Mo, Del Barber and Rachel Sermanni in the UK

Rachel Sermanni is a beautiful folk singer from the Scottish Highlands; she’s making a break in the UK with a serious fan following and an artistry deserving of that success, and more. Del Barber is a folk singer-songwriter with a last time at the tipping point of fame in Canada. Mo, Del and Rachel are on tour in the UK together right now and you can follow their travels on Rachel’s Facebook page [click here].

Here are the dates:

May 19
Mo Kenney and Del Barber
Old Bridge Inn, 23 Dalfaber Rd.
Aviemore, Inverness-shire – UK

May 20
Mo

[Video] Live from the Living Wall at CBU

Review for Mo Kenney from Adobe and Teardrops

There are lots of artists out there who love what they do. After all, music is too tough, too heart-breaking a line of business for someone to half-ass. So sure, when you listen to music, you take it for granted that the people you’re listening to really care about what they’re doing.

But it takes a rare musician to really insert him or herself into their music.

Shove over Tegan and Sarah. Ladies, meet your new heartthrob.

I was hooked within ten seconds of “Deja Vu.” There’s a certain swagger, a special confidence, that few singers display. Mo Kenney is

The downloads have ended

We had a great run of live downloads while Mo was on the road. Maybe you were lucky enough to get one from each night? We know ours are on full rotation here.

Nine Bullets review

Mo Kenney is a singer/songwriter on Joel Plaskett’s New Scotland record label. Plaskett also produced this album, Kenney’s debut, and co-wrote some songs with her and sings with her and plays guitar with her and took her out on tour. That’s an endorsement that you should take seriously.

I want to endorse her too! And I did–Mo Kenney was on my best-of list last year. Here’s why: her voice is amazing and she writes herself great lines to sing. Her singing and songwriting rank highly in the world of singer/songwriters. This is getting redundant, but it’s because Mo Kenney

Mo at the Great Hall

Mo Kenney has been making waves in the music scene recently, opening shows for Joel Plaskett and Ron Sexsmith. And rightfully so. What a voice! Mo, a folky singer-songwriter, sounds something like a female version of Justin Rutledge or an acoustic Matt Mays. The Nova Scotia native played many of the songs featured on her self-titled debut album, released in September of 2012, at the Great Hall on Thursday night. She kept the audience in rapt attention, even when her vocal mic cut out for a song.

The audience crept in as she moved to the front of the stage,

Mo at ECMA 2013

Here’s a “purple haze” pic from Mo’s set at the 2013 ECMA Export Buyers Showcase.

Mo’s gonna rock it out with Joel Plaskeet and Symphony NS next season

Symphony Nova Scotia is going local for its 30th season, with guests including Dartmouth rocker Joel Plaskett, Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, Dartmouth Flamenco dancer Maria Osende, Truro soprano Jane Archibald, Cape Breton comedienne Bette MacDonald and Halifax cellist Denise Djokic.

The Pops Series includes eight Maritime and popular music concerts. Plaskett, who won rock album of the year with the Joel Plaskett Emergency for Scrappy Happiness at the 2013 ECMAs, performs with Mo Kenney as part of the Halifax Pop Explosion on Oct. 24 and 25.

Read more about Symphony Nova Scotia’s 2013-14 line-up here.

Put Your Hand In The Hand

It was a great weekend at ECMA in Halifax and we were thrilled that CBC asked Mo to be part of their fun “Put Your Hand In The Hand” music video. Check it out on their website at: http://music.cbc.ca/concerts/Greatest-East-Coast-Song-of-All-Time-2013-03-08

Mo at the ECMAs

CBC Searchlight lights up new talent

In their search for Canada’s best new artist, CBC launched their Searchlight campaign, asking fans to vote for their favourite from a list of artists across the country.

You can vote for Mo Kenney to be Canada’s best new artist by visiting the CBC Music website: http://music.cbc.ca/#/Searchlight-Mainstreet-Nova-Scotia and click Vote next to her name.

The winning artist will be featured in a CBC Music video session, paid to perform at a high-profile music showcase in Toronto, and will receive $20,000 in music equipment courtesy of Yamaha Canada Music. Good luck to all the talented candidates taking part in the CBC

From Mo:

Hello!

It’s been a while since my last blog, how are you doing? I’m good too, thanks! So I played my first show in Montréal last week, it was awesome. I had a great time and went out after the show. Took the train to Toronto the next day and played at the Rivoli, always fun playing there. My good friend Molly Thomason opened for me and the show was great! Also had fun in Wakefield earlier in the month performing at The Blacksheep Inn! Got to share the bill with JP Hoe and Hannah Georgas.

Getting ready now to

Wanting Mo: East Coast phenom Mo Kenney hits the Rivoli tonight

Although she’s still living at home with her parents in Waverley, N.S., singer-songwriter Mo Kenney has taken a huge step in her evolving musical career — she quit her day job at the Dollar Store. That’s big time.

