Between her visit to New York and Connecticut, The Heat Magazine was able to gather a closer look inside the heart and mind of New Orleans own Kendra Williams. In an industry that can be described as male-dominated, Williams assertively sings her way through on a path towards success. A songbird with a heartfelt story in the midst of commonness in music, Williams is as unique and powerful as it gets in the genre of rhythm and blues. Although joy and pain are recurrent themes in music, Ms. Kendra Williams expresses herself through song in a unique and captivating fashion. Donned with the “total package,” Williams continues to progress in her endeavors as a soulful female artist. Her body of work truly equates to the “Portrait Of A Woman.”
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What separates you from other acts?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: My voice is timeless. I have a more classic RNB sound. I sing from my soul pouring every piece of me into the microphone. When I record and perform, the riffs and runs that you hear flowing from my mouth are simular to singers we’ve listened to in the late 80’s and 90’s. The clarity of my voice is crisp and soothing to the soul where no auto tune is needed. My voice is an instrument.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What advice would you give to upcoming artists?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: Keep it business and professional. Give it all you got, stay motivated, and focused. Believe and you will achieve. Keep God first in all you do. He will give you the strength you need to overcome anything. They will have ten doors close in your face but there will be one big door that will open that will change your life.
Move quite and liv
e loud.
e loud.THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Who would you like to work with in the near future?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: I would love to write for Mary J., Monica, and Jennifer Hudson. I would love to work with Brian Micheal Cox, Timbaland and Missy for production/writing, and I would love to collab with Tyrese, Usher, Jamie Fox, Drake, Kanye, Common, and Eminem. It’s so many to name but they are the first ones to come to mind.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What are your latest recordings and accomplishments?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: Portrait Of A Woman is my first EP that dropped 1/11/11. It is a total of eight songs. This EP is a declaration of me. It is a testimony of my past. It speaks of the pain I went through in a previous relationship and the strength God gave me to pour into this EP. Recording my EP was a release and a healing process. Expressing my life, my pain, and the love I had for this man with my fans. It shares how I healed, how I recovered, how I learned how to love myself, and how I am willing to love again without holding on to the past.
(Accomplishments) My Ep sold more than I expected with the small budget I had. I am also becoming one of the voices that rappers/singers want to feature on their upcoming projects within the United States and across seas. My most exciting feature was with a rapper in France. It was amazing. The Nola Hip Hop awards, I was nominated in 2010 and 2011 for best collaboration and best female vocalist. That was a blessing for the city to recognize my gift and talents.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What do you feel about the state and condition of the music industry for an upcoming artist?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: It’s very hard. Even more so in your own home town. So many doors are closed, not giving you a chance. It’s actually gotten a little better but you really have to prove yourself for them to listen to a snippet of your music. So many dj’s and fans in other cities hear my voice and music and they are amazed that I’m not getting the recognition that’s received in their city in my own city. But that’s a lot of people’s story in the industry. It actually grounded me, making me a better artist while appreciating the support of the fans that I do have in my city. Knowing that no matter how great you sound or how beautiful you are, you can have the entire package, you still have to work very hard. This is not an overnight process. It takes years, patience, a great team, and again just believe in your product. Stick to your plan.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us how you feel about the New Orleans Saints?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: All I Can Say is Superbowl Baby! WHODAT!!!! We are Dat! Beeleedat!
