The Other Side is a collection of some of the music written by Caragh Kennedy during her high school years. Composed of just 5 songs, the EP strongly encapsulates Kennedy’s songwriting abilities, in a wide range of genres. The Other Side, produced by Mike Ryan at Hot Jupiter Sounds, covers themes relatable to many young people; dealing with concepts of change, decision-making, growth, connecting with one’s family history, and sorting through emotions. It is very fitting that The Other Side has been released during Kennedy’s first week at university, as the EP touches on very relevant themes.

The Other Side~ The Other Side is a song inspired by the concept of new beginnings. I began writing it before all the other songs on this EP and finished it after them all. It’s a song that reflects how one can move past challenges in their life by holding tight to what matters most to them, and therefore not letting these challenges off-put them, but rather propel them forward. A challenge can help someone be reminded of what’s truly important in their life, which of course is different for everybody. For me, I have decided to prioritize my family, my close friends, my values, and my passions (such as music). Because of this, I can navigate challenges and changes and can use these to catapult me to my goals.

CREDITS: Caragh Kennedy- Songwriting, Piano, Vocals Mike Ryan- Guitar, Backing Vocals, Bass, Mixing,Producing Jay Halliwell- Drums

How Has it Been So Long~ “How Has it Been So Long”, which I wrote in September of 2022, was inspired by that uncomfortable unease, yet excited freedom, that comes with growing up in your teenage years. It’s that feeling of confusion and alarm when you realize that you and your friends are growing towards adulthood, which can also feel like care-free freedom during all those fun high school moments and when you perceive your future as your own story to write; one of limitless possibilities. To me, this is a sort of “coming of age” type song, that I hope other people can relate to their own experiences in adolescence. I hope you enjoy it:)

CREDITS: Caragh Kennedy- Songwriting, Piano, Vocals Mike Ryan- Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals, Mixing, Producing
Bruce Gillis- Drums

Dan’s Cabin~ Dan’s Cabin is a song of historical reflection. Dan Kennedy was my great-grand-uncle, and one of many musicians in the Kennedy family. He was a fiddler and, at one time in his life, he lived in a very small cabin in the woods of Western Cape Breton Island. No heat. No running water. No electricity.

His cabin remains standing weathered to this day, and relatives of mine have recovered some items from his cabin, including several pieces of original music written on various materials such as cracker boxes and cereal boxes. I am truly amazed by his level of sheer humbleness. He was an artist, without even trying to be. His need to create overcame his lack of material possession, and he therefore did what he needed to do to release the creative energy he had bubbling within. He used anything and everything he could to create.

Dan is just one example of how important music has historically been in my family. On both my dad and mom’s sides, the Kennedys and the Murphys, there is substantial prominence of music. I am sure that many others can relate to the story of Dan in their own ways, in their own families. Whether it be music, dance, food, language, or storytelling, every family has something that has been passed down from generation to generation for years. Something that is the very glue binding the book of their family’s story together. For my family, that glue is music.

CREDITS: Caragh Kennedy- Songwriting, Piano, Vocals Mike Ryan- Guitar, Mixing, Producing Mike Shepherd- Mixing Kyle MacDonald- Violin

Separate Ways~ Separate Ways is titled very fittingly, as she recently graduated high school in June. It's a song that touches on the concepts of change and growth, and how we all make decisions in life that facilitate these transformations.

CREDITS: Caragh Kennedy- Songwriting, Piano, Vocals Mike Ryan- Guitar, Bass, Mixing, Producing Jay Halliwell- Drums

The Start~ It was late in the summer before entering my senior year of high school. Of course, this was a time when talk of universities, scholarships, careers, and real-life choices began to surface, and I honestly felt a little overwhelmed by it all. Therefore, I began writing The Start, which is now a song that expresses the thoughts and feelings I had at the time. It touches on the concept of discovering oneself and how, although decision-making can be daunting, it is also super invigorating. This song has a 50s-60s waltz style to it, that creates a timeless, classic feel.

CREDITS: Caragh Kennedy- Songwriting, Piano, Vocals Mike Ryan- Guitar, Mixing, Producing Nick Patterson- Bass Jay Halliwell- Drums

All songs recorded, mixed, and produced at Hot Jupiter Sounds with Mike Ryan Dan's Cabin Piano recorded at Lake Wind Sound Studios with Mike Shepherd