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The 22-year-old Irish singer-songwriter has been crafting songs since childhood, drawn to the magic of words, melody, and storytelling. Her deeply personal yet softly veiled songwriting is set to carve out a space for her as a new voice in alternative folk and Americana.
Now, as the newest signing to Youngblood Music, Kendal steps into the spotlight with her new single, “Troubled Heart”, the first chapter in the story of Kay Valerie — the dreamlike persona she has carried with her since childhood.
At its core, new single “Troubled Heart” is about the rush of first love — when everything feels different, deeper, and impossible to ignore. The artist explains:
“What inspired 'Troubled Heart' was falling deeply for someone for the first time and knowing this person and feeling was different", explains Kendal. “I look into your eyes, and my god it hit different", is that exact moment of recognition when the connection shifts from fleeting to life-altering.”
If 'Troubled Heart' were a scene in a movie, it would be the backdrop to a long drive down a dusty road, the late afternoon sun casting golden light through the car windows. A stolen glance, a shared smile—one of those rare, fleeting moments when you realize something profound has just begun. It’s the kind of moment where time slows, where a glance or a touch means everything, and where love feels both limitless and terrifying. The song is a perfect entry point into Kendal’s world—where raw emotion meets crafted storytelling.
About Upcoming EP, "Kay Valerie"
"Kay Valerie" tells a deeply personal story through the lens of Kendal’s imagined alter ego. Kay Valerie is more than just a name — it’s a persona, a voice through which Kendal explores love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
“Kay Valerie is the name I always dreamt of using if I ever made it as a singer-songwriter," Kendal shares. "Growing up, I used to practice my signature, pretending I was signing autographs and merch with that name!" The persona of Kay Valerie allows Kendal to tell deeply personal stories with a sense of distance and artistry, transforming lived experiences into something both universal and intimate.
Each of the five songs on the EP unfolds like a chapter in Kay Valerie’s life—capturing first love, heartbreak, and the evolving nature of relationships.
“She’s on a journey of discovery,” Kendal explains. “She falls in love, she gets her heart broken, but she also learns about herself—who she is when she’s with someone and who she is when she’s alone. I think we all go through those moments where we question our feelings, our choices, and whether love really is what we thought it would be. Listeners will get to know her, her experiences, and hopefully, see a bit of themselves in her story.”
Through Kay Valerie, Kendal hopes listeners will see reflections of their own experiences. “The emotions in these songs are real. Whether you’re falling for someone for the first time or trying to let go of someone you loved, I hope people can find something of themselves in these stories. At the end of the day, I want people to feel connected to these songs. To hear something and think, I've felt that too'”.
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