Bonus Song Of The Day: Kendall Elise – Valentine Street

This being Valentine’s Day and all, we’ve got another song of the day to share with you…Kendall Elise’s brand new single, Valentine Street. 

After you’ve enjoyed the tune, be sure to catch Kendall and her band live tonight at Auckland’s Anthology Lounge on K Road. Here’s the record company blurb:

In keeping with the sentiment and spirit of Valentine’s Day – New Zealand singer-songwriter Kendall Elise today reveals her new single, ‘Valentine Street’.

Get ‘Valentine Street’ on iTunes / Apple Music / Spotify

With a hint of yesteryear paired with Kendall Elise’s trademark quirky touches and flawless vocal delivery, ‘Valentine Street’ is a toe-tappin’ tune, which takes its name from the street where she lived growing up in the east side of Papakura.

“The song is about how you can be any kind of person from any kind of street in any kind of town and you will have a story of heartbreak or sadness that you often only share with a select few,” she explains.

The self-penned song was produced by Kendall Elise and Alan Meharry and recorded at Auckland’s famed Roundhead Studios and is the second single from her soon-to-be-released and highly anticipated debut album, RED EARTH.

Fresh from touring with Kiwi-born, LA-based Gin Wigmore; Kendall Elise will celebrate the release of ‘Valentine Street’ with an evening of ‘Songs of Love and Heartache’ tonight at Anthology Lounge in Auckland, where she’ll launch the single and play a solo set of her favourite love songs alongside special guests. She’ll then end the evening performing with her band The Belgraves and giving fans a sneak peek of what’s to come on her upcoming album.

Get tickets here

Like ‘Valentine Street’ and the album’s first single ‘The Clock Tower’, Kendall Elise’s full-length album is a nostalgic nod to the town where she grew up, Papakura, which lies 30 kilometres south of Auckland’s bustling CBD. The geographical thread runs throughout the record, weaving together stories of loss and love. And as anyone who grew up in small-town or suburban New Zealand will attest to, it is that unique sense of community and feeling of belonging which gives this album its beating heart.

The video for ‘Valentine Street’, which is being premiered by Radio New Zealand HERE, captures the magic of the good ole’ fashioned Kiwi dance and is shot in the Takanini Hall. It features the Auckland Contra Dance Club and the inspiration came after Kendall played as a guest artist for one of the Dance Club’s monthly events.

“I got talked into dancing and despite my inexperience and intense self consciousness, as I looked deeply into a strangers eyes to stop from getting dizzy while they twirled me around and around, in those awkward moments I felt a strong sense of connection and joy.”

“It reminded me of what inspired the song – that everyone has a sad story, but by being present in your own uncomfortable feelings and sharing them with someone, you can create a sense of empathy and connection with one another. You just need to connect with one another to remember you are all in it together.”

It paves the way for Kendall Elise’s first full-length album, set for release on Friday, May 3. Kendall Elise is an intriguing storyteller who has been turning heads since the release of her EP in 2017, I DIDN’T STAND A CHANCE. Her songs speak of dark humour and personal experiences; with her sound taking inspiration from rhythm and blues, folk and country, and everything in between.