With a catchy new tune called “Sucker” getting steady radio airplay across the country and a revered rocker by the name of Joel Plaskett showcasing her skills and producing her debut album, Kenney, playing at the Rivoli in Toronto on Feb. 13, is fast approaching Next Big Thing status. But it hasn’t happened overnight.

Kenney has been in love with music for

Le Huffington Post, Mo Kenney : charmante visite à Montréal

Voilà un talent à découvrir. Mo Kenney, jeune auteure-compositrice-interprète de la Nouvelle-Écosse sera de passage à Montréal le 12 février, à la Casa del Popolo pour présenter son premier album (éponyme) folk-rock qui recèle de belles pièces sensibles et lumineuses. Enregistré avec la complicité du talentueux Joel Plaskett (Néo-Écossais), qui a assuré la réalisation, ce disque est annonciateur d’une carrière prometteuse. Au bout du fil, la chanteuse raconte son aventure sur la scène musicale canadienne.

L’éclosion de Mo Kenney est étonnante. Elle cumule les concerts ici et là au pays (à l’étranger aussi comme en fait foi son séjour en

Mo Kenney se révèle aux Montréalais

Le 12 février, la jeune auteure-compositrice-interprète Mo Kenney viendra présenter aux Montréalais les chansons de son premier album éponyme. Originaire d’Halifax, elle livrera une prestation acoustique à la Casa del Popolo, intime salle du boulevard Saint-Laurent. Le Montréal Express s’est entretenu avec la nouvelle révélation de la scène folk canadienne.

Réalisé par le talentueux musicien et arrangeur Joel Plaskett, le premier album de Mo Kenney est un savant collage de pièces lumineuses, d’une désarmante délicatesse et d’une rare authenticité. Les pièces Sucker et The Great Escape résument bien l’ambiance de ce premier effort: de courtes chansons à la guitare acoustique

Mo Kenney on tour with Ron Sexsmith

Mo Kenney is opening for Ron Sexsmith on tour from March 23-30 in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

This is exciting news for Mo; in addition to her recent ECMA nomination for Rising Star Recording of the Year, she’s been steadily touring her new album across the country opening for Joel Plaskett and The Emergency followed by festival slots at Iceland Airwaves, Nova Scotia Music Week, Shivering Songs, and upcoming appearances at Folk Alliance in February, and East Coast Music Week and Canadian Music Week in March.

Mo first met Ron when she opened for his shows in the East Coast

Mo Kenney: l ‘éclosion d’un des plus beaux talents de la scène musicale canadienne

Mo Kenney ne laisse personne indifférent. Ce premier album réalisé par Joel Plasket – qui en plus de jouer sur l ‘album, a co-écrit 2 pièces – montre l’éclosion d’un des plus beaux talents de la scène musicale canadienne. Mo Kenney sera de passage à Montréal pour la toute première fois le 12 février prochain à la Sala Rossa.

Depuis quelques années, l’auteure-compositrice néoécossaise jouit d’une solide réputation dans les provinces Maritimes. L’haligonienne a indéniablement du talent pour écrire des morceaux accrocheurs comme le prouve ce premier album. Du folk minimaliste de Carnivore au pop indé (Sucker) en passant par

Mo Kenney sortira son premier album en magasin le 22 janvier

Avec sa voix angélique et aérienne, Mo Kenney ne vous laissera pas indifférent. L’auteure-compositrice néo-écossaise jouit d’une solide réputation dans les provinces Maritimes. Une découverte pour moi. Voix, texte, fraîcheur, musicalité simple et efficace, tout y est.

Elle se produira à Montréal à la Sala Rossa le 12 février prochain.

Vous trouverez sur l’album du folk minimaliste (Carnivore), ainsi que du pop indé (Sucker), en passant par le rock vintage de l’excellente (Scene Of The Crime) Ses textes sont fluides et colorés, l’authenticité de son discours tranchant. (Déjà vu) résume l’esprit global de l’album.

On dit d’elle que malgré son

El blog de fans Histericas

Montse and Yura live in Barcelona and write a blog called El blog de fans Histericas, where they interviewed Mo about her new album and her love for music.

“If we ask ourselves what have in common Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Yukon Blonde and Tegan and Sara with the artist of our today’s interview… Ok they are all indies but… What else? Canada.”

To read the rest of their interview, click here.

Mo Kenney on 98.5 FM radio in Montreal

Mo was featured on 98.5 FM, the #1 radio station in Montreal. Listen to the broadcast, here (in French).

[Video] Library Tour!

Brooke C. is a booktuber (book vlogger) and shot a bunch of little clips touring her local library. You can check out her channel, here.

