Geoff Kennedy
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Born in Halifax Nova Scotia, Geoff started off young as a musician. By the age of 8 he was beginning guitar lessons, but it wasn't until middle school when he began to evolve into a songwriter. Dabbling in numerous bands, it was difficult to find a fit that suited. To truly begin finding his voice, Geoff began honing his skills on the streets, performing as a street busker for the downtown crowd on weekends. This was the place where he learned his trade. "It's incredibly valuable time spent on the streets performing. On a stage, the audience has a physical and mental separation from you, you are perceived by them in a different way, even on the okay songs they still clap when it's over. Outside of the bar, on the street corner, they seem to rarely clap and walk by telling you to get a job. And I even HAD a job!" Over 13 years of busking experience goes a long way, and with a keen eye for what a crowd will respond to, and a strong, attention catching voice, Geoff began the open mic scene with ferocity. If there was a bar downtown that was offering him 15 minutes, Geoff was there to practice. With a healthy mix of covers and originals, he began to network his way into a new role. As his originals repertoire grew, the time came to begin recording. With little or no funding, he began recording at home. Through the flood of the Internet, Geoff has had listeners all the way from Australia and Belgium respond resoundingly to his craft, constantly on the pulse of a CD release date. Through the help and support of his family, friends, that is becoming a reality.
Why this name?
I didn't, my parents gave it to me, but the paperwork is in the works
Do you play live?
Anyway that I can get time on a stage. I have had numerous times to look back on with a smile: Played the same stage as Colin James, Matt Mayes and many other favorites of mine.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
The internet is the new radio. Its the best thing to happen to music in many years. Individuals that are making music can distribute it with no middle man and no one in their pocket. It's taking music back to its roots, free and available. More musicians need to realize that with the internet, they can grow a fan base faster and less expensive than ever seen before, and if you want to make money off of that, well, tour more stupid. They'll know your name now and show up.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
In a heartbeat
Your influences?
Far too many to name, I have no real allegiances to any one style so long as they have talent and give you goosebumps. I guess for a top 10 list, John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Matchbox Twenty, Counting Crows, Van Morrison, Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Train, David Gray, and Dave Matthews Band
Favorite spot?
Always loved Halifax