Kendall Beard has our attention, and possibly our hearts.
By Adam Linehan, Photos by Teresa Jolie
Here at ATX Man, we love Texas. And Kendall Beard is about as Texas as it gets. Born and raised in Lufkin, Beard kicked off her music career at the age of 13, performing on the Texas Rodeo circuit before eventually moving to Philadelphia to sing with the pop trio Sahara Lane. In 2008, after graduating from the University of Texas, she auditioned for American Idol and managed to make it all the way to the semifinals, cultivating a dedicated fan base along the way.
Buoyed by the experience, she returned to Austin to create her first full-length album, All Around Girl, her most personal work to date. With her charming East Texas accent and Southern good looks, Beard has a stage presence that is just as vibrant as her sound, an energetic blend of pop-rock and Texas country. In a city where singer-songwriters have come to monopolize the country music scene , Beard offers a refreshing alternative that fans of more pop-oriented country musicians like Miranda Lambert will surely appreciate.
Luckily, this summer will offer no shortage of opportunities to catch Beard rocking the stage throughout the Lone Star State. Keep your eyes peeled for regular performances at Moontower Saloon and Rattle Inn. For tour dates and a chance to hear her music, check out kendallbeardmusic.wordpress.com. But before you do that, take a look at what she had to say in this recent interview with ATX Man:
On Going Out in Austin
“I like that whole West Sixth area, if we’re going to do the bar-hopping thing. We usually go to Star Bar when we go out. It’s always like a regular stopping point somewhere along the way. That and Rattle Inn. Every now and then, I’ll head to Rainey Street too. I want to explore the Eastside, but I just haven’t had the chance.”
On Having a Good Time
“I love working out and I love being outdoors. And I love brunching. There’s nothing better to me than sitting on a patio on a beautiful da y. I’d rather day-drink, enjoy the sunshine and go home and pass out early than go out at night. Honestly, those are my main things—just being able to explore the city, try new restaurants and eat lots of good food.”
On the Ideal Date Night
“My perfect date night would be starting early while the sun is s till up, hanging out on the patio somewhere then moving on to a nice dinner and then going to someplace kind of quaint and dark and not so crowded to hear some good music. I love going to the Gallery abo ve Continental Club.”
On What Makes a Man Attractive
“I find it really cool when someone is just really laid back and down to go with the flow. They also have to have a good sense of humor. What most girls don’t find funny, I’ll laugh at, so someone who finds that stuff funny too. And someone who if I throw them in to a situation with a bunch of people they don’t know, they can get along with them just like I can. Just someone who is outgoing and a people person— that’s very attractive to me.”
On How a Guy Should Dress
“I think it’s nice to see a guy in a sharp suit, but I also think it’s really sexy if a guy can pull off a nice pair of jeans and a shirt, who can pull off something casual but can clean up as well. I don’t mean baggy jeans or anything like that, but a guy who is comfortable in his own skin. I think a guy should have enough style to dress for the occasion or the situation they’re in.”
