We had the good fortune of connecting with Hendri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hendri, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve lived so many different lives and worked so many different odd jobs over the years, and to put it bluntly; I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. I also was lucky enough to have parents that encouraged my art and made it clear that they were supportive of me choosing an alternative path. I think having that permission to dream a little bit bigger not only as a child, but when it came time to venture off on my own made a huge difference.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is ever-evolving, so this answer is likely much different even from the interview I gave Voyage back in December of 2022. There are so many talented artists here in LA that challenge me, shape me, and inspire me to improve.

I think what sets me apart from other artists is that I embrace the imperfections and adversity I’ve met along this journey. Not every song I’ve released has been well-received, or even well-written. Not every role I’ve played has made the final cut, and if I never fail, I’ll never improve. I think a big downfall of creatives, and people in general, is that we think we need to have it figured out by our mid-20s. That if we haven’t “made it” by now, we never will, and I just don’t think that’s how life works. I think the best songs I’ll ever write and the best roles I’ll ever play are still yet to come.

The biggest challenges I’ve faced in the entertainment industry are the financial aspects of it and the constant threat of rejection. There is a lack of security in gig work like music, modeling, and acting, especially when whether or not you work isn’t entirely in your control. I’ve had months when I kill it, and I’ve had months where the uncertainty makes me question my career choices. You have to be ok with putting yourself out there 1000 times, and getting hired less than 10% of those times. You have to be able to separate your self-worth from the casting directors, the numbers on the streaming platforms, and the ratings.

I think my biggest piece of advice for people who want to get into entertainment is to know your worth and not to compromise your boundaries for an opportunity. Trust your gut- there were too many times when I was just starting out where I had a funny feeling but didn’t listen because I was afraid of letting an opportunity slip away. If something feels wrong, forced, or too good to be true, it probably is. Despite technological advantages that threaten the humanity of art, the world will always need creators.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite restaurant in LA (which I think doesn’t get enough recognition for how good it is) is Wolfsglen in Westwood. They have the best shishito peppers in the world (I have no idea what they put in them, but they are immaculate).

Naturally, I also love live music. Sofar Sounds puts on incredible showcases of up-and-coming artists at secret venues around LA. Black Rabbit Rose is also a hotspot for live jazz music– check out Spencer and Friends on Wednesday nights, you won’t regret it! Writer’s Block at Hotel Cafe is another showcase that highlights singer-songwriters in an acoustic setting. The night has a really great flow, where each artist only plays three songs, so you get to ingest many different styles of music in just a few hours.

For nightlife, I’m partial to Desert 5 Spot. Despite a lifelong aversion to country music, there’s something about line dancing and cowboy boots that I can’t get enough of. Plus, their drinks are just awesome.

Lastly, I don’t think any trip to LA is complete without checking out our incredible selection of thrift stores and flea markets. I love items with a story, and Melrose Trading Post or Artists and Fleas are my favorite weekend markets to sift through a collection of really special vintage, handmade, and just left-of-center pieces.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that deserve a little bit of credit in my journey; my parents for encouraging me, my brother for always being a support system and an outlet, my friends for endlessly streaming my music and reposting my content, my boyfriend Michael for sticking by my side and helping bring my crazy ideas to life, my band members Steve, Matt, and Jacob, my producers Cole Boia and CJ Gallopo. Ben Farren and Tom Higgenson for taking a gamble on hiring an actor with no reel and no references, who inspired me to start acting. Ben Danielson and Gavin Andersen for putting up with the brainstorm sessions, the 12-hour shoot days, and creating visually stunning (and also very time-consuming) art with me. I couldn’t do any of this without you.

Website: hendrimusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyhendri/

Image Credits
Natalia N. Britt, Doug Vertigo, Nick Zaglmayr, Taylor Patterson, Jeffrey Dransfeldt

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