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Is it difficult for a lady in the industry and what about relationships as a career oriented artist?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: It’s very hard in the industry for a lady and I quote, “a lady” to be respected in this industry. When I decided to take this to a professional level, no one took me serious AT ALL. No one believed in me. But when the strength came from my voice, they where shocked and amazed. They couldn’t believe it. I had people say, “you gave me chills, goose bumps”. They love my story. So it took time and patience, but I won them over. ( laughing out loud) Being in this industry and in a relationship is one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. The time it takes and the sacrifices you have to make. You can be in a studio session recording all day. Photo shoots last forever. Writing and preparing for an album takes a lot of energy and time. When your on the road promoting your album and performing, can they handle a few lonely nights? You have to be with someone that understands what it takes and how long it takes. Someone that is willing to sacrifice as well for it to work.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Who inspires you?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: My kids. They are my fans, my cheerleaders, my motivators. They’re the ones that make me push harder and harder. Being a single mom, entertainer, and businesswoman is a lot of work. They want this as bad as I do. They are the sunshine on a rainy day. They are the reason I do what I do, sing how I sing, and love how I love. All of this is for them.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What are some of your hobbies?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: Well, I am a baller. I grew up with all boys. I am the only girl, so I’m a tom boy. I can throw a football a block long and hit 3’s like Shaq. (laughing out loud) I love sports but I’m known for my cooking. I bake from scratch and can make a mean pot of gumbo. Cooking and singing in the kitchen was a everyday thing in my household growing up.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Who is your favorite rapper or singer?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: My favorite female rapper is Na’Tee. My favorite male rapper is Common. My favorite male singers are Luther Vandross, Tyrese, Tank, Brian Mcknight, and Teddy Pendergrass. I have so many favorite female singers: Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston, Billy Holiday, Anita Baker, Lena Horn, Yolanda Adams, and Tamela Mann.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What’s your favorite television program or classic movie?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: The Game is my favorite series and my classic movie is Pretty Woman
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How do you feel about education?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: Education is the most important tool you need in your life. There are no excuses. That’s the only way you will achieve anything is through education. As a mother, I press the issue of education and how important it is. My kids don’t have a choice when it comes to education. Education is the key to success.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in music or life?
KENDRA WILLIAMS: The biggest lesson in the music industry is patience. The biggest lesson I have learned in life is to serve the lord and not myself. (For More information contact Ms. Kendra Williams at http://www.mskendrawilliams.com or twitter.com/mskendra504)
Great Job On The Article Brother Dion Love It And I Love Her Music.
Excellent!
She is an Amazing singer i was 1 0f the people she gave chill bumps when i saw her perform at the H.O.B she is soooo over looked and i see the request she gets from out of town promoters i follow her on twitter man our city need to grab on to her quick she will be on e of the biggest stars to come out of the city and shes so sweet humble and kind #TeaKendra For Life
Thank you Dion for the amazing interview i appreciate you so much and Heat Magazine as well for the chance to tell my story and promote my EP Portrait Of A Woman in your magazine i was trying not to say so much but sometimes i cant help myself lol this is one of the doors open for me throughout my career and again i am thankful. Keep me in your prayers on my journey to Connecticut NYC and Miami as i keep pushing & promoting my EP i wont stop until the World hear my VOICE and my Story
Ms.Kendra Williams
RnB Queen Of The Bayou:)
Good interview. Kendra is one of the most powerful voices I know. I love hearing her acapella and especially when she belts out a few lines on the spot. I’ve been a fan from the moment I heard her voice. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she is a also a great person. She’s humble, absolutely hilarious, and compassionate. Her personality makes people WANT to root for her. Kendra is the total package. As a DJ, I am in her corner. As a fan, I am always wanting more
I first was introduced to kendra when i heard her Voice on a Rappers hook all ima say is if you put her on your hook u better come hard because her voice really take of the beat and a rappers lyrics when hearing the song i was sitting there waiting for the hook to come bk on this girl is amazing and the sweetest person in the world she keeps it 100 and very humble she light up a room and her legs are to die for im just saying classy classy classy… You Go Ms.Williams
I was one of the Dj’s she was talking about in this interview im all the way in S.Carolina i meet her off twitter and i heard her music its a damn shame they not holding her down in the N.O all the N.O artist i hear she’s actually the best voice clear crisp and the notes she hit is F’N ridiculous that Soul2Soul remake she did she did it better than Mary J when she remade it man ill put my money on this artist and im pushing her music throughout the clubs & my station she’s in rotation she got my support 100% how can u not love her her personality is amazing you love her instantly keep pushing momma ill nvr close a door on u its wide open here
IM A PRODUCER AND DJ FROM ATL I CANT FIND A VOICE LIKE HER’S NO WHERE IM A FAN AND MORE SO BLESSED TO HAVE HER ON ONE OF MY SONGS AND I LOVE THE WAY HER VOICE FLOWS ACROSS MY BEATS SHE IS THE BEST A FUTURE LEGEND AND ICON SHE NOT A LOCAL SINGER SHE’S WORLD WIDE SHE DOES MORE OUT OF THE CITY THEN ANY ONE I WORK WITH ARE NO HER VOICE IS TO BIG FOR THAT SMALL CITY I TRY TO MAKE HER MOVE HERE COME K NO DOOR WILL CLOSE HERE TRUST ME THERE BEGGING FOR U HERE IM BEING ASKED DAILY
This Soulful Singer/Mother/BusinessWoman is a very strong humble loving amazing woman she ‘s a role model a hustler and a damn good singer i cant put it in words u have to hear her live you can just ask her to sing she will blow u down at a drop of a dime we where on the red carpet at the NoLa Hip Hop awards they asked her to sing she gave a damn concert on the red carpet people was going crazy no other singer in the N.o ever did that her smile is so beautiful and i heard about her cooking she didnt mention she feed the homeless and gave them fresh blankets she didn’t advertise it her and her family did it on there own she is an angel with a golden voice
Ms.Williams is one of my favorite artist easy to work with and very professional im BigJeff the Dj at the 40/40 club in NYC all ima say is the N.O can keep sleeping on her we got her here in the BigApple she’s been adopted a year ago keep pushing K we got u just remember what i said and what we talk about they will see you in bright lights soon move Quite and live loud
Kendra doll…. it was a very GREAT article n interview.
