After releasing their most recent single in early January, Philly-based band Highnoon has proven that they’re well on their way to captivating hearts and minds everywhere with their unique sound and intimate lyricism.
On January 15th, I had the opportunity to sit down in Brooklyn with Kennedy Freeman, the mastermind behind the indie-pop band Highnoon, and chat about creating music, finding inspiration, and performing songs that mean something special. Check out my quick interview with Highnoon and catch their latest single, “Are You With Me,” on your favorite streaming service today.
Before jumping in to talk about their single, I first wanted to talk to Kennedy about how they got started in music and a bit more of the lore behind their band.
After getting their first guitar years ago, Freeman found themselves immediately enthralled with the process of songwriting. They quickly began to release music under the alias “Highnoon,” taking the name from their interest in the way people use the sun to tell time. Freeman had also mentioned, “I think I always knew deep down that I was going to have a band, which was another reason I didn’t want to go by my own name.” And after just a year of making music, Highnoon hit the road as a full band in 2019. As of 2023, the band’s members include four astonishingly talented artists: Kennedy Freeman on vocals and guitar, Justin Roth on drums, Brendan Simpson on lead guitar, and Rachel Wild on bass.
Highnoon has managed to create a sense of longing in their music, almost similar to feeling homesick for a place that you don’t know. Kennedy discussed how they found inspiration in ‘90s and ‘00s singer-songwriters like Bjork, Imogen Heap, and Bonnie Pink for this latest single, and focused on bringing those kinds of concepts to life in their own unique way.
With music that sounds how nostalgia feels, Highnoon has only continued to grow in popularity with their recent studio releases. Freeman emphasized that they “only want to create music that makes people feel something,” which is exactly what they managed to do with their new single, “Are You With Me.” Touching on the topic of wanting to be with someone even though it hurts, Kennedy was able to translate those familiar feelings of nostalgia, heartbreak, and affection, all into one magical sounding single that you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Interview and images by Erika Lyijynen. If reposting, tag @exrka and @almostfamouszine on instagram.
Below you can stream Highnoon’s new single now!