About me 

Kennedy Shaw is a young Canadian bassist known for her deep groove, musical versatility, and vibrant stage presence. Playing electric, upright, and synth bass, she brings a distinctive feel to every project she’s part of. Kennedy’s energetic personality shines through her playing, creating basslines that are powerful, groovy and expressive. Over the years she has explored a wide range of musical genres, including funk, jazz, folk, psychedelic rock, neo-soul, blues, and country. This broad musical background allows her to adapt to different settings while keeping a strong rhythmic identity rooted in feel and pocket.

 

Kennedy’s playing is heavily inspired by the sounds that shaped modern groove music, particularly funk of the ‘70s and ‘80s and the smooth, rhythmically driven RnB and soul of the ‘90s. These influences are reflected in her approach to bass, where sitting in a deep pocket and supporting the groove remain central to her style. Whether she is performing on electric bass, walking on upright, or creating synth bass patches, Kennedy brings a unique musical voice that blends tradition with a modern touch.

 

Her infectious onstage energy can be experienced through performances with bands such as Royal City Rhythm and the Prince tribute band Purple Funkadelica, where her playing contributes to the driving rhythm and funk atmosphere of the music. Beyond the stage, Kennedy maintains an online social media presence sharing jam sessions and groovy bass covers to her instagram. Her online presences allows her to connect with a broader community of musicians and listenerings while sharing her creative process and improvisational skills.

 

As a young and dedicated bassist, Kennedy Shaw continues to develop her craft while staying true to the groove. With a passion for the low end and a commitment to keeping funk alive in contemporary music, Kennedy represents a new generation of funky female bassists.