Jon Kennedy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jon Kennedy is a drummer and musician who was born in Dukinfield, Stockport, England.

He was discovered in 2000 when he passed a demo CD to Ninja Tune artist Mr Scruff. Scruff played tracks from the CD soon after on his "Unfold" radio show on Brighton's Juice 107.2. Brighton-based Tru Thoughts independent record label contacted Kennedy on hearing the tunes and signed him up. Having recorded in Mr Scruff's Stockport studio, Kennedy now lives and records in Bristol.

His first three 12" singles, and his debut album, We're Just Waiting For You Now were released between 2001 and 2002 on Tru Thoughts. In 2002, Kennedy joined Grand Central Records, releasing his second album in 2003, to universal acclaim. The album featured collaborations with new label-mates Kate Rogers and Aim, whom he also toured with. His third album, "Useless Wooden Toys" was released in 2005, on which he performed vocals on several tracks.

As a live act, he performs with a six piece band and plays drums himself. The rest of the live band is made up of Dan Coggins on guitar, Ben Thomas on bass, Naomi Hart on keyboard, Sarah Scott on vocals and Bernard Moss of Pork Recordings on flute and alto sax.

Kennedy has also recorded under the aliases 777 and KRS Jon.

“

It's a very strange feeling when you first write a track that you would actually listen to yourself. [...] It means you don't have to buy music anymore. So that's my aim - to save me money. I don't aim to be rich or super-famous. I only want to be able to eat and survive comfortably. Rents are high and I get so hungry sometimes... I also want free stickers.

”

Kennedy is currently working on various remix projects, including the soundtrack of the cult British film Withnail and I. His fourth solo album was due for release in the summer of 2006, but has been delayed. In the meantime, he has been asked to remix a track and produce the forthcoming album by Senser.