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Martin "Bap" Kennedy (born 17 June 1962) is a singer-songwriter from Belfast, Northern Ireland best known for his collaborations with Van Morrison, Steve Earle and Mark Knopfler. He is noted for writing the song "Moonlight Kiss" which was on the soundtrack for the film Serendipity (starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale). Prior to his solo career, Kennedy was in a successful band, Energy Orchard for many years. He has also recorded a number of well-received solo albums. Following the release of The Big Picture, he toured the USA with Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits and also performed for five nights at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.[3]
Early Life[edit]
Martin (Bap) Kennedy was born on 17 June 1962 in West Belfast, Northern Ireland to James (Jim) Kennedy and Lily Kennedy. As the eldest child, he had a sister, Marian, and four brothers, James “Jimmy”, Stuart, Brian and Paul. Growing up, he had a keen interest in American acts such as Hank Williams and Elvis Presley, both of whom would influence his musical style, as well as being the inspiration for several songs. (What else should I say about his early life?).
Musical Career[edit]
Kennedy's first band was the punk band Sellout formed in 1978 when he was sixteen years old. The band was formed to support rock group Uncle Waldo, playing in a local Belfast club. Kennedy would play in several other local bands before forming 10 Past 7, with whom he got his first national television exposure, appearing on The Tube in 1983, before moving to London in 198?. While based in Belfast, 10 Past 7 were signed to Good Vibrations.
Energy Orchard (1986-96)[edit]
After moving to London, 10 Past 7 merged with fellow Northern Irish punk band - and former Good Vibrations labelmates - The Bankrobbers, to form Energy Orchard, for whom Kennedy was the lead singer and principal songwriter. Energy Orchard, a guitar-driven rock band, drew heavily on the influence of Van Morrison and other R&B, but incorporated traditional elements of Irish folk music.[citation needed] The band emerged from the remnants of two other Belfast-based punk/new wave bands, The Bank Robbers and 10 Past 7.
Following the band's early concerts at the New Pegasus{where the fuck's that?} they were signed to MCA on the recommendation of Steve Earle.[citation needed]
The first album, Energy Orchard, was released in 1990 to some critical appreciation. Subsequent albums included the 1992 release Stop the Machine, 1993's Shinola (released on Essential Records), Pain Killer (1995) and the 1996 live album, Orchardville.
After nearly a decade together, Energy Orchard disbanded in 1996.