Artists
Myles Kennedy
BIO
Myles Kennedy is a brilliant vocalist, and it would not be a stretch to say that he is one of the greatest rock singers of all time. He is a highly skilled player, more than capable of holding his own alongside the guitar icons he regularly shares the stage with. Additionally, Myles is a veteran session player and a seasoned songwriter. It is on the strength of these talents that he has risen to become one of the most highly sought-after front men in hard rock. Myles has been an ardent supporter of PRS Guitars for many years and we are proud of the relationship we have forged with him.
Myles is currently preparing for the release of his second solo album The Ides of March, a follow-up to 2018’s Year of the Tiger. The new record is laced with country and blues influences and it showcases Kennedy’s skill as both a performer and songwriter. The Ides of March drops on all platforms Friday, May 14.
Myles is the first guest on our Season 3 Premiere of "Long Distance," watch him chat with Paul Reed Smith below!
Below, enjoy our Q&A with Myles, listen to his single release, and learn about his new album!
5 MINUTES WITH MYLES KENNEDY
PRS: What was the general inspiration for the lyrics on your new album Ides of March?
MK: For the most part, the record was an attempt to make sense of the current state of the world. Whereas the previous solo record was inspired by a specific event that had a profound effect on my family, this album was inspired by events that seem to be affecting everyone in some way.
PRS: Would it be fair to say that this is a more guitar-centric record than 2018’s Year of the Tiger?
MK: Absolutely. Since this album is more of a plugged in affair, it allowed me to get back to where I started as a lead player. It was really fun in that respect. I forgot how much I loved improvising and expressing myself in the lead realm.
PRS: What PRS guitars did you use throughout the writing and recording process?
MK: I wrote a few ideas on the SE Parlor PRS sent me last year. It’s the perfect size to explore new ideas as I go about my day. Another acoustic I still love is one of the early Angelus acoustics I started using over a decade ago. A wonderful instrument.
PRS: What do you and Mark Tremonti have planned for the future of Alter Bridge?
MK: A full on Polka Metal album.....kidding. The plan is to reconvene next year for record number 7. Crazy to think we are that deep into our career.
PRS: We hear that Slash and The Conspirators are set to drop a new album this year as well, are there any details you can share about that?
MK: It will more than likely be released at some point next year. Like everyone, we are waiting to see when the touring world gets to a place where we can promote it appropriately.
PRS: Do you change your approach to the writing process for these three projects? If so, how?
MK: Yeah, they are all different. With Alter Bridge it used to be that Mark and I would generally collaborate on the music and melody where one guy might have a riff or chorus and the other would have a bridge that finished the tune off. On the last record, about 80 % of the tracks we wrote and demoed on our own before bringing them to the band. With SMKC, Slash will send me music beds and I will put a melody and lyric over it and perhaps add/change a chord progression that better suits the melody (if needed). With my solo project I compose everything.
PRS: With us potentially beginning to see the “light at the end of the tunnel” regarding COVID-19, are there any plans to tour in support of Ides of March later this year?
MK: Hopefully. There has been talk of trying to do something starting in the summer. Hopefully the potential plans will come to fruition.
PRS: What or who are you listening to the most in your downtime these days?
MK: Jason Isbell’s last record is great. Also, I have been spending a lot of time with Ella Fitzgerald sings the Cole Porter songbook. Her interpretations of standards are second to none in my opinion.
PRS: What are some other hobbies that you enjoy when you’re not touring, writing or recording?
MK: That is a tough one. I have gone through phases where I try and pick up a new hobby but always end up running back to music. With that said, I have a deep love and appreciation for certain periods of modern architecture. If I could moonlight as an architect that would be the bees knees.