We catch up with Kenna ahead of Belladrum 2024 and ask them a few questions.
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What would be your FFO list?
With my music being piano based, I would say composers like Hania Rani who I came across last year. The music does have a Scottish hint to it too so could include Scottish trad musicians too.
Tell us a little about how the band came to be and a story so far.
I’ve been playing in bands for nearly 10 years and the confidence I’ve gained has helped me to lead my own band. The session musicians I’ve created the band with are some of the friends I’ve met through my journey.
As an act, how has 2024 treated you so far?
2024 has been lovely! I didn’t expect to be doing more than one gig to celebrate my album and have ended up with a few. I’m really looking forward to people hearing my compositions.
You have three original songs to wow the Belladrum audience, which ones would they be and why?
Oooh, I think ‘Northbound’ would be first as it’s the most upbeat and energetic on the album. Next maybe ‘Adrift’ as it’s quite hypnotic so will maybe hypnotize the audience. I think the last of the three would be ‘Stravaigin’, a chill and relaxing folk tune. (You can check out the album here)
Festivals are renowned for horrible clashes, which act on the Belladrum line-up would you least like to clash with and why?
The Laurettes (because they’re amazing and everyone needs to go see them but also because Lynette will be performing fiddle for my set).
What are your favourite memories of Belladrum? If it’s your first time, what is the draw to playing Belladrum?
I have so many memories of Belladrum, the most recent would be getting to open the new main stage last year. I love the memories of watching friends play on different stages. The big acts that stick out to me are Tom Odell, Kaiser Chiefs and Lewis Capaldi. Crossing the road with Colonel Mustard is always a great memory/tradition too.
Given the Love theme, if you had to create a love playlist with only five songs, what would be on it?
This has been so difficult to make:
Rush – Lewis Capaldi
Dream A Little Dream Of Me – Mamas Cass
Just The Way You Are- Billy Joel
Take My Hand – Skerryvore
Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez
If you could travel back in time which Belladrum would you like to revisit?
I think I would like to go back to the first one to see how it all started.
In your act’s repertoire, what is the most romantic song you have?
With it being instrumental I think it will be up to the audience which they think is most romantic.
What’s on the horizon for you after Belladrum?
Hopefully more doors will open for my own music, but I’ve not made any more plans yet. All I know is that I’ll definitely keep writing on the piano. I have some more session gigs that I’m looking forward to.
Kenna Ross performs at the Grass Roots stage on 12 15 Friday and can keep track of the band via Instagram.
