After following up his recently released EP 'Found' with the vibrant comeback effort 'Breaking Inside' earlier this year, US artist Kenny Baquol is back on the grind once again to deliver his anthemic new single 'Ruins'.
Teaming up with fellow musician and bassist Holly Sanicola for the release, 'Ruins' makes for another dazzling addition to his ever-growing repertoire of late. With such a firm and confident approach to his direction and production throughout, he is returning with one of his most captivating cuts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar! My dad and I took lessons when I was 8.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Classic rock. It played non-stop around the house, but I was fine with it because it was all the good stuff from Zeppelin and Floyd to Clapton and Kansas.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think the first one I remember owning was Ozzy’s greatest hits.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Probably One of These Nights by The Eagles. They have several masterpieces imo.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not for most of my life, but now that my other band (non-solo band) has started working with an awesome producer, I’ve started to incorporate some of his writing techniques into my own sessions.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
A lot of Starset (per usual), and also The Story So Far. Sometimes with chillhop/lofi in between.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
When I was younger, it was Alice in Chains by far. I think nowadays it would be Starset.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
2 things: 1. The feeling you get when you play back a completed idea or track and say “I’m digging this. And I made it O.o” 2. When you’re on stage and have an engaged crowd singing along with you. Not too many greater feelings out there.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Also 2 things… 1. The constant need for perfection getting in the way of progress 2. The never-ending grind to get yourself heard and to get people to pay attention to you for more than a nano-second in today’s culture.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Probably to leave more space in my solos and in general. It took me a while to realise that most times less is more. Leave space to let other instruments shine, and make them appreciate the notes you do choose to play. Someone summed it up as “Imagine your guitar is a singer. Only play lines long enough to where it’s not gasping for air, man!”
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Kenny Baquol's new single 'Ruins' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.