Ur a very inspirational woman who will defiantly help a lot of young ladies
Goin through the same . But I really look up to u in many ways
In this industry n life. To go through Wat u Been through
Ur SOO Strong …. thanks for being n lettin me be apart of ur life.!!!!
Reading this interview you can tell she is ready for the industry this was a very good read im really impressed how she answered each questions her music is amazing her voice struck my soul and her beauty make me stair reading this interview i thought to myself i would buy her book on her life i really wanna hear more i just purchased her album on ITunes and i can hear the pain in her voice that she’s been through hell and back im ready for the album this album is amazing im Now a Kendra Williams Fan S/O to Heat magazine for introducing her to me this is the best interview yet i really wanna no more tho lol is she in love have she found another love when that love album coming out take us on your journey Ms.Williams
im a promoter from NYC i heard of Kendra from her promoting herself heavy on twitter and Fb i said let me check this girl out when i heard her voice i was like WOW!!! why is she not signed i booked her shows here but her budget wouldn’t allow her to visit but as time progressed she made a way sleeping on the floor of her aunts home in Harlem when i meet her you would have thought she just walked out of Trump Towers her hustle and flow is a beast she says to me all the time she will never give up God didnt bless her with the voice in vein she has so much Faith in God she actually made me get closer to God as she took my hand praying with me before she performed and she KILLED the show her fans here has grown by hundreds keep going and changing lives with you gifts the person you are and your amazing personality
Ms. Williams Ms. Williams i also became a fan from her hard push on the Social network twitter but i became a true fan when i heard her live i saw the light around her as GOD was holding her hand and i no he has a job for her to do. It wont be easy for her because she has a lot of Souls to save throughout her journey in music the singers today dont do what she does she cant hit every melody riff and run without a strain her voice will heal your soul its crazy how they push artist here that will not last long at all because they cant sing this girl can blow i mean blow!!!! i saw her the other night and she switching it up on there she’s pulling out the guns with the sexy she had me like damn wow geesh sexy as she wanna be
THE BEST INTERVIEW IVE EVER READ WITH AN INDIE ARTIST S/O TO DION IM WITH GERALD I WANNA HEAR MORE WILL THEY BE A PART 2 TO THIS INTERVIEW I WANT TO NO THE MESSAGE BEHIND EVERY SONG I WANT MORE I READ IT TWICE ALREADY I WANNA NO ALSO IS SHE IN LOVE AGAIN BECAUSE THE SONG ON HER ALBUM CALLED LOVE AGAIN SHE ‘S GOING HAM MY HUSBAND AND I PLAY IT ALL THE TIME
Ms.Kendra Williams amazing interview everyone said it all but i to want more so i guess ill do a pole lol to get a part2 i wanna no the stories behind every song
TeamKendra
SHOW THIS AMAZING SINGER SUPPORT
SHE’S THE BEST!!! BETTER THAN THE GREATS
This is a nice interview I first herd Kerndra on her song that Na’Tee featured on! She has a nice voice
Thanks Kendra. Thanks to all of you have shown your love and support for Ms. Kendra. She’s a great voice, artist, and person. The Heat Magazine is more than happy to capture great stories about great people with exceptional talent. This speaks volumes about Kendra. Keep up the good work and we will be here to support the journey. Much Love…By the way, Ms. Kendra, you’re blowin us away with your voice over here…Happy Holidays to all of you guys..
