Kendra Chantelle, a 2011 American Idol semi-finalist, will release her debut album on November 7, 2011. Chantelle worked with producers Elvis “Blac Elvis” Williams (Beyonce, Ludacris, Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Fergie, Jamie Foxx) and Harold Lilly (Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia) on the album, titled Unthinkable, which was recorded at Upstairs Studios in Atlanta, GA.
“This recording process has been so comfortable and almost effortless,” stated Kendra. “Elvis, Harold and I all just do what comes naturally to us and it works so well together…to me, that’s a sign that it’s the right combo. I’ve heard if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life and I finally understand that. We have spent long days and late nights in the studio but it has yet to feel like ‘work.'”
Commenting on the collaboration, Williams said, “Working with Kendra was a breath or fresh air. Her vocals have matured enormously and she’s quick! Kendra has no limitations when it comes to us asking her to do something vocally, that’s why it was fun creating this album. It was never a dull moment! She has so much soul it amazed Harold and I. We want people to get to know the real Kendra and love her for who she is.”
“I feel like this album is so ME,” Chantelle was quoted as saying in the press release announcing Unthinkable‘s release date. “I have never been more comfortable musically, lyrically, or vocally. I feel like I have finally grown into the music I always wanted to do and now I don’t only hear it in my head, I have found the right people to help me get it out of my head and onto records. It’s an incredible representation of heartaches I’ve experienced and emotions I’ve had.”
More on Kendra Chantelle [Courtesy of Olde Soul Records]:
Residing in Nashville, Kendra entered and was given the green light on American Idol to move on to the quarterfinals after initially competing among millions of potential contestants that came to audition for the coveted slots. Having made it to the semi-finalist spot, she was chosen by Judge Steven Tyler to join the group of wild cards to compete for the 12th spot. Many have said that she should have not only won that spot, but should have gone a lot further than she did.
“I’m ok with it,” Kendra reflects. “I am grateful to have had the chance to sing in front of such a broad audience. I know some of the fans that I have made on a nationwide basis are looking forward to me coming out with a new album and I am looking forward to making that happen.”