Mo’s first ECMA award nomination

Congratulations to Mo Kenney for her first ECMA award nomination. Mo is nominated for Rising Star Recording of the Year for her debut, self-titled album. Looking forward to ECMW in Halifax from March 6-10 and congratulations to all the nominees.

Postcity: Twelve Canadian songs that rocked our world in 2012

Mo Kenney, “Sucker”

“So catchy, Mo Kenney’s song will put a smile on your face. The Joel Plaskett protégé could be the best new artist to arrive on the Canadian music scene in 2012.” – Ron Johnson, Postcity

[Video] Mo Kenney In The Park

Click here to view the video. In October of 2012, while touring with The Joel Plaskett Emergency, Mo Kenney shared a few moments of reflection amidst the chaos of a busy tour schedule. In the lovely backdrop of Victoria Park in Cobourg, Ontario, the uber-talented singer-songwriter from Halifax, Nova Scotia talked about her humble beginnings, her passions and her inspirational figures. Filmed, directed and edited by Matt McKechnie.

Mo’s music striking a chord with many

The Waverley-based singer-songwriter, who lived in West Gore and attended Rawdon District School as a child, is building a solid fan base, captivating audiences with the same undeniable originality that intrigued indie rock icon Joel Plaskett, and led to the Nova Scotia natives pairing up for the recording of Kenney’s debut, self-titled album.

“When I was a teenager I was doing these kind of makeshift recordings with some other bands in Halifax and we somehow managed to get Joel Plaskett to come in and listen to them and I played him my song Eden, which is the first track on

Gray Owl Point Picks Mo Kenney in 2012 Top 20

Michael Thomas at Gray Owl Point picked Mo Kenney as one of his Top 20 Albums of 2012 and had these kind words to say about the recording: “That this is only the first album from Mo Kenney is incredible. She sounds like she’s had decades of experience. It also helps that Kenney had help from Joel Plaskett who obviously knows talent when he sees it. Kenney has a fiery sould that burns throughout all of her songs, even the soft ones.” Thank you Michael and Gray Owl Point for your support all year long.

“Deja vu” is #99 on CBC Radio 3 Top 103 Canadian indie songs of 2012. Listen live on Monday, December 17 all day long for the countdown. Thank you CBC Radio 3! Feeling the love this holiday season.

The latest from Mo

I’m typing to you live from Waverley where I am recovering from 90′s night at Gus’s Pub.

Tomorrow I am on the road again with Joel and The Emergency!! Come see me at the shows and we can be friends. Just played a few dates last week with Royal Wood. Met some great peeps and played in St. John, NB for the first time ever. I am actually back there tomorrow with Joel, twice in one week!

Iceland was amazing, by the way. Iceland Airwaves is an incredible festival with even more incredible acts. I bought a lot of cd’s

CBC Radio 3 Bucky Awards short list

Mo is short listed for the CBC Radio 3 Bucky Awards and is nominated for Rookie of the year. You can vote for Mo to win this award by clicking here .

The final round of voting for the CBC Radio 3 Bucky Awards is open until Nov. 28 at midnight PT and you can vote once every 24 hours.

CBC Radio 3 Bucky Awards long list

Mo is long listed for the CBC Radio 3 Bucky Awards and is nominated for Rookie of the year. You can vote for Mo to win this award by clicking here click here.

You can also vote for fellow artist friends like Royal Wood, who’s nominated for Sexiest Artist, and Joel Plaskett, who’s song “Lightening Bolt” is nominated for the coveted Golden Bucky award. All votes can be cast for these and other categories at CBC Music.

Reykjavik Boulevard Interviews Mo

by Roberta and Niccolò, Reykjavik Boulevard

We went to Iceland Airwaves and found out a young singer-songwriter was playing, with her guitar sound and her feelings exposed to ears, eyes and heart of people. We had one word in mind: adorable. When you think about Canada, the Maple Leaf and probably the most appreciated country in north-America – at least when you find young travelers with their backpacks around the World – you don’t usually think to Nova Scotia. Well, probably you won’t even know where Nova Scotia is. And we’re not talking about Scotland, that’s way far from there.

Bob Mersereau Reviews Mo Kenney

With unusual chord patterns, sophisticated lyrics, and a rare maturity for a youthful songwriter, Mo Kenney’s been one to watch for the past couple of years. The Halifax singer has had several high-profile slots to get tongues wagging, from all the right showcases, to opening shows for such names as Ron Sexsmith and Gordie Sampson. Plus, she boasts top management, and the patronage of Joel Plaskett, who has spent lots of time producing her debut album. It’s plenty of oomph behind a 22-year old.

[Video] “Five Years” Cover Live at HPX

[Video] “Deja Vu” Q107 Session Live

Standing out means less is Mo

In a musical world where singers dress up their voices with Feist-y warbles or Joplin-esque grit for added gravity, Mo Kenney cuts through the din with quiet clarity, silencing busy rooms with a voice that’s a few notches above a whisper.

