Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Beard.
Hi Kendall, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the small town of Lufkin, Texas, and started performing at county fairs and opry houses when I was just a kid. My dad acted as my manager—we’d drive all over Texas most weekends, chasing gigs and chasing the dream.
At 15, I moved to Philadelphia to join a pop group being developed by major producers. We spent three years writing, recording, and preparing to launch—but when the industry was rocked by the rise of digital music and Napster, the deal fell through. I was 18, homesick, and heartbroken. I moved back to Texas and took a break from music to go to college at UT Austin.
Eventually, I found my way back. I became a semi-finalist on American Idol (Season 8), which helped me reconnect with fans and reignite my career. That led to two solo albums and later to my current project, Love and Chaos, a duo with producer AJ Vallejo. We’ve released multiple projects and earned two #1 singles on the Texas Regional Radio Chart.
It’s been a long, winding road—but music has always been at the center of it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The music industry is not for the weak. It’s unpredictable, constantly evolving, and can be incredibly tough to navigate. I’ve always said—and even wrote a song about it called “The Curse”—that having the gift of music is both a blessing and a curse. Once you’ve been bitten by the bug, once you’ve tasted success or felt the thrill of performing live, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else. It pulls you in completely.
But the life of a musician isn’t easy. It’s late nights, odd hours, and unpredictable pay. It can take a toll on your physical and mental health, and if you’re a parent, it can be hard on family life too. It demands so much of you—and often, with very little certainty in return.
And now, with social media, there’s a whole new side to the business we have to master. It used to be that you’d make a record, hit the road, and hope to be discovered. Now, you have to build a following online first. You need to know how to promote yourself across platforms—Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube—and constantly create content. Just being talented and passionate about music isn’t enough anymore. You have to think like a business owner and a content creator, which can feel overwhelming, especially when all you really want to do is make music.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
KENDALL BEARD
Album: All Around Girl – 2014
Album: Here Comes Trouble – 2019
LOVE AND CHAOS:
EP: Love and Chaos – 2016
EP: Everywhere I Go – 2018
Album: Bless Your Idiot Heart – 2020
Love and Chaos Number 1’s
– Wildflower
-Come back to bed
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
First—remember why you started. That love for music, that feeling you get when you create something real or step on stage—that’s your anchor. This industry will test you in every way, so staying connected to your “why” will keep you grounded.
Second, don’t wait around for someone to “discover” you. Start where you are, with what you have. Build your own momentum. Be consistent, be persistent, and stay true to your voice—even when it feels like no one’s listening.
Also, understand that this is a business. Talent is important, but so is learning how to market yourself, build a brand, and connect with your audience—especially online. Social media may feel awkward at first, but think of it as a tool, not a popularity contest. Use it to tell your story and share your journey.
And finally—find your people. Surround yourself with others who believe in you, challenge you, and inspire you. Community is everything in this business.
It’s not an easy road, but if you truly love it, it’s absolutely worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loveandchaosmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendallbeard/ and https://www.instagram.com/loveandchaosmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KendallBeardMusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kendallbeardmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kendall-beard-501296252
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kUuLiJAqft081J17tZ2Bs?si=pSZ77BwoTuutbqoi9ZMh8g
