Singer-Songwriter Chayce Kennedy Discusses Her Debut EP and “Mr. Super Fine” Single

There’s always room in one’s life for a traditional radio pop anthem, and that anthem is being provided today by Chayce Kennedy. The Canadian singer-songwriter recently introduced herself to the larger music world with the release of “Mr. Super Fine.” This is the first single from her debut EP, Yours Truly, which will be released in early 2024. The song is full of energy, love, and inspiration, striking all of the right chords. “Mr. Super Fine” was co-written by Kennedy, along with JUNO Award-winning producer Ryan Stewart and actor/songwriter Roark Critchlow. The song is about the feelings you get when you’re out there looking for that special someone.

Kennedy was inspired to become an artist herself after seeing Taylor Swift perform live. It was such a moment of catharsis that she began approaching music with serious aspirations. She has now released a few singles and performed over 100 live dates in the last two years. She has worked closely with Stewart and Critchlow, as well as Brian West, who has worked with Nelly Furtado and Maroon 5. All of these songs will be heard on Yours Truly upon its release soon.

As she continues to emerge, we are joined today by Kennedy to get to know her a little bit better.

For those not familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Chayce Kennedy: “I’m 19 years old from Penticton, British Columbia, and I have been playing music since I can remember.

“Growing up, I played piano, and then started piano lessons. Around 7 years old, I started exploring singing with the piano, and I would search up my favourite songs to find the lyrics and chords to learn them. My parents then put me in vocal lessons where we worked on my favourite pop songs and learnt the basics of technique.

“When I was 12 years old, I met another vocal coach who was very well known in Penticton. She taught Classical voice and ran a very competitive voice studio where she only took students who were serious about music. I trained with her for four years classically, as well as doing musical theatre. I competed each year in Kiwanis Music Festival, earning a spot in provincials twice to represent Penticton.

“Now, I’m releasing my own material and playing live regularly.

“Music has been my whole life since I was just a tiny gal. I cannot imagine what my life would be without music.”

Chayce Kennedy “Mr, Super Fine” single artwork

How would you describe your own music?

“Sound-wise, my songs are mostly an upbeat pop style, and easy to sing along to. I like to write about life experiences, struggles, fears, body image, mental health, love, and heartbreak. My debut EP, Yours Truly, that arrives next year, will explore all of these topics.”

Tell us about your single “Mr. Super Fine.” What was your experience of making it? What went on behind the scenes? Any notable moments that stand out?

“‘Mr. Super Fine’ is the first single from my EP.

“I was inspired to write it sitting at my piano, like most of my other songs! First, I came up with the lyrics ‘are your eyes blue or green tonight’ and then built the story from that starting line. I wrote it based on my experiences with ‘love’ and first dates. It can be such a magical time when you first meet someone and get to know them.

“Soon after that, I was heading to Vancouver to work with Ryan Stewart, and we decided to record this song and add it to the EP. It was such fun exploring all the different sounds in the studio to make the song super fun and bubbly!”

How would you describe your creative process?

“My creative process is sitting at my piano fiddling around with chords and coming up with lyrics at the same time. I build the lyrics while building the music. This works well for me because it’s a good way to get the basis of the tune and then tweak everything once all my ideas are lined up.”

Who are your biggest influences?

“My biggest influence is Taylor Swift. I have been listening to her since I was a little girl, and she continues to inspire me in so many ways. Taylor is such a spectacular writer, as well as singer and performer. Her concerts are remarkable, and the way she can influence so many people in such positive ways is amazing! I will forever look up to her.”

What is the story behind your stage name?

“I used to go by the name Kennedy Lauren, but then discovered there was another artist named Lauren Kennedy, so I decided to find another name.

“I was in my producer’s studio in Vancouver recording music and mentioned that I was brainstorming new artist names, so he started rambling some off. He came up with ‘Chase,’ and I loved that idea! So, we stuck with that ‘Chayce Kennedy’ to make the spelling more unique.”

Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?

“Honestly, I really do enjoy it all, but playing live is probably my favourite. I love being able to connect with the audience in a live setting. The excitement of being on stage is so fulfilling and being able to inspire people to do what they love and what they are passionate about.”

Chayce Kennedy selfie

Who would you be most amazed to see front row at one of your shows?

“Taylor Swift!”

Do you ever get stage fright? What’s your solution for it?

“Sometimes, if it’s a really big show, but it’s usually before I step on stage. As soon as I’m up on the stage, it all goes away, and I feel like I’m in my element.”

What’s next for you?

“Along with more singles and my EP release, I am going to continue playing as many shows as possible and take every opportunity that comes my way. I am also working on posting more consistently on social media to grow my audience. I’m hoping to record some more music as I have continued to write lots and am pretty proud of my recent work. I am going to continue to work hard!”