Amidst changing her sound from Lo-Fi to Country Pop, Kendall Pennington releases her heartfelt single “Heaven Probably Loves You” in remembrance of her mother. She says it was one of the easiest songs she’s ever written. Learn more about the writing process for the song, how therapeutic songwriting is, and the singer’s sonic evolution by reading the interview below.
Interview edited for clarity
It was interesting learning about your transition from Lo-Fi to the Country/Pop fusion that you have today. What was it that triggered that?
I wasn’t finding myself with pop. I was writing music that I felt great about, but I wasn’t satisfied with it. I was like, why am I not writing stuff that I listen to? Why am I not in a genre that I enjoy and that I feel I connected with morally? So I just said let’s just switch and see what happens.
Is that why you did more covers in the beginning?
Yeah. I love singing obviously but my passion is writing and doing my own music is just where it’s my form of expression. If I’m not writing I’m holding it all in.
What is it about country music that interested you?
It’s cheesy but my boyfriend introduced me to country music. I grew up around alternative rock. My dad played guitar and was just straight up rock. No disco, anti-pop, and all that. There’s so much talent in country and the melodies are so nice and is interesting to listen to. The more my boyfriend was introducing me to it, I was like wait I really enjoy this. Maren Morris was the first artists where I heard pop country and realized that I can do that for sure. I can relate my music to me and make it how I want.
Do you think if your boyfriend didn’t introduce you to country that you would have gone more into alternative rock like with your dad or do you think you would have eventually found it?
I would have eventually found it for sure. I think I longed the way I was always finding songs I like “Tennessee Whiskey” and then Carrie Underwood came out and I was like I like this. I was always slowly going towards country, just not fully. And being an LA, too, I was really stuck in a pop world. Which isn’t a bad thing, I love pop. It just wasn’t where I found myself.
I’ve noticed that a lot of country pop artists like Taylor Swift and kind of Carrie Underwood transition more into pop than they did with country. Do you see yourself doing that in the future or do you think you’ll stick with Country?
I could see myself doing some type of crossover features. But, I want to stick to Country. I like the song “The Middle” and that’s what kind of got eyes on Maren Morris. I would love to do something like that but for my music I want it to stay country.
Do you see music as a form of therapy for yourself?
Oh my gosh it’s the only form for me. People run and do all these things. And I run, but songwriting a way to get down your thoughts on paper. Melodies make people feel good, right? So when you put words to melodies that’s the ultimate therapy to me.
With that, have you discovered new things about yourself and the way you perceive the world?
That’s an interesting question. When I was 15 and 16 the songs I would write were dark and depressing. As I was getting older I was noticing what I can relate it to and getting over the hardships that I’ve gotten over, and still getting over, and will never probably ever be over officially. With writing I was noticing from 15 to now I’ve matured so much. I’m not writing angsty anymore, I’m actually finding some outlet that isn’t so angry and sad. That’s what I’d say I’ve noticed.
What was it like writing “Heaven Probably Loves You”?
It was the easiest song I’ve ever written. It came so easily to me melodically and lyrically. I walked into the studio with my producer and I said I want to write about this. It wrote itself. I’ve never had a song be so easy which is the weird thing. But I loved it.
Did you write it all in that one session?
Yeah. I think I wrote that song in an hour. I think the part for me, which is the switch over to country, is that country songs there’s a hook and a story line. And that’s different from pop because pop sometimes can be more metaphorical. I think that the storytelling is also something that I really relate to with country as well.
Was there a weight lifted off your shoulders when you finished creating “Heaven Probably Loves You”?
I have never I hadn’t written a song about my mom yet. I’ve usually written about both my parents or just my dad. This was a nice little like, “see Mom I got you”.
What was the reception like when the song was initially released?
It’s funny because people were so supportive. Everyone on my Instagram was very supportive of me switching over to this genre. I was really nervous doing that and I though that everyone would be confused. The second I put the song out people said that this is it, this is where you need to stay. That felt so good to hear. So the reception has been awesome.
I remember when I first heard the song, your voice seemed so natural with that genre.
Thank you! That was the other thing people were saying. I didn’t want people to think that I’m doing something I’m not. This is just how I sing naturally, and I added a little country twang.
I also read that you’re going going fully into your music this year. Was this a side project or has music always been a main thing?
It was always a main thing. I was always perform other people;s music. I was on cruise ships for three years and performing in wedding bands. It wasn’t until last year that I really dove head-first into my own music. I stopped caring about those little demons in your head that tell you you can’t do it.
What was it like performing of cruise ships?
It’s not for everyone. The experience definitely made me grow as a person. My repertoire grew because I learned so many songs and I was able to perform back-to-back without stopping. You also learn about yourself. You’re stuck in a cabin with all these people, so you’re forced to be professional and be in an environment that feels claustrophobic. When I was done, I was done. I look back and I’m so grateful for that experience because I wouldn’t have been the performer that I am today.
Kendall Pennington
