Kendra McKinley creates expressive pop with variety of musicians The 24-year-old singer-songwriter likes to explore different mediums with her music, and she performs as a front woman with a rotating cast of musicians. Was there a band you heard when you were young that inspired you to become a musician? During my senior year of high school, I was recruited to perform “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song” by (Fleet Foxes’) Robin Pecknold. How does living in the Bay Area affect your music? Having exposure to how local and touring bands are utilizing new forms of technology to further their sonic exploration has made a monumental impact on how I organize and think about music. What’s the most important aspect to putting on a live show? Stage choreography, costumes and stage banter are all examples of important performance elements that can truly augment the audience experience, but if the music isn’t solid, then the core element is missing.