releasing my first real songs on streaming platforms, and in 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to be a part of NBC’s The Voice on Season 16. I ended up placing 14th on my season and got to work with two amazing coaches, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. The entire experience was unforgettable—challenging but so rewarding. I walked away with not just growth as an artist but also some incredible friendships.
Not long after that, I met my producer, Caden Jester, on a flight back from a family vacation in Florida. (Funny how music connections happen in the most unexpected places!) We hit it off right away, and he’s honestly like the brother I never had. We started making music together and eventually got some pretty cool placements in TV shows and movies like Law & Order, Station 19, Teen Mom, and the #1 Netflix movie Incoming. It’s been such an amazing journey working with someone who shares the same passion and vision.
At the same time, I started building my band, which has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career. Josue, my bassist, joined the project back in 2017, and he’s been down for all of my ideas ever since—no matter how random or crazy they are. He actually started playing guitar with me, but he is so talented and I feel like he really can do it all! Through Josue, I met Aidan, our lead guitarist, after seeing his band play. I shared one of my songs with him, and since then, he’s been all-in on growing this project with us. (You’ve gotta hear him play, I’m telling you his solo’s will blow you away)
Then there’s Ryan, our drummer, who I met when he was just 18 and still in high school. The first time I heard him play, I knew he was the missing piece we needed. His energy and talent blew me away, and he’s been part of the core group ever since. More recently, we added CJ on guitar, and she’s brought such a fun and dynamic energy to our shows and our music. When we perform together, it feels like we’re jumping on a bed at a sleepover singing along to 2000s Avril hits.
Everyone in the band also has their own projects, and they’re all so insanely talented—it’s been amazing to have this group of people who share the same passion for music. Together, we’ve been performing live shows, writing, recording, and just enjoying the journey. Recently, we got the opportunity to open for Kelsy Karter & The Heroines on their Phoenix stop of their tour on February 4th, which we’re so excited about. We’ve also got some fun things coming up… maybe a little rebranding? You’ll just have to follow along to see what’s next!
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?
I think every artist will tell you that the road is anything but easy. It’s a wild ride, full of insane highs and gut-wrenching lows, but at the end of the day, being able to say you’re doing what you love makes every challenge worth it. For me, that journey started in high school.
I actually ended up switching high schools five times because I struggled to fit in. I was so focused on my music, pouring my heart and soul into it, but not everyone understood that. To some people, it looked like I was chasing an impossible dream. And I’ll be honest, that judgment got to me. I started doubting myself, wondering if maybe they were right. On top of that, I was struggling a lot with my mental health. It was a really tough time, and for a while, I felt like I was just treading water.
After The Voice, I finally got some clarity. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and BPD. It was overwhelming at first, but in a way, it also felt like a relief because I finally had a name for what I’d been feeling for so long. Since then, I’ve made it a point to talk about my mental health on my platform. I want my followers to know that if they’re struggling, they’re not alone. Seriously, you’re not alone.
Creating a safe space for people to feel seen and understood has become so important to me. It’s amazing how much we can all help each other just by sharing our stories. Honestly, talking to my followers about their experiences has helped me just as much as I hope it helps them. It’s a two-way street of support, love, and connection, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Life has thrown me a ton of curveballs, sometimes it feels like it’s speeding at me at 100 mph, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the hard times are what push us to grow. Nothing about life is black and white, it’s messy and complicated.
But, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. Every challenge, every setback, has shaped me into the person I am today. And if I can help even one person feel less alone or more understood through my music or my story, then every struggle has been worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My band and I have been pouring our hearts into creating music that we truly love. We’re a punk/pop band with a heavy dose of inspiration from that golden early 2000s punk era. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to scream along in your car or stage-dive off your couch. Our goal is to keep our music real, raw, and sometimes even a little funny, because life’s too short to take yourself too seriously.
Looking back, I’m so proud of how our sound has evolved. I started out making super pop music, and I still release EDM songs on the side for fun. But this pop-punk lane feels like home.
When we play live, it’s all about creating a show you won’t forget. Whether we’re at a tiny dive bar or a massive arena (manifesting that one), we bring the same energy. It’s pretty funny if you think about it. Just the five of us, a group of good friends, jumping around on stage like kids playing air guitar in their bedrooms. Except this time, the guitars are real, and the stakes are a little higher! But honestly, that chaos is the magic of it all.
I’m so proud of the growth we’ve had as a band and how far we’ve come. We’ve got so much planned for the future, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. It feels like we’re just getting started, and trust me, you’re going to want to stick around for what’s next.
How do you think about happiness?
Okay, I know this is going to sound cliché, cue the collective sigh, but what truly makes me happy is music. Playing with my friends, recording, singing, and pouring our hearts into songs that (hopefully) connect with our listeners… it’s the best feeling in the world.
And then there’s Monster energy drinks, my ride or die… When I tell you I drink an absurd amount of these I am not joking. I think I’ve Pavlov’d my friends into wanting one whenever they see me. Honestly, I’m convinced it’s my secret superpower.
But if we’re talking outside of music? My cat, hands down, is my other source of happiness. He’s an almost 3-year-old tuxedo cat named Bead, and let me tell you, he’s the love of my life and my biggest headache all in one. He can destroy my entire room in five minutes flat, and I’ll still scoop him up, give him so many kisses, and tell him not to do it again as if he actually understands me. As an only child, I’ve always loved cats, they’re basically the siblings I never had. And yes, I fully admit to talking to them like they’re humans who will one day talk back.
On top of that, I’m beyond grateful to have the most incredible support system around me. My parents (shoutout to Mom and Dad) have had my back since day one, supporting my dream without hesitation. I’ve got the best boyfriend, the best friends, and the best bandmates who all make this crazy journey even better. It’s so amazing to be surrounded by people who believe in you and your vision.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendrachecketts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kendrachecketts/
- Twitter: https://x.com/kendrachecketts/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kendracheckettsmusic
Image Credits
Chachie McDonald
