The Kennedy Soundtrack

The Kennedy Soundtrack are a Welsh rap-rock outfit who emerged in the early 2000s with a sound that combined the angst-ridden attack of nu-metal and alternative rock with the urban grooves and deft lyricism of hip-hop. They found success in 2002 with the release of their debut album, Tale of 2 Cities, but ceased operations shortly thereafter. They re-formed in 2018 and issued a compilation of B-sides and rarities.

Formed in 1999 in South East Wales around the talents of Nic Havard (vocals), Dave Challenger (vocals/guitar), Rob Giles (guitar/effects), Elliot Blake (bass), and Troy Marshall (drums), the band rose to prominence alongside fellow countrymen Funeral for a Friend, A Bullet for My Valentine, and Skindred. Honing their chops in pubs and clubs in Newport, they eventually made their way to London and caught the attention of Sony imprint Instant Karma, which quickly scooped up the group. Bolstered by a trio of hard-hitting singles ("Killing Music," "Bloodshot Eyes," and "24/7"), the band's 2002 debut album, Tale of 2 Cities, helped land them the Best Newcomer prize at that year's Welsh Music Awards. Despite performing well in the U.K., the record failed to catch on overseas, and the group was subsequently dropped by the label and eventually disbanded. In 2018, they reunited for a live show and released B-sides, with plans to head into the studio and record new material the following year.