This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Michelle Kennedy is the voice and musical mind behind Calm Paradox, her solo acoustic act.
A native of Houston, Texas, Kennedy moved to Provo in 2008, where she began performing at open mic nights. She recently recorded an LP "How to Mind," which was released on iTunes on March 1. We talked to the 20-year-old philosophy major to find out how she got started in the business.
What is your musical background?
I was trained in classical and musical theater from ages 11 to 17. I also sang with my high school choir. I was fairly successful at solo competitions, but I was told that my voice was too "distinctive" to blend well in a group setting. Though it sucked in the short-run, being deemed a "soloist" actually inspired me to branch out and do my own thing. I've been playing guitar since I was about 15 or so, which means I should be a lot better than I am. However, being in the studio really forced me to tighten my technique. I also played harp for about four years and though I enjoy writing songs on the piano, I'm not good enough to call myself a "pianist."
How did you come up with the band name?
I wanted something that was personal and yet abstract enough to be universally relatable; like a song. Many great songs are those that everyone can take something from. I'm talking about those songs that really tap into key human emotions, though they may be based on something entirely subjective.
How is Calm Paradox different from Michelle Kennedy?
Calm Paradox is the polished product, Michelle Kennedy is the depths from which it emerged and into which the scraps were swept again.
Describe your music.
"Smart rock." These are catchy songs that give you the option to think. It's a refreshing reprieve from the bland algorithms of the radio and the boring parodies of indie music that many people seem to be making nowadays. I want to do something new, something novel, which may just mean making tolerable mainstream music and admitting such aspirations.
Who are your musical influences?
I've kind of been obsessed with The Strokes since I was about 15. It was through them that I discovered the indie/alternative genre as well as many similar acts such as Regina Spektor. I like to think that my music is a combination of the two.
What influences your songwriting?
Synesthesia. I'm done writing a song once the colors I hear match up with the colors I see in my mind's eye. This comes out especially in the studio. I would frequently say things like, "The song needs more blue." Whatever that would mean.
What do you see for the future?
"How to Mind" is the first installment in a musical trilogy, of sorts. I have written enough songs for at least five more albums, so I would appreciate the opportunity to continue making music.
Calm Paradox
Calm Paradox is a solo acoustic act featuring Texas-born Michelle Kennedy
Web • calmparadox.com