Kenny Eng has become somewhat of a pervasive member of our music scene. A multi-talented (and educated) singer/songwriter, Kenny is also a very personable, likeable person of the type you kind of hate to like. Very good, and very confident in his craft, he still works and plays well with others. Many others, of late. Playing sideman for the likes of Brenda Xu and John Hull, and probably others I don’t know about…Kenny shows style and taste within their diverse music.

Kenny releases his new “Live From LeStat’s” CD – January 15th.

On to the Q & A…

1. Why don’t I have your CD, “Self Centered”?

You don’t have “Self Centered” because it’s a rare and highly sought after debut EP by a young upstart who is destined to go great places in life and music. Also they cost $500,000 per CD (available online and at all of my performances). I’ve only sold 4 of them, but that’s all I’ll need to sell for a while.

2. Do you have a day job?

Yes, I work at the University of San Diego in the Student Life Area as the Executive Assistant to Dr. Cynthia Avery, the Assistant Vice President of Student Life, Student Affairs. It could be the longest job title in San Diego.

3. You’ve playing sideman for a number of people lately, how does that affect your own music?

Playing sideman to other artists is a great way for me to expand my own musical capacities. I came into the scene playing music that was, for the most part, sonically one-dimensional. It was very pensive singer/songwriter-ish. But playing a few different types of music ranging from very upbeat to even more mellow than my own sensibilities to classic folk singer/songwriter music has allowed me to incorporate ideas that resonate with me. I’d love to keep collaborating with other bands just to absorb more styles of music just to be able to pull those out of my back pocket if I ever felt like it.

Playing with other people also gives me the opportunity to do things that I wouldn’t normally do on my own like play extended guitar solos or sing harmonies and stage dive. It’s all a great learning experience for me. Ok, maybe not stage diving.

4. You came to San Diego “without any prospects or connections.” How did you first enter the music scene?

I entered the music scene like everyone else does. I started playing open mics and honing in on what I do well. I kept working on the things I didn’t do well and starting looking for shows. From there, it’s really a trial by fire. I started learning what makes a good performance/show, understanding how to be business savvy without losing touch and really figuring out what I wanted to get out of performing and songwriting. That’s as far as I’ve come. I’ve been in my own artist development program for a long time and will probably stay there forever. Luckily, that’s a good place to be.

5. Who has been your most important influence in making music?

That’s a tricky question because there are so many people that have influenced me. I spent my early childhood listening to Motown and California pop music of the 60’s that my mom listened to. I listened to all sorts popular music and classic rock in my teenage years and I studied classical and modern concert music at school. Even my environment influences me daily.

But I think the one person who continues to inspire me and motivate me to excel is Jeff Buckley. He died before I ever got the chance to see him live but the music he made and the way he approached it still speaks volumes to me. He was completely fearless in his music and singing and his lyrics are honest and pure. What I particularly love about Jeff is the fact that we have no idea what he would have gone on to create, if he had a longer career, simply because he was so talented and imaginative. I’d like to be seen as someone like that eventually.

6. What would be your dream gig?

I know it should be something like playing at the Madison Square Garden for a sold-out headlining show. That would be amazing but in truth, my dream is to play anywhere in the US for an audience of people who appreciate the music that I make. It doesn’t have to be a huge stadium or arena. I’d be happy with some small, intimate venue. Fame and money doesn’t appeal to me as much as it used to. I’m more excited about improving what I’ve already got going on and being honest to myself.

Opening for all of my idols would be nice, too.

7. Do you foresee getting out of your head anytime soon?

Ha! No, probably not. That’s where I find inspiration for songs and music and other things I love doing. I like to believe that I’m a “thinker” so it’s fun to try to find every possibly angle on something and gather as much information as possible. But it also aggravates the hell out of me because I never get anything done. My head likes to debate itself. It’s a very taxing experience. I’m so neurotic that I’ve re-written the response to every question you’ve asked me so far.

But, I like it here so I think I’ll stay for a while.

http://www.kennyeng.com

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