Ms.Williams you are the most beautiful humble lovable strong intelligent woman ive meet i 1st meet u passing out your own cd’s promoting your album i must say i didnt listen to it until 1 day my daughter took it and was jamming it in her room i walked in saying who is that you blew us all away your voice is smooth crisp and strong all in 1 pure talent and i also see that its hard for you in this City but know you will be one of the greatest your voice and personality will take you a long long way keep that beautiful smile and spirit shinning bright doll your really changing lives you’ll see never change stay true to your self
Kendra reading this interview made me love you more your voice touched my soul your smile lifted me up ur personality just made me feel good you have what it takes to be a leader and a role model for our generation today im very proud of u and dont give up because the City not holding you down i saw all the local singers on the news today some i nvr heard of and was like why wasnt you on there as your voice is better than them all thats just my opinion keep pushing get the hell out of New Orleans your voice to big for this small city anyway love u Super Star I AM A PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN
This woman, I am honored to have met. She is humble, and so down to earth, and very charming! Congrats to your release of your EP! May you fulfill all your dreams and wishes, because you deserve it! Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well, helping me advocate against human trafficking by singing her heart out at the Nomi Network fashion for freedom in NOLA! Amazing talent! Love you, Kendra! Love, iKandy
Kendra & Na’Tee is the truth !!!!
KENDRA IS AN AWESOME PERSON. PERIOD. SHE IS THE WHOLE PACKAGE PLUS SOME. I WAS GRACED WITH HER VOICE AT REAL TALK RADIO SHE SUNG ACAPELLA LIVE ON AIR AND GAVE ME CHILLS. YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT SHE IS DEFINATELY AN ARTIST, MOTHER, & WOMAN THAT IS TRULY ONE OF A KIND 🙂 “AIM HIGH & DREAM BIG” KENDRA !!!!
That was a wonderful article. I can’t wait to see you reach the mountain top.
This was a great read. Ms. Kendra is my favorite local singer, whom I hope will soon become one of my favorite world renowned stars. I love the way Dion conducted the interview.
Kendra I can’t begin to tell you how estactic I fell for you right now sweetie. You deserve all the rcognition because I know that voice. I remember clearly when you sang for the first tme it was over the phone. My brother kept telling me ,”Kendra can sing yeah” , and when I heard your voice it did send chills through my body. Girl I’m so proud of you and I know part of your struggle and to see you here just makes me so very happy for you. I will PRAY that God continues to order your steps, I PRAY for traveling grace to all your many destinations and that you have an abundance of blessings coming your way. You were always a good friend to me I love you sweetie.
Thank you everyone for the wonder comments. As i read them tears roll down my face thanking you all for all your love and support im very blessed and humbly grateful. Most of you personally know me and no my strength’s that i will keep pushing until there’s no more breath in my body i no the work i have to do for God within this journey so i no it will be a struggle a hard mountain to clim but i will get there . Agin Thank You and S/O to Dion & The Heat Magazine for the Blessing they gave to me to help me tell my story and promote my EP
Kendra i heard your voice on a mixtape here in NYC and u had the best song the best voice on there and it had some heavy hitters featured on this mixtape Gave You My All is a HIT HIT HIT then when i heard the remake of Soul2Soul you did i almost passed out your voice is amazing and so are you keep pushing mama you’ll get there sooner than you no it believe and you will achieve like you said in your interview.
Listening to your personal journey is very relatable to many women.The life’s lesson that you have learned to serve God n not ourselves,is a challenge for many that some never learn.I wish u extreme blessings and favor.Your story has my attention to listen to your music.Keep this purity and the sky is truly the limit
BIG UP’S TO ONE OF MY FAVE VOCALIST!!
Kendra is an amazing talent and very down to earth. I bought her cd as soon as I heard snippets on her site. She makes it a point to acknowledge fans at her shows too, which most artists don’t do. I can’t wait for the next project to drop!!!