We Speak With Bob Kendes of Spiritual Jam Band "The Peace"
The Peace are a well layered "jam band" hailing from the Northeast. Their roots are in the deep, cultural spirituality inherent in ALL folk music - from 2Pac to Bob Dylan to Bob Marley. In short, Kendes and his mates, "sing for the people." We had a great chat with Bob Kendes to talk about The Peace and his inspiration for writing music.
In your bio, you describe your music as centered around God. Did your inspiration for your music’s message come from going to church as a child or was there some other trigger? How has your message evolved over time?
I never went to church as a child! I've been able to experience that blessing as an adult ;)
My message is the message of the Bible, period. Love your neighbor as yourself and serve God with your whole heart.
Though it has certainly evolved, it has remained rooted in the spreading of peace and love, always.
You say your music draws comparisons to Bob Marley because of the spirit and lyrical message behind the music. Other than Bob Marley, who are your favorite lyricists?
Well, Bob's lyrics are fantastic due to their simplicity and profundity. I also thoroughly enjoy: Dave Matthews, Ani DiFranco, K'naan and Curtis Mayfield - eclectic, I know!
What is your favorite way to go about writing music? Do you come up with your songs by jamming with other people at practice or are you more the pen-and-paper in your bedroom type?
Wherever has the right vibe is where I'm writing the song; there could be one -or ten - musicians in the room; I could be solo or surrounded by a group of fans/friends. The vibe is the key.
What was your favorite live concert moment that you played?
We did a show in Vermont with Jon Fishman that was a lot of fun. I did a great duo show with my producer/drummer Aaron Katz (Percy Hill/the dejas) at Southern New Hampshire University for their Spring Fling one year which was a total blast. I ended up jumping off the stage into the lawn area during one of our songs. Great times, great times.
What are your five desert island albums?
John Scofield - A Go Go
Bob Marley - Babylon By Bus
Dave Matthews Band - Live at Red Rocks
Sublime: Sublime Acoustic - Bradley Nowell and Friends
John Lennon - Acoustic
If you could go back in time to see one artist who you never got a chance to see live and who is no longer with us, who would it be and why? Feel free to choose an ideal venue too, if you’d like.
Bob Marley and The Wailers - Live in New York City at Madison Square Garden circa 1977. In this "Babylonian" city of greed, deception and ruthlessness, Nesta brought a righteous blend of spirituality, reggae, folk and most important of all, Love.
Your influences are heavily rooted in the jam band aesthetic and mentality. Do you think the Internet enables you to spread your message in the most effective way or do you pick up more fans by hitting the road and meeting new
Each has it's own purpose, I think. I enjoy meeting individuals face to face and subsequently buttressing and strenghtening the artist-fan relationship via the net. Both are excellent, though.
Do you have a passionate stance on music piracy and illegal downloading?
Yes. Respect the artist. We can't change people - they've got to change themselves. We can only lead by example. So, if you're an artist, and you think music should be free, give away your own music for free. Example.
What are the plans for the future of The Peace? More music and touring?
We will be performing at colleges, amongst other venues (cafes, amphitheaters, festivals, etc) in 2011. The sky is the limit because we have Faith!
Editors note: You can visit www.thepeacemusic.com/loveyou/ to download the new live record from The Peace titled "Love You," for FREE right now!
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