Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenna Denease.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kenna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am 15, and I live in Royse City, Texas. When I was five, my parents split up. My dad has a huge musical background, and it’s sad that he hasn’t been a huge role in my life. But, when I was younger my mom encouraged me to be whatever I wanted to be. So, she put me in Cheer, Gymnastics, Soccer, UIL activities in school, sailing, etc. And, I had my heart set on being a lawyer until I was about seven. A week after my mom and stepdad got married, my uncle Don passed away. My uncle and I were close, and do to the fact I didn’t have much of a father figure, it was almost like losing a dad. Closer to the end of my uncle’s 36 years, we bonded over music. My uncle would do work and school on his laptop while I’d play CD after CD after CD, for hours on end. On October 12, 2012, my uncle was robbed and shot at Sherlock’s Pub in Dallas, Texas. I remember my mom coming into my room around 6 am on that Friday morning, crying and telling me to get ready for school. I remember turning the TV on and seeing a picture of my uncle next to the caption: MAN SHOT AT PUB IN DALLAS. Two years after my uncle’s death and many, many interviews, a song came on the radio called Dancing In The Sky. That was the first song I sang on a live stage. From then on, I told my mom that I was going to be a singer no matter how hard it was. By the time I reached fifth grade, I tried out for my first musical called Yes, Virginia. I spent hours looking at YouTube learning how to play the Cup Song from Pitch Perfect.
After my audition, I earned the lead role of Virginia. The year after, I earned the role of Annie in Annie Jr The Musical. Being able to represent my school as the lead role in musicals for two years, let me know that Broadway is where I want to be. And, after singing at the Farmersville Opry multiple times, and performing in musicals, I saw Dalton Rapattoni on American Idol in 2016; He represented Rockwall and School of Rock. My parents drove me by there before a performance one night and we immediately signed up. Within one week, the music director at the School of Rock called and ask me to be the lead singer in their House Band. Country music was, from then on, not the only music I sang. I was a “rocker.” From the House of Blues to Six Flags to any club in Deep Ellum, the House Band and I played our hearts out. Mid 2017 I branched off from the School of Rock and created my own band, 3 Blocks Away. Now, in my freshman year, I sing all genres of music and even three different languages. I performed my heart out in Shrek The Musical at my high school, and my stepdad often tells people that I can sing anything from Patsy Cline to Led Zeppelin. Last year, I wrote a song called Never Go Away which was dedicated to my uncle. Although he’s not here, he is the reason I follow my dreams of being a musician. Music was always something he loved to listen to after long days at work, and that’s what I hope my music will do for someone else in the future.
Has it been a smooth road?
Since I’ve decided to follow my dreams of being a musician, it’s being a tough battle getting to where I am. Many obstacles such as rejection often tear me down, but when one door closes another one opens. Yes, I know that’s cheesy, but it’s true. This business is excruciating because the whole world is involved; Everyone wants to being an actor/actress, or singer. But, with rejection comes acceptance. I have been rewarded with so many great opportunities. Sadly, you have to have the luxury of money as well, which doesn’t come easy to some. (Some meaning me and many more.) When it comes to expenses, I’ve had to use GoFundMe, benefit concerts, and I’ve had to busk for tips. This often hardly covers the cost of travel. And being a musician comes a lot of hate. But, if you have haters, just know you’re doing something right because you’ve got something they want.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an actress and a musician. I am known for being the lead singer of 3 Blocks Away and performing all over the DFW area. I am proud of myself for being 15 and performing at some of the biggest venues in Dallas. And, I think it sets me apart from others for having the unique ability to sing all genres of music.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Dallas is a great place for a musician to start out because you have everything you need all in one place. You have all the venues you need, recording studios, critics, etc. I personally would say that Dallas is a good place to start growing a musical business.
Contact Info:
- Website: 3blocksaway.band
- Phone: 4694087696
- Email: kenna.denease@gmail.com
- Instagram: kennadenease
- Facebook: Kenna Denease
- Twitter: KennaDenease
Image Credit:
Richard Jordan
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