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Exclusive Interview with Carli and Julie Kennedy

Carli and Julie Kennedy

About Carli and Julie Kennedy

  • Interview date: March 9, 2012

  • Victoria, BC – Nashville, TN

Why country music ?
~ Julie: Carli and I grew up with country music – we used to play in a family band with our dad and younger sister, and we played all our favourite country songs and fiddle tunes for events in our hometown, Powell River, BC. I love the way country songs are so relatable – they tell true life stories. Country music always makes me feel at home!

If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Julie: I’d like to hear Elvis sing with Shania!
~ Carli: I think two of my favourite singers – Alison Krauss and Norah Jones – would have amazing harmonies!

What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ Julie: Julie and I wrote "Front Row" for my dad on his 50th birthday. Dad taught me my first chords on guitar, and he really instilled a love of music in both of us from such a young age. We are so lucky to have such amazing parents, and this song means the most to me because it is a chance to recognize my dad for all of the support he has given us through the years.

Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ Julie: Dolly Parton. I’ve always admired her style and her songwriting!
~ Carli: Little Big Town. We love their music and their harmonies, so I think if they wrote a song for us it would suit our small town vibe and sibling harmonies.

If you could turn back time to make only one change, what would you change?
~ Julie: I’ve never really been one to focus on the past. All of my experiences, both good and bad, have made me the person I am today, and hard times can be great inspiration for songs! – so I wouldn’t change anything.

What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would? (Please provide your answer as well.)
~ Julie: "What’s it like to be a twin?" – Just kidding! We get asked that on a daily basis, and the truth is, being a twin is great! You always have a best friend, and we’re an inseparable duo!

Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ Carli: A recording studio in the "middle of nowhere", overlooking the ocean. We grew up by the ocean so it makes us feel at home. Somewhere that is a retreat where we can focus on the music – that would be the ultimate!

Johnny or June ?
~ Julie: That’s a hard one… they were both so talented and created some beautiful music. I’m going to have to say both!
~ Carli: Johnny – my dad’s signature song when he plays guitar is "Folsom Prison Blues." I love hearing him sing that tune!

Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ Julie: Carli and I always have some nerves, more adrenaline and excitement than anything. We like to go to the gym or go for a run on performance days because it feels good and helps us get energized for the show! We always make sure to find a quiet place offstage to chat with each other before we perform. When we’re with our full band, we make sure to do a group cheer before we go onstage!

What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ Carli: Our graduation recitals from our Bachelor’s degrees in music performance (on violin and guitar) from the University of Victoria were memorable days. For both of us, it was one day to represent all the hard work we’d put in for four years, and it was so much fun to share a special night of music with all of the people who supported us through our school years.

Carli and Julie Kennedy country band

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