Singer-songwriters are a cottage industry on the East Coast, and the region continues to turn out some very good ones, but Kenney has stood out from the latest pack of young bloods by being the eye at the heart of the storm, with a doleful gaze into the middle distance on stage and songs that reveal inner thoughts while

From Mo

Hey hi hey,

I just played my first cd release in Toronto on the 15th!! It was awesome, I had a great time. You should be excited for the Halifax release on October 24th, it’s going to be awesome. I am still on tour, just walked off the stage of the Starlight in Waterloo, Ontario! It’s been insane and so gooooood. Thanks to everyone who came to the shows for making me feel so welcome. Tomorrow night is the last night and then I’m off to Iceland! Love you lots, here is a picture from the TO cd release at

Exclaim! Magazine “a gem of an album”

“This 22-year-old Halifax singer-songwriter sounds extremely poised and confident on her debut album, and that’s only partially due to the support of her producer: Joel Plaskett. In fact, the spritely Kenney could easily be mistaken for Plaskett’s kid sister, not just because of their physical resemblance, but also their shared knack for writing punchy folk-pop. With ten tracks clocking in at just over 33 minutes, Mo Kenney gives a sufficient taste of her talents without overstaying its welcome, moving from contemplative, McCartney-esque opener “Eden” through to an inventive and highly appropriate cover of David Bowie’s “Five Years.” In between, Kenney

The Candice Rock Blog

While Mo was in Toronto for her CD release show, she stopped in to see Candice at Q107 Classic Rock radio and did an interview for The Candice Rock Blog. Mo played her cover of David Bowie’s song “Five Years”, and her song “Deja Vu”, live in-studio.

Kim Mitchell at Q107 heard Mo’s cover and loved it, to hear his comments, click here.

“Sucker” CBC Radio 2 Top 20 – vote!

Mo’s song “Sucker” is in the running for the CBC Radio 2 Top 20 songs this week. We’re stoked! If you’re reading this, vote here: http://music.cbc.ca/#/The-Radio-2-Top-20.

Mo Kenney’s Halifax CD Release Show

Mo Kenney is performing her Halifax CD release show on Wednesday, October 24 at The Seahorse Tavern, 1665 Argyle Street. Doors are at 7:00PM, the show starts at 8:00PM. Mo is playing all the songs from her new album, this is sure to be a memorable show. Tickets are $10.00 advance (plus ticket fee) and $12.00 at the door. 
Purchase tickets online, here.

Ground Control gives a groundbreaking review

It feels awkward to just blurt it out, but Mo Kenney has achieved a craft on the level with artists including Ani DiFranco, Stevie Nicks, Jolie Holland and Neko Case on her self-titled debut. Such a statement feels awkward because the album in question is her first; those other artists had to work for years to refine their talents and chops, but it’s hard not to feel like you’re bearing witness to the birth of a new star when you hear this record.

Listeners will know they’re hearing something special as, from the top of “Eden,” Mo Kenney conjures a

Now Magazine Review “big-time sophistication”

“Mo Kenney is the 22-year-old protege of Joel Plaskett, who produced, co-wrote and played on her self-titled debut album. The solid collection of 10 folk-pop songs never falters, though it does get off to a slowish start due to a front-loaded selection of unarresting singer/songwriter fare.
The sparseness of the first half does offer a good introduction to Kenney’s inviting vocals, which are light without being airy, and often dip low and grow rough. Her lyrics are crystal-clear, sometimes directed at an unnamed other she’d like to get closer to but can’t. Things attain lift-off halfway through, when Plaskett steps

Flying to Ontario

Hello,

I am flying out to Ontario today to start my second tour with Joel and The Emergency. I’m excited to get on the road again. I was out west with Joel and Pete Elkas for a couple weeks last week. We played in Saskatchewan, British Colombia and Alberta. It was a lot of fun, thanks to all the people who bought CD’s and came to say hello! I hope I will get to come play for you again soon. Also, my CD is finally available! I hope it was worth the wait. After this tour I am off to

Mo Kenney // Debut album available now!

Hello friends,

Mo Kenney released her eagerly-anticipated, debut self-titled album today on Pheromone Recordings and New Scotland Records. Mo’s album is produced by Joel Plaskett and she is currently on tour across the country opening for Plaskett in BC, AB, SK, ON, NB and NS.

Mo Kenney is receiving high praise from CBC Radio 3 and Exclaim!, among others, and now you can have your very own copy of the album. Purchase a digital copy on iTunes or a physical copy from MapleMusic.com, and we’re filling orders for record stores across the country as we speak.

Mo was in

[Video] CBC Music Session w/Plaskett

Watch Mo and Joel’s complete CBC Music Session, here.

