Interview with Lita Ford and Heaven Below Guitarist Patrick Kennison

May 04, 2020

Interview with Lita Ford and Heaven Below Guitarist Patrick Kennison

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Patrick! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

Patrick Kennison: Anytime!!!

CV: Is guitar playing more than a physical activity for you... would you consider it a spiritual experience on some level?

PK: Absolutely. It not only releases negativity, it breeds positivity. It can be ugly or beautiful. Just like people.

CV: Give us an example, from experience, of guitar playing being magical...something that would not have happened if playing guitar was not involved.

PK: Apart from the clichés of hypnotically getting women’s clothes off, it’s allowed me to write a lot of material that would never have come to fruition otherwise. It’s driven people to release their emotions whether they like it or not. That’s magical to me.

CV: Patrick, as a musician, what do you feel are the three main components guitarists should primarily focus on in terms of building their unique brand and connecting with an audience? Are there specific do’s and don'ts you tend to adhere to when presenting yourself to the world?

PK: Never oversell or undersell yourself. The cocky, insecure types seem to oversell themselves while the shy. bashful sensitive types seem to sell themselves short. Never go to either of those extremes. Stay strong without being a dick. It’s a beautiful place to operate from.

CV: What do you think is something musicians, particularly guitarists, can afford not to do when it comes to getting their name out there and their music heard? Or is everything free game in the quest for stardom?

PK: Once the material is recorded properly and the live show is dialed in, presentation is key. If Star Wars was released in a brown paper bag and edited in black & white, it never would have made it to theaters.

Present your music by utilizing the best outlets to your ability and not holding back as if you’re already successful. The music world is crowded. Don’t hide it if it’s badass to your ears & eyes.

CV: Can change be a bad thing, especially when it comes to a signature style, sound or technique for a guitarist?

PK: It solely depends on the result. Judas Priest’s Turbo was a big change, it was criticized but successful. Metallica’s St. Anger was the same but I think it pales in creatively & sonically.

CV: Can a musician change without being labeled a "sell out" or "trend chaser" and still maintain artistic integrity among both their peers and fans?
PK: I believe so. Once again, Metallica proved that depending on who you ask.

CV: Patrick, what do you believe separates a good guitar player from a great one? Is it more than just technical ability that makes one's playing soar and the fans connect?

PK: A good guitar player gets the job done but a great one puts their signature on a song without overplaying. Michael Schenker is a great example.

CV: As a guitarist, when you approach songwriting, is it a planned process or is it more of an organic thing... just running with an idea or feeling and allowing notes to come to fruition on their own terms?

PK: It comes in many ways. For me it can be a lyrical idea that I build a riff around or sometimes I play a classic riff wrong then I mutate it into something original. I try and let the vibe direct me to the next step.

CV: It was recently announced that you are participating in the upcoming Hear ‘n Now artist collaboration project to benefit those affected by COVID-19. What can you tell us about it?

PK: It’s a killer song for an excellent cause. It features many great players and I’m proud to be part of it. I played some lead guitar on it.

CV: Do you think that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, music as a whole will get a needed reboot as many feel it needs?

PK: I certainly hope so. If anything it may create awareness of “enjoy this moment”.

CV: How have you been spending your time during the COVID lockdown?

PK: Studio work and more studio work. I’m not complaining.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see or hear?

PK: Soon as the lockdown lifts I’ll hit the road with Lita and my band Heaven Below will release our cover album “Rest In Pieces”.

CV: Thank you again Patrick for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.

PK: Thank you!!!

Check out Patrick at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatrickKennisonMusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatrickkennison/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.