James Kennedy explains why he loves Rage Against The Machine
James Kennedy and The Underdogs, a passionate hard rock band hailing from South Wales, UK, was established in 2023 by James Kennedy, former vocalist of Kyshera and acclaimed author of the rock biography Noise Damage, along with band members Jack Davies (Guitar), Elliot Blake (Bass), and Aggy Nowicka (Drums).
Despite being a relatively new band, they have embarked on tours across the UK, sharing stages with renowned acts like The Meffs, Ginger Wildheart, Marisa and The Moths, and gracing festivals such as Nozfest, Beautiful Days, and Just Push Play. Their captivating live performances have earned them the prestigious title of ‘Wales’s most vital live band’ by Uber Rock Magazine. Following their debut album, Make Anger Great Again, their highly anticipated new album, Rebel, is set for release in 2026 under the reinvigorated Combat Records label.
Mastermind James himself delves into his admiration for the iconic band Rage Against The Machine.
My introduction to Rage Against The Machine was a clandestine encounter at the age of thirteen when a friend passed me a covertly copied cassette, urging me to listen privately through headphones. In the midst of a secluded village with nothing but fields surrounding me, I embarked on my daily pilgrimage to meet friends in a neighboring village. Amidst the pastoral serenity, the cassette, unleashed within my Walkman, halted me in a cow field. The raw power of Killing In The Name unfolded, sparking a revolution within me that demanded my undivided attention, compelling me to lie down amidst the grass and absorb the entire album.
Rage Against The Machine’s thunderous fusion of hard rock, funk, punk, and hip hop intertwined with explicit political themes reverberated a radical awakening within me. The liberating profanity, such as Zack de la Rocha’s defiant chants, resonated deeply, epitomizing teenage rebellion far beyond the conventional bounds. The sensation of possessing a subversive artifact, veiled in secrecy, immersed me in an illicit world that I felt compelled to share with my cohorts, deviating from the norm of exchanging inappropriate VHS tapes.
For an aspiring guitarist submerged in relentless practice, Tom Morello’s wizardry on the guitar seemed akin to black magic. His innovative blend of guitar acrobatics, infused with hip-hop elements and revolutionary distortion, sparked obsessive conversations among peers, mystifying us with his enigmatic techniques.
Rage Against The Machine was a cultural phenomenon, revolutionizing the musical landscape with a distinctive sound that transcended genres. Their authenticity and unabashed rebellion resonated universally, capturing the hearts of rockers, metalheads, hip-hop aficionados, and punks alike. The band’s audacity, both on and offstage, illuminated a path for societal dissent, elevating them to the status of musical legends. Decades later, their anthems continue to inspire and embolden new generations, symbolizing a timeless defiance against societal injustices.
As a relic of that transformative moment etched in that cow field, I still cherish these musical relics on vinyl, as each pulsating note reignites the rebellious fervor embedded within me. James Kennedy’s unwavering devotion to the iconic band embodies a timeless fervor that transcends generations, paying homage to the enduring saga of Rage Against The Machine.