Quick Hitter, says Herohill

I’m not nostalgic at all. I have absolutely no interest looking back. If I fell into that Hot Tub Time Machine, I’d beg you to step on my neck until I stopped moving.

My trepidation is not some carpe diem like nonsense. It’s that the regrets and the bad decisions still sting. The good, sure, it was there, but those “remember when we …” moments will never surpass the riches that define my life now. But the bad, those moments never seen to go away and like achy knees or backs, the pain gets worse with age. The people I

[Video] Exclaim! TV Behind the Scenes @ Revolution Recordings

Atlantic Airwaves on Saturday

This Saturday’s edition of CBC Atlantic Airwaves features new songs from Mo’s debut self-titled album. You can listen to the program, here.

Mo on UK XFM

Big thanks to Sam Davies, Mary Anne Hobbs, and Marsha Shandur at XFM for introducing Mo Kenney on their Global Posting program in the UK. Listen to the clip here.

Balcony TV // Toronto

Video with a view! Watch Mo’s performance of “The Happy Song” on Balcony TV in Toronto.

Audible Hoots from Grayowl Point

Their excitement is infectious! Thanks to Michael at Grayowl Point for this excellent pick-me-up for Mo’s upcoming release. W-hoot!

It’s hard to believe that Mo Kenney is soon to release her debut record; her singles have shown this singer-songwriter to sound like a veteran who’s been on the scene for years already. But it’s true – on September 25th Kenney will be releasing her self-titled debut album on New Scotland Records in conjunction with Pheromone Recordings.

The single we bring you today is from that upcoming album. The song is “Scene of the Crime” a great song that even features

Shout out from Quick Before It Melts

J. talks about Mo’s new release on his blog, Quick Before It Melts.

Last month when I looked at New Scotland Records 7″ single series, 22 year old Mo Kenney was a clear stand out, and a name I had filed away in the back of my head to keep track of in the coming months. Turns out, it wasn’t going to take that long to hear what she’s got planned next. Kenney recently announced she’ll be releasing her debut, self-titled album on New Scotland Records and Pheromone Recordings on September 25. There’s an incredible weight to Keneny’s voice,

Exclaim! Mo Kenney makes the top news

Nova Scotia’s Mo Kenney has already released music through Joel Plaskett’s New Scotland Records, and the singer-songwriter is evidently continuing to turn heads. She just inked a deal with Toronto’s Pheromone Recordings as she gears up to release her debut album.

Kenney’s self-titled LP is finished and will be out on September 25 via Pheromone in partnership with New Scotland. As previously promised, the album was produced by Plaskett.

Currently, not much is known about the collection, and the tracklist is still under wraps. But you can listen to the Plaskett-assisted number “Scene of the Crime” here, or check

East Coast Kitchen Party shares the news

Pheromone Recordings has signed 22 year-old Nova Scotia native Mo Kenney to the roster. Kenney has been turning heads in the Maritimes for the past 18 months commanding stages with a cool and easy grace that belies her age.
 
It’s those qualities that brought her to the attention of JUNO award-winner and multiple Polaris Music Prize nominee, Joel Plaskett. Plaskett just finished producing Mo’s self-titled debut album, currently scheduled for release September 25th on Plaskett’s New Scotland Records in conjunction with Pheromone Recordings.
 
Kenney is no stranger to the spotlight. After successful CMW showcases in Toronto this spring,

Iceland Airwaves

This just in! Mo Kenney is performing at Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, which takes place in Reykjavik from Oct 31 – Nov 4.

We think it’s pretty cool, here’s a bit of background about the festival:

“Since the first edition was held in 1999 (in an airplane hangar), Iceland Airwaves has become one of the premier annual showcases for new music ‚Äì Icelandic and otherwise ‚Äì in the world. It‚Äôs made a heap of friends and won many fans along the way, and been lavished with praise pretty much everywhere they write about music. Example: Rolling Stone magazine called it

Pheromone Recordings Welcomes Mo Kenney

Toronto, ON – Pheromone Recordings is thrilled to welcome 22 year-old Nova Scotia native Mo Kenney to the roster. Kenney has been turning heads in the Maritimes for the past 18 months commanding stages with a cool and easy grace that belies her age.

It’s those qualities that brought her to the attention of JUNO award-winner and multiple Polaris Music Prize nominee, Joel Plaskett. Plaskett just finished producing Mo’s self-titled debut album, currently scheduled for release September 25th on Plaskett’s New Scotland Records in conjunction with Pheromone Recordings.

Kenney is no stranger to the spotlight. After successful CMW showcases in

Mo Kenney Makes a Scene

NXNE Review Day 4: Mo Kenney @ Free Times Cafe

Pre-show hype: Coming from a town close by Halifax, Mo Kenney is a 22-year-old singer/songwriter who is currently working on her first studio album. She has a 7-inch record out that has two of her songs on it, one of which, “Eden,” was written when Kenney was 16 and won the 10×10 video contest at the Atlantic Film Festival.

