"There are so many adventures ahead"
Image Credit: McDavid Photography
Ash Sanders,
19th Apr 2022
Tags:
Music
Interview
Chip Kendall
Dance
Electronic
Hip-hop
We sat down to chat with Chip Kendall, friend of xRhythms & former member of popular hip-hop outfit thebandwithnonname, to discuss what he's been up to and his exciting plans for 2022 and beyond.
Ash: Chip, great to speak to you - it's been a while since we last caught up with you. How are you doing?
Chip: I'm great thank you Ash, it's great to chat with you and to reconnect with Cross Rhythms [like xRhythms, but for slightly older people!] again also, it's been a long time. I actually helped launch something called 'My Voice' with Cross Rhythms some years ago, and had my own show called theshowwithnoname for a while - did you know that?
Ash: I did not know that! So for those who have not heard your music or who are new to it, how would you best define your style/genre?
Chip: I've always been a big fan of hip hop, pop and some EDM (electronic dance music) too, so much of the music I've released fits into these categories. But most recently, I've actually been creating songs for musical theatre and youth gospel choirs. I also wrote a slower song for my church - Audacious Church in Manchester - so my 'style' varies!
Ash: Wow, very varied! Do you have a body of music you’re happiest with, when you listen back to it?
Chip: Yes, I'd say anything that gets my kids dancing around the room puts a smile on my face. I've got a 14 year old, an 11 year old and an 8 year old - all with very different musical tastes - so they're a great audience to try out my new songs on.
"I'd say anything that gets my kids dancing around the room puts a smile on my face."
Ash: Great answer! It’s been a few years since your last release – tell us what you have been working on recently, both in music and otherwise?
Chip: Well when lockdown first happened a couple years ago, I lost a lot of work. But [when I was praying, I felt] God give me a clear word. He said, 'What you sow in the storm, you'll reap when the storm passes.' So I did at least two things:
I began preparing to launch a new national charity to help set up youth Gospel choirs around the country. Last December, we received charity status for Soul Children U.K. and now we're off and running. We're working with Festival Manchester to start a bunch of choirs locally for the time being, and we're excited to see where this goes.
[When I was praying, I felt] God give me a clear word. He said, 'What you sow in the storm, you'll reap when the storm passes'.
Alongside this, I partnered with a brilliant organisation called Maoz (which is the Hebrew word for 'strength') to establish Why Israel? - a new network for young adult leaders and influencers, helping them navigate the connection between Israel, the Christian faith and the Church. After tons of meetings over Zoom during covid, we finally hosted our first event in March, which was awesome.
Ash: This all sounds very exciting! If people want to find out a bit more about Soul Children or Why Israel?, where should they go?
Chip: The websites would be best - it's all there. Soul Children UK's is www.soulchildrenuk.com and the Why Israel? one is www.whyisrael.co.uk.
Ash: Finally, as you know, xRhythms is all about creating content for young people. So if you could say something to your 16-year old self, what would it be?
Chip: I'd say..."Chip, God's got you. There are so many adventures ahead for you, and it would blow your mind if you knew about them now. All you need to focus on is Him. Give Him your talents. Wait in His presence. Don't settle for second best. You're not as weird as you think you are. There is a tribe of like-minded people out there, and in time you will discover them".
There are so many adventures ahead for you, and it would blow your mind if you knew about them now.
You can hear more of Chip's music, including his album Holy Freaks and his releases with thebandwithnoname, on XR Retro where it's played regularly.
