We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendall “King” Friday and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendall “King”, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I don’t think there’s an existence for me, in this universe, where I’m able to exist comfortably without my creative pursuits. Music has always been essential to who I am at my core, and there’s always been a direct correlation with the amount of happiness and the amount of music In my life. That’s not to say every part of the journey has been pleasant. The pursuit of an artistic existence in a society that only seems to value the end results of artistry/creativity inevitability creates dark periods for artists. For some time, it did for me. I just think the “light” of creation and connection always proved too much for the darkness.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was recently nominated, alongside my good friends J’Von Brown and Eden Marte, for Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance in the BroadwayWorld Miami Metro Awards. That’s something I’m proud of, considering I’ve been active publicly for less than a year. I’d have to say I got here by putting myself out there. All the prep and practice I put into what I do means nothing if no one ever hears it. That visibility and adaptability. Art and music can shift radically and an inability or unwillingness to adapt can be fatal. I think that’s why, at this point, I consider myself a musical Swiss-army knife of sorts. Whatever is needed, I’m usually well equipped and happy to assist.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well since I’m always working (insert sarcastic shoutout to miami hustle culture) I’d tell my friend ‘to enjoy their vacation however they see fit and we’ll get together on the weekend. My friends love music and food so the itinerary would most likely consist of those things in as laid back a manner as possible. Brunch somewhere like Yardbird or Root & Bone. Dinner at Truluck’s. We’ll inevitably end up somewhere music is being played. Other than that, I’d want to take them to a couple of the areas where real Miami resides, like Little Haiti and Overtown, before they’re gone as we know them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people to thank, though It would be criminal of me not to take this opportunity to give flowers to my partner in crime, life, and everything else! Chris Friday is a phenomenal artist, friend, critic, visionary, and every other good thing I can think of! Thank you for nurturing the artist in me when I wasn’t sure one existed. I dedicate this shoutout, and so many other things, to you.

My parents Brad and Robyn for putting up with me all these years 😂

I’d also like to thank Kunya Rowley and Hued Songs for trusting me musically and giving me a space to grow and be seen in my artistic practice.

Instagram: @kingfridayx

Image Credits
World redeye, Chantal Lawrie, and Chauncey Riley

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