Crowd: The back room at the Free Times was pretty small, with a matching crowd. However, everybody was entranced by Kenney as soon as she stepped onstage and picked up her

Read this review Quick Before It Melts

Thank you to J. from Quick Before It Melts for this review of the New Scotland Records 7″ vinyl single series. Here’s what J. had to say about Mo’s singles:

“You can pick up all 12 singles in the series from New Scotland Records now, but as a starting point, I’d suggest investing in the series final release, “Eden” b/w “The Great Escape” from Mo Kenney. Kenney wrote “Eden” when she was only 16 (she’s 21 now), an effortless song that spills over with youthful innocence and wide-eyed wonder. Its flip-side is a weightier affair, and offers another side of

For fans of Earbuds & Ticket Stubs

The uber colourful Canadian blog Earbuds & Ticket Stubs did a sweet review of the New Scotland Records 7″ vinyl singles series and included notes “for fans of” to go along with each of the 12 singles.

For Mo’s 7″, the note reads: “Expertly plucked guitars, a voice once soulful yet playful. For fans of immensely talented young songwriters.”

You can read the complete review, here.

Grayowl Point Hunting Call (Excellent) + *swoop*

Grayowl Point reviewed the New Scotland Records 7″ vinyl single series and rates the collection with a Hunting Call (Excellent) + *swoop*.

Here’s what Michael had to say about Mo’s songs:

“First, the tracks by Mo Kenney. ‚ÄúThe Great Escape‚Äù is a surprising track, starting with simple guitar picking and some great vocals from Kenney. Partway through, though, the song suddenly gets louder and more complex, making for a very interesting listen. I loved the line ‚ÄúYou‚Äôre afraid of the dark because you‚Äôre afraid to die.‚Äù The track is paired with ‚ÄúEden,‚Äù a simple and sweet song with just Kenney

Obsolete Records is two, part two

The Broken Speaker peeps stopped by the Obsolete Records birthday mid-day bash and were kind enough to record a video of Mo performing “The Great Escape”.

You can watch the video here.

Dylan, Carleton and Mo “Born Yesterday”

This video of Dylan Guthro, Carleton Stone, and Mo was recorded at ECMA in Moncton by the talented Heavy Weather crew and is described as “two rising stars from Halifax back[ing] the son of songwriter Bruce Guthro on a captivating, quiet gem.” The song is called “Born Yesterday” and was co-written at the Gordie Sampson Songcamp by Gordie, Dylan, and Molly Thomason.

View the video here.

Obsolete Records is two

This weekend marks the second year that Obsolete Records has been in business. To celebrate, they are having a handful of artists in to play some wonderful music for your listening pleasure, beginning at around 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 26. There’s also mention of snacks.

Here’s a lovely message from Ian at Obsolete:

“Thank you Halifax, you have been very kind to me for these last two years, hopefully I will be able to do things like this until the day I die.”

Happy Birthday!

The Broken Speaker 7″ single review

“Kenney, 21, was first on Plaskett’s radar as a 17-year-old when she was recording at a small studio at Shambhala school in Halifax. It may be shocking to learn she wrote “Eden” when she was 16. The song is simple, but remains interesting as a story full of dreams and promise is told with lots of heart. The second track “The Great Escape” sounds more mature, the boredom of life and the need for an escape sinking in. Kenney’s voice carries more weight and confidence on the track. Halfway through the song, percussion and electric guitars unexpectedly drop in, adding

Herohill.com “You can hear the talent Mo possesses”

Anyone that’s ever had the chance to talk music with Dartmouth’s patron saint of rock n’ roll knows how much music – the process, the creation, the curation, and the collection – means to Joel. It was with that in mind that Plaskett launched a series of 45s recorded at Scotland Yard with a collection featuring artists he hand picked.

The collection is a timeline in the truest sense. The artists range from up and comers to people that JP first met when he was still french inhaling. Names like Elkas, Gunning, Grimson and Messick have been around since Shane

“The Great Escape” Exclaim! Click Here

Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Mo Kenney recently released a seven-inch single featuring the tracks “Eden” and “The Great Escape.”

The single is out now on Joel Plaskett’s New Scotland Records, and the Canadian rocker is set to produce Kenney’s debut album later this year. The two will also be sharing the stage in Plaskett’s hometown of Dartmouth, NS, on June 9 as part of the Exclaim! 20th Anniversary Concert Series.

Enter the Exclaim! contest for a chance to win tickets to the intimate, sold-out show, where Kenney will be sharing the bill with Plaskett and the Scoop Outs.

