Interview: Kyle Kendall (Written)

Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you an interview with Kyle Kendall, the artist behind 01:25 and guitarist of metalcore band, Our Sorrows.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

My names Kyle. I’m a songwriter, singer out of Florida. I currently sing and play guitar for the metalcore band “Our Sorrows” I’ve recently launched my solo project “01:25.”

I started out in metal/metalcore bands around 2006, been in an out of the music scene since then but I’ve been actively songwriting for the past 17 years or so.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

I actually had this conversation earlier today and I think I have a full proof way of explaining it.

If you like screamy sad stuff, my band ‘Our Sorrows’ does that, if you like singing sad stuff ’01:25’ might be for you.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

I just released my newest single for “01:25” called ‘Fireflies’ with the next set to release 06/16/23. “Our Sorrows” will be announcing our next release soon. We’ll hopefully be able to break news on this year’s touring here soon.

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

Honestly, I’m the cliché mentally ill, incredibly introverted musician and even in the music space I feel a bit out of place more often than not so my answer isn’t related to any shows or any metric of success.

The best moments of music as someone that suffers from mental illness has been people reaching out to me saying that my songs have helped them through tough times

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

Having to flip from the creative side of the brain to the business side feels very disingenuous if I’m being honest but it’s just a part of it if I want my music to be heard by more people

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

Not well if I’m being honest. As a person I think reducing the purpose of art to that of a good to be sold is an unfortunate compromise that I wish didn’t have to be made and it’s something I’ve been struggling with for quite some time. I think it’s only devalued more when the expectation of social media presence and engagement is now the requirement moreso than the supplement it was years before.

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

I don’t think it’s exclusive to music but there’s not really any risk any more, and if anything decisions are made distinctly on is this band or product going to increase our numbers or sales. Basically we live in a society where clout is currency and I don’t know if there is a way to combat that to be honest.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Just show the people around you. Obviously sharing songs, making TikToks or reels with them is the go-to for promotion right now but that’s not for everyone. I would just ask if you hear a song from me you like, just enjoy it and if you want to share it with your friends that’s a bonus.

9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?

I have two corgis at home that I spend most of my time with. I read, I play a lot of League of Legends and whatever indie games I can find on Steam.

I’ve recently got back into Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and been enjoying it quite a bit.

10. Where can people find you?

I’m prepared for this one. You can find all things me, 01:25, and Our Sorrows here.