Q&A Session with Ares Kennedy:

Unveiling the Soul Behind the Sound

 Siva Jackson: Welcome to an exclusive Q&A session with the sensational Ares Kennedy. I'm Siva Jackson, the Head of Artists and Repertoire (A&R) at Noir Music Group. My role at NMG involves discovering, nurturing, and guiding extraordinary talents like Ares, helping them bring their unique musical visions to life.

Today, I am thrilled to be here with Ares Kennedy, a remarkable artist whose soulful melodies and profound lyrics have captured the hearts of many. In this session, we'll dive deep into his musical journey, inspirations, and what the future holds for this extraordinary talent. So, without further ado, let's get started and explore the world of Ares Kennedy.

SJ: Hello Ares, it's wonderful to have you here. To kick things off, could you tell us about how your relationship with Noir Music Group began?

Ares Kennedy: Of course, Siva. It all started back in 2021 when I was doing some ghost songwriting for Noir Music Group.

The team recognized my work and the unique flair I brought to each piece. That's when our conversations began to take a more collaborative turn.

SJ: That’s right, Ares. We were really impressed with your songwriting skills and the depth you brought to music and poetry.

Could you share more about how that evolved into the joint venture and your signing as both a recording artist and author?

AK: Definitely. After a few months of songwriting, the team at NMG and I realized that we shared a common vision for music and its impact.

We saw a unique opportunity to collaborate more deeply.

So, we decided to enter into a joint venture, signing me not just as a songwriter but also as a recording artist and author under the Noir Music Group banner.

 It felt like a natural and exciting progression in my career.

SJ: It was an exciting moment for us at NMG as well!

Now, as part of the Noir Music Group family, Your stage name, Ares Kennedy, carries a unique and powerful resonance.

Could you share the story behind how you chose this name and what significance it holds for you and your artistic journey?

 AK: Kennedy-Ezra Kastle is my real name and "ARES KENNEDY,"  is the stage moniker I picked. Kennedy is my real name, but I liked the name Ares after reading a whole lot of Greek mythology and Percy Jackson in middle school.  Since I was almost always homeless from the time I was five years old till 15. I would read books to run away from poverty or hunger. Eventually, Those Percy Jackson books turned into Walt Whitman Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes as-well Pablo Neruda.

SJ:  Ares, it’s great to have you here! Could you tell us a bit about your musical journey?

 AK: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. My journey in music started when I was 10 years old, writing songs in my bedroom. Music was my sanctuary, a way to express my deepest emotions and stories. Over the years, I've honed my craft, blending R&B with elements of blues and indie, to create a sound that truly represents me.

SJ: What inspired you to pursue music professionally?

AK: Music has always been my passion, but the moment I realized I could connect with people through my songs, I knew this was my calling.

The power of music to heal, inspire, and bring people together is what drives me to pursue this path.

SJ: Your style is quite unique. How would you describe it?

AK: I’d say my style is a fusion of soulful R&B with a touch of blues and alternative influences.

It's emotional, raw, and real. I strive to create music that resonates with the soul and tells a story.

SJ: What can fans expect from your collaboration with Noir Music Group?

AK: Joining forces with Noir Music Group has been a game-changer.

Fans can expect a more refined sound, bigger productions, and deeper storytelling in my music. It’s a partnership that amplifies my artistic vision while staying true to my roots.

SJ: Who are some of your musical influences?

AK: I've been inspired by a range of artists,

from classic soul singers like Beyonce and Mariah Carey to modern-day artists like Frank Ocean

and H.E.R., and most importantly Rihanna. Their ability to convey profound emotions through music deeply influences my work.

SJ: What message do you hope to convey through your music?

 AK: I want my music to be a source of comfort, inspiration, and understanding.

I aim to create songs that speak to the heart and provide a sense of companionship, especially in moments of solitude or introspection.

 SJ: Any upcoming projects or releases that you’re particularly excited about?

 AK: Yes, there are some exciting projects in the pipeline. I'm working on my first EP that explores new themes and sounds. It's a project that I believe will take listeners on a truly unique musical journey. I am also releasing my first book sometime in March, its Called Wildfires In Wisconsin, its essentially a collection of poems that Ive written. Siva Jackson: Ares, your fans are eagerly awaiting the release of your book, "Wildfires in Wisconsin," coming this March. Can you share with us what inspired you to write this book?

Siva,"Wildfires in Wisconsin" is a project that’s very close to my heart. It’s inspired by a series of personal experiences and observations. The book explores themes of loss, transformation, and resilience. I wanted to delve into how unexpected events in life can completely change our perspective, much like a sudden wildfire altering a serene landscape.

SJ: That’s a compelling theme. What was the writing process like for you, especially as someone primarily known for music?

AK: Transitioning from songwriting to writing a book was a fascinating journey.

The process was quite introspective.

I had to dig deep into my own experiences and emotions,

 and translate them into narratives that readers could connect with. It was a challenge but an incredibly rewarding one.

SJ: I can imagine. How do you think your musical background influenced your writing style in the book?

AK: My musical background played a significant role. I approached each chapter like a song,

focusing on rhythm and emotion, ensuring that the words not only told a story but also evoked feelings.

I wanted the readers to experience the highs and lows of the characters, much like they would in a powerful song.

SJ: That sounds like a unique approach. What do you hope readers will take away from "Wildfires in Wisconsin"?

AK: I hope readers find a piece of themselves in the book.

Whether it’s relating to the struggles of the characters or finding inspiration in their journeys,

my goal is for the book to be a source of comfort and understanding for anyone going through a tough time.

SJ: And finally, Ares, any plans for more writing in the future, perhaps alongside your music career?

AK:Writing this book has opened a new avenue of creativity for me.

I’m definitely considering more writing projects in the future.

It’s an exciting prospect to juggle both writing and music, each enriching the other in unexpected ways.

SJ: That’s wonderful to hear. Ares, thank you for sharing these insights with us. We’re all looking forward to the release of "Wildfires in Wisconsin" in March.

AK: Thank you, Siva. I’m excited to share this new chapter with everyone.

 SJ: Finally, what would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

 AK: I am profoundly grateful for every listener, every fan who has supported my music.

Your belief in my art fuels my creativity. Thank you for being on this journey with me,

and I promise to keep delivering music that touches your hearts.