Listen to

Exclaim! 20th Anniversary Concert Series

Exclaim! turns 20 years old this year and to help us celebrate, Canadian indie rock favourite and two time Exclaim! cover star Joel Plaskett has curated an intimate night of great live music in his home town. The show will be taking place in his East coast home of Dartmouth, NS on June 9. Joel Plaskett will be joined by singer-songwriter Mo Kenney, who will be releasing her Joel Plaskett produced debut later this year, along with Joel’s Dartmouth punk rock faves The Scoop Outs. It’s all going down at Ship Victory, which can only accommodate a small crowd.

We’re

ECMA Breakout Stage Live Video

Mo’s showcase on the ECMA Breakout Stage was recorded live. Watch the video on Vimeo at:
http://vimeo.com/41298899

Hellllllo,
I got back from ECMA’s a couple weeks ago, they were in Moncton! I was pretty busy this year with showcases and stuff. I got to play on the CBC Live stage and it was awesome.
I had to venture back to NB last weekend to play at the Vintage Bistro in Hampton! I think I know the way there pretty well now. I played that show with one of my song camp pals Molly Thomason. We shared the stage and it was a lot of fun.
Did you see that I have vinyl singles out now?? I’ve always

Mo’s 7″ vinyl single “Eden” b/w “The Great Escape”

On April 24, Mo released a 7″ vinyl single on New Scotland Records with her songs “Eden” and “The Great Escape”.

The 7″ vinyl single is available to purchase online at MapleMusic. Ask for your copy at these fine independent record stores across Canada. Click here for the list of record stores.

Hello friends,
I was in Toronto for Canadian Music Week a couple weeks ago, it was a damn good time. I think that there are more sushi restaurants in Toronto than there are Tim Hortons in all of Canada, it was extremely convenient. The weather was like summer while I was there too, it closely resembled paradise. I played a few showcases in between eating and exploring. My favorite venue that I played was Cameron House. It was nice and intimate, just the way I like it. The room had a great sound and everyone was quiet and attentive.
Seems

Mo Kenney in Mix Tape

Journalism student Chelcie Soroka interviewed Mo over breakfast back in February for the online magazine, Mix Tape. You can take a look at the magazine here:
http://issuu.com/mixtapemag/docs/issue1.

Screening “Eden”

Mo’s music video for “Eden” was produced by Greg Jackson for the Atlantic Film Festival’s 10×10 Music Video Mentorship Program. The music video is screened at the prestigious Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (CIMMfest); the Halifax Independent Film Festival; the Island Media Arts Festival in PEI; the Park City Film Music Festival in Park City, Utah; at Nickel Fest in Newfoundland, and Hamilton Film Festival in Ontario.

Salty Ink Spotlight

Mo Kenney on “Eden”

“I wrote this song when I was 17. I‚Äôm happy with the way it turned out. I was sitting in my living room fiddling around with a guitar part I had come up with a while before, and after coming up with a melody words sort of just appeared. I like it because it came about pretty effortlessly and naturally. It was like the song already existed and I just had to pluck the words out of the air. I love when songwriting happens like that, it‚Äôs very satisfying.”

by Chad Pelley, Salty Ink

New Sweater

Hiiiii!!!
Did you have a nice Valentines Day?? My mom bought me chocolates and I ate every single damn one of them. Then I watched Gone With the Wind. I love that movie. Anyway, I hope yours was better..
I’m going to be doing some songwriting over the next three days, starting tomorrow!! It’ll be nice to get on the go with some co-writing again! Maybe I’ll have some new tunes after it’s all done.
No date set for album release yet, but I’ll have one for you soon! We’re on the home stretch!
I just wanted to say hello

Happy New Year!

I hope you had a nice and relaxing Christmas, I know I did. 
Joel and I are still working on the album, a lot of progress has been made since my last blog! Slowly but surely. 


I have some shows coming up at the end of January that I’m really excited about. I’ll be playing at the In The Dead Of Winter Festival on the 26th and 27th of January, which will be awesome. It’ll be my first time, so I’m excited for that! I’ll also be opening for Ron Sexsmith in the beginning of February for a few

Clash Music Review

“Last month I had the honour of spending some time in Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia Music Week. One of the stand out artists from the week was without a doubt Mo Kenney. Stemming from the small town of Waverly, Nova Scotia, Mo Kenny is a fascinating talent. Labeled as an‚ artist to watch, her distinct voice and emotionally driven lyrical play landed her in the studio with Canadian mastermind Joel Plaskett. She has to release an album yet a handful of originals like ‚ÄúSucker‚Äù and ‚”The Happy Song‚” demonstrates her ability to write engaging and memorable melodies that will

NSMW Showcases

September 2011

Herro,
It’s been a busy few weeks!
I was a participant in the 10 x 10 program during the Atlantic Film Festival. They randomly pair up ten filmmakers with ten musicians and send them off to make a music video. We had about 5 days to shoot, edit and come with a concept. I was paired with filmmaker Greg Jackson. It was a contest with a cash prize and we ended up winning! Thanks to everyone who voted for our video! It was amazing to win. If you haven’t seen it yet, go give it a watch!

