Joe Kenney, a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a B.M. in piano performance, is a recording artist, songwriter, and pianist from Philadelphia. The music on Kenney's five albums and various collaborations span multiple genres, and are reflective of a cohesive blending of classical music theory, jazz fusion, rock, soul, and hip-hop idioms. Prevailing, a new classical piece co-written and performed byianist Joe Kenney and violinist Hope Linton. Hope is a fellow West Chester University of Pennsylvania music performance alumnus and this is her first studio single in collaboration with Joe Kenney.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Joe Kenney, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What is your dream project?
Hey, thanks for having me! I feel like each show and collaboration I have an opportunity to do is literally a dream come true. I’m especially excited about the upcoming show with the awesome and talented Chanel Ali. She’s a decorated comedian, actor, and writer; and we are doing a performance integrating comedy and live music, and also featuring Philly comedian Jay Simpson, and musicians Elle Gyandoh and Jeff Pish. We will be at 118 North in Wayne, PA on 2/9 at 6:30PM for an early evening show.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Yes! I love spending time with my partner Liberty and our two kids. We are big fans of museums, parks, and other day trips. Libby and I are heading to NYC to see a broadway play, and it’s a yearly getaway we really enjoy. I’m also a big sports fan, with strong loyalty to the Philadelphia teams. Proud to be embracing the role of “favorites” for the Eagles in this year’s Super Bowl matchup. My dad and I are planning a trip to see the Phillies in their spring training home of Clearwater, Florida. Besides that, I enjoy the occasional brew with friends, discovering new artists, and battling my existential demons with vigor and a stabilizing sense of humor.
Your latest song is 'Prevailing'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
“Prevailing” is an original classical and cinematic piece written and performed by myself and violinist, instructor, and fellow West Chester University Alum Hope Linton. I think the successful blending of two different compositional approaches is foundationally an unusual happening that makes the process of our project a unique one. I am more improvisational and Hope is more structured. I can be indulgent with my affinity for harmonic surprises, while Hope has an ear for elevating promising elements through judicious employment. I had a lot of raw material from TikTok that we culled and Hope was integral in fine-tuning the piece as well as delivering an amazing performance on violin.
When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?
I talk to my partner Libby. She is so successful in so many realms, and I learn a ton from just how she operates professionally. She is also incredibly supportive and always down to listen when I am working through anything. I also take examples from my friends and my family, and am lucky to be surrounded by great people and born winners.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I’m giving a sincere effort in continually learning about and unlocking myself, first and foremost. As an artist, I’m maintaining a lofty vision, and I’m staying open to unexpected turns and changes. A lot of my confidence in my ability to continue growth as an artist comes from more of a “return” than a “revelation”. I’m relearning how to fall in love with the process, and lead with the light that makes me, me.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
My favorite part of being a musician is the infinite possibilities with art, and the opportunity to collaborate with people committed to pushing the envelope and making art that endures and contributes to positive change. The friendships I have formed and am forming are not only integral to the musical magic, but they are also meaningful in a human way that transcends the collaborative process. The hardest part about being a musician is missing time and events with my family because of my schedule. Even if I didn’t have awful FOMO, I have such an awesome little family that late shows and sessions are a difficult emotional part of the musical lifestyle.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
There is beauty in the variety of vibes that exist at all venues/performances so far in my career, and a most uplifting experience on stage occurred in early 2023 at the Soundbank in my hometown of Phoenixville. I was performing with one of my bands The Proper Hustlers on a night that celebrated our frontman Ethan Stauffer and his new solo EP. The night as whole was great, with amazing crowd energy and performances, and the Hustlers’ set had such authentic emotional release and chemistry between our four-piece group.
What makes you angry?
Doubt. Negativity. Lack of Kindness. At some point I learned to channel anger in a way that has been productive and is carried in a way to help champions and act on antidotes like courage, positivity, and love. I am also thankful to be in a place where I no longer need external motivation like someone’s personal thoughts on my potential or limitations, to hone into the energy most conducive to making a consistent and meaningful impact – musically and beyond.
What is an artistic outlook on life?
It starts with an inward look – for me. It is a process that evolves as the self evolves. With an openness to discovery and dynamism, the nuances of love and light in your soul can resonate to match an endlessly possible outward vision.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I have shifted from goal-driven motivation to process-driven and love-driven intentionality. Goals have their purpose, in music as in all areas, to a degree. For me, personally, when I was 25 – I was going through a rough time and my avenue to healing was through setting what seemed like unattainable goals, and acting in earnest to achieve them. This did so much for me in terms of not only achieving some amazing things on the way to trying to reach a few central ultimate career milestones – but also for productively dismantling any self-imposed/externally-reinforced notions of limits. At this point in my life, though – I view victory as the continued evolution of a series of processes – and as long as I appraise myself honestly as I work to align my actions with my convictions – anything is possible. The accomplishments will be a natural byproduct of a mindset that is steadily self-assured and unencumbered by expectations of specific or narrow outcomes