The Real Thing

Mild. Awkward. Ear-piercing. Some call him a paradox: The soulful nerd with the huge voice. His name is Kenny Wesley. ”My mom said I came out the womb screaming, and I’ve been screaming every since!” he jests. The North Carolina born, D.C.-based artist has a voice that can shatter glass, lilt with the tenderness of a soul crooner, sing a Mexican lullaby, or bust out the stank. With an acclaimed EP, multiple collaborations, seven compilation features, and a slew of high-profile performances under his belt, Kenny has firmly placed his stamp on the burgeoning modern music movement. Known for his impressive vocal range and high-octane live shows where he humorously showcases his killer band and his love for other cultures (he speaks 5 languages), Kenny has shared the stage with various artists including Alice Smith, Eric Roberson, Vikter Duplaix, Leela James and has performed at coveted venues including The Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, The Blue Note, and The Apollo Cafe. Highly respected by industry peers such as Ledisi, Miro Sorvino, and Kindred the Family Soul, Kenny has successfully emerged with a distinct sound all his own. His debut, full-length album, The Real Thing, basking in a warm reception from both pop and soul worlds, was recently featured on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” with the tune "Won't Let It Go" and has been heralded as a progressive, groundbreaking effort. Wesley and his co-writer/producer Noah Lifschey have managed to successfully fuse the grit and funk of the 70s with a contemporary, progressive aesthetic. Bravo!