I’m back in

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT for MO KENNEY in the 10X10 Video Contest!!

Mo was part of the 10 x 10 video program this year at the AFF. 10 young directors and 10 young artists connected to make music videos. Everyone had one day to shoot, one day to edit and no budget. The videos were shown on Sat evening. The prize is $5000 to be split between the artist and the video director. Winner is determined as follows:
- Audience vote from Sat night
- Jury vote from Sat night
- Public vote this week from Mon-Fri (20% of total votes)

Here’s how you can help Mo win!

1. Make sure you

Songcamp is over …

Hellloo!

I’m back from Songcamp and I can’t believe it’s over already. I have to wait another year now to go back. I’m exhausted though so I think it’s for the best. I met a lot of new songwriters this year and reconnected with the ones I met last year, it felt good to be back. I co-wrote on about 7 songs and am hoping to use at least one on the album!

Next stop is New Brunswick for another songwriting getaway at Babette Hayward’s cottage! Should be good, I’ll be in touch.

I hope you’re doin well.

Love mo

Shows & Shows!

Hello!
I was in Antigonish this Sunday afternoon playing at Evolve! I didn’t stay overnight at all but the short amount of time I spent there was awesome. The weather wasn’t ideal but everyone was still smiling! Thankfully my set was in a big tent so no one got wet watching me play. Thanks to everyone who was there watching, you were a lovely audience to entertain. I’m thinking that maybe next year I’ll stay a little longer; I don’t think I got the full effect on Sunday.

I’m playing a house concert on the 29th in my hometown then

Stan Rogers Folk Festival

Hola!

I took a trip up to Canso this weekend to play at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival! I’ve never been to Canso or the festival before so I had no idea what to expect. The weather ended up being beautiful for the whole weekend and that made the driving a breeze. I played once on Saturday and once on Sunday and everyone was really great. If you’ve never been to the festival I highly recommend it! There’s great music, great food and amazing people. I’m hoping to make myself a regular there.

A few weeks ago I got together

ECMA

So I have returned in one piece from my first ecma experience. My recovery will be ongoing.

I have never really spent very much time in charlottetown, so I’m glad to have had that opportunity. It seems to be a lot like Halifax although, I kind of felt like I was on a movie set sometimes.

I managed to play at least once everyday I was there which was shweet. I caught a lot of great performances too. The amount of music is almost overwhelming; its everywhere!
The Back Alley Record Store was a really neat venue to play. Everyone

Real Busy …

I have had a really busy couple of weeks. Last weekend I was in the studio with Joel recording a couple of songs. They’re both sounding awesome and you can anticipate the finished product sometime in the near future! I’ll keep you posted on what’s happening with that.

This weekend just passed I was on a little maritime tour opening for The Crash Test Dummies. I had a blast, and can’t wait to re visit PEI and Sydney. You guys were great, thanks for the warm reception.

Hope everyone is doing well, it just keeps getting warmer!

Love Mo

Spring is here …

Spring is here and I’m finally crawling out of winter. I guess we’re not really out of the woods yet, the weather seems to be constantly confused at this time of year. Recording will begin on Thursday! I’m very excited to start. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever to have my songs recorded well. I can’t wait for the outcome, but I have to be patient. These things take time. Time. Time. I will let you know how it goes friends. Things are going well, all limbs intact. Is your head considered a limb? I can see why and

Neighborhood Up The Road …

Almost everyday I drive by this neighborhood up the road, and it gives me a strange feeling. All the houses look like they’re coffee stained and when you’re driving through, the air that comes through your car smells like toast. And when you picture the inside of the buildings you picture old carpets and fake wood. The people walking around are all wearing multi-colored splash suits that are turquoise and bright pink, and they all look like they don’t know where they’re going. There are a lot of places like this, you know what I mean?

- Here’s a blog

Strange Times

These are strange times. The weather is such a pain in the ass. Today I finally got more windshield washer fluid put into my car. I felt it necessary to ask the lady who worked at the GAS STATION if she knew how to fill it. My logic was, ” Well if I don’t know how to do it, maybe she doesn’t either.” I think she may have been mildly offended. Anyway, it’s nice to have a clean windshield once again. It’s a must these days because mud is always appearing on it. Where this mud comes from is just

Sad Clown

I can’t stop thinking about sad clown. I want to know when he was put there! He boggles my mind. His eyes are all rusty and I feel kind of bad, but I know he can’t feel it.

Today felt like summer and I don’t know why because it was the coldest day of the year. Must have been the sun, it’s such a tease you know. On my way home I listened to songs that I would listen to if it were summer and pretended it was, kind of. Just kind of because it was hard to do with