Singer Lindsay Kent‘s theme throughout most, if not all, of her music, is mental health and the need for stability behind it. Not only is she a solo artist, she also fronts and writes songs for the Chicago-based group, The Millenials. Kent’s powerhouse vocals sear through her songs and penetrate the listener’s soul and spirit, especially with her latest single “Burning Bridges.” The single is about “burning” everything that reminds her of a tattered and most significantly, a former romantic relationship.
Previously, Kent released her debut EP, Find My Way, focused on the struggles with mental health, albeit understanding for the need of self-examination centered around compassion and grace. With the music video for “Burning Bridges, directed by Jason Yacciono, the video’s theme centers around Kent’s self-liberation, focused on Kent in a hotel room, surrounded by Polaroids of her previous relationship she fleed from. (Hip Video Promo)
Discover more about the multi-talented, Lindsay Kent, in our interview where she discusses her new single and music video, “Burning Bridges,” her solo work along with her band, The Millenials, why mental health is important to her, and her fun music favorites.
What an amazing voice and songwriting prowess you have; where did “Burning Bridges” derive from?
Lindsay Kent: “Burning Bridges” was written early in quarantine when I felt the need to get out some pent-up anger and mixed emotions. A lot of people think this song is about a boy, which it totally can be, but I want people to be able to relate this song to anyone toxic in their life that they feel this same way about. For me specifically, I can relate this to more than just a guy, and I bet a lot of others can too.
Not only do you write and produce your own music but you also front and write for The Millenials. What draws you to engage solo and simultaneously with your band?
Lindsay: I can honestly say I just love spending time in the studio and on stage. Music is my main form of expression and with both the band and my solo career I get to work with the same incredible musicians. Michael Henehan is my guitarist and helps me really get the feel for all my solo music also. I couldn’t possibly take all the credit for songs he and I both work on together. We both front and manage The Millennials together and I couldn’t ask for a better right-hand man!
Mental health and its awareness is very important to you, and a significant theme throughout your music. Please share with us why it’s important to you, and what you hope people take away and gain with your music.
Lindsay: Mental Health Awareness will always be at the forefront of everything I do and stand for. I’m a firm believer that a healthy mind leads to a healthy and happier life. Everyone deserves to feel happy and confident in their own skin and if my music can help them feel most themselves I know I have done my job.
Did you have a lot of collaborative ideas with the direction/production of the music video for “Burning Bridges,” and what was it like working with director Jason Yaccino
Lindsay: If I’m being 110% honest Jason and I had little to no ideas going into the filming day for “Burning Bridges”. I knew I wanted a 70’s themed location and for it to be a really relatable concept. I booked a day at the location you see in the video and we literally just started filming, this led to the whole concept of me running away from a relationship that wasn’t serving me anymore. That idea all came from his jacket just sitting on the couch looking as if he had left me there.
Working with Jason is my favorite part of the whole filming process. He’s not only an incredible videographer but a super dope human being. He’s always down to hear out my crazy ideas and brings them to life ten times more amazing than I thought was possible. I worked with him on two videos now and I cannot wait to use his talents again in the future.
What’s next for you and your music throughout this year and beyond?
Lindsay: I’m going to head out on my band’s summer tour throughout the Chicago-Land area for the next few months and just really enjoy the opportunity to be back on stage after such a long quarantine. In the fall I’ll be heading into my last year of college at Columbia College Chicago studying Music Business with an emphasis on Live and Touring. I’ll continue to work on my solo work and with the band and hopefully have a lot more things releasing soon!
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and do you have a favorite so far?
Lindsay: My first concert was when I was super young and it was Hannah Montana in Chicago. I was really excited to see Miley Cyrus live and when I got the tickets I cried. My favorite concert ever would be a tie between Panic! at the Disco and Aerosmith. Two totally different vibes, but both shows I learned so much about being a performer and truly putting on a real show.
What was your first album you recall purchasing on CD and/or vinyl?
Lindsay: The first Vinyl I purchased was Guns-N-Roses Appetite for Destruction. It is still one of the only vinyls I play religiously in my room. I now have a collection of over 100 vinyls and it’s in the top three behind my Hamilton The Musical Vinyl Set!
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Lindsay:
Panic! at the Disco
Demi Lovato
Aerosmith
Dirty Honey
Guns-N-Roses
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Lindsay: I am a SUCKER for musicals. I love anything from RENT to Les Miserables and Heathers. I jam out in my car to musicals more than anything else on the way to shows or events.
What are you currently listening to, reading, and/or watching?
Lindsay: Currently I am listening to the new Dirty Honey album that just came out and I’m obsessed, re-reading one of my favorite books from middle school “Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie” and watching The Queens Gambit over again.
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