James Kennedy

James Kennedy is a bestselling author, rock musician, and host of the James Kennedy Podcast, where he chats with leading thinkers, game changers, and rockstars.

Despite being half deaf since he was a child, James taught himself to play several instruments, has since released eight albums, toured internationally, and played thousands of shows – and just about lived to tell the story.

And it’s a story he wants to share with you. It’s a story about hope, struggle, goodies and baddies, chasing the dream, gun-toting label executives, brotherhood, breakdowns, overcoming adversity, and self-discovery.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book musician James Kennedy for your next event.

Type Of Speaker

Entertainment Hidden Disabilities Mental Health Speaker

More About James Kennedy

In 2020, James Kennedy published his autobiography, Noise Damage. It went on to become a bestseller in several categories, and was widely praised in the press, with Sirius XM host Eric declaring it “easily the greatest book ever written about music and being in a band”.

In 2025, he released Loud Medicine: Dispatches From the Music Industry Underworld, which looked at a range of different issues related to the arts in 2025 (mental health, hearing health, venue closures, AI, the modern music industry).

”Loud Medicine’ is a collection of musings on all things good, bad and ugly about music and the music industry. The book takes the reader on a joyride through the hidden world of the everyday musician where they’ll share every ill-conceived adventure, battle scar and industry screw-over. They’ll also learn how they can save our grass roots venues, support their favourite artists, why God is a Jazzer, what you should never say to a musician and what exactly IS an Evian Shower. By the end of the trip, the book will stand as a music lovers manifesto for change and a musicians manual for survival. It’s also a love letter to everyone’s favourite medicine and the people who make it. Whether you’re a musician, a music fan or just out for a good time, ‘Loud Medicine’ will have you laughing, learning and losing your mind in dismay. You may even come away feeling more inspired, informed and incensed.”

James set up The James Kennedy Podcast in 2022, and has since featured rockstars, business leaders, activists, politicians, authors, and mental health experts. Guests include Green Party MP Anthony Slaughter, human behaviour expert Dan Gardner, former athlete Jimmy Watkins, comedian Rosie Wilby, MP Nadia Whittome, and entrepreneur James Watt.

James Kennedy deaf musician mental health hidden disabilities panelist keynote speaker book at agent Great British Speakers

James is often chosen to speak at industry events, with talks at the House of Lords, the Wellcome Centre, Goldsmith University, the Haberdashers Hall, and the Wide Days Music Convention under his belt. Speaking topics include:

– The Music Industry

– Mental Health and Wellness

– Hidden Disabilities

– Resilience

– Motivation

James has lived a lot of life and overcome plenty of obstacles on the way. He has met hundreds of interesting people and acquired useful life lessons and insights. He provides an entertaining insight into the reality of the music industry, understanding life with a hearing loss, and identifying what really matters in life.

James Kennedy part deaf musician mental health hidden disabilities panelist keynote speaker at Great British Speakers

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book musician James Kennedy for your next live event.

Contact us.

Testimonials

James is refreshingly honest when sharing his story. It was so inspiring to see someone open up and be real about their journey – the ups and downs, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. It’s not always easy to be so open in front of others and James does it with grace, authenticity and humour – a reminder that being genuine can have a powerful impact on those around us.
Miguel Angel Aranda de Toro, Resound

James addressed a very mixed group of people at our event, and captured the attention of every single one of them. He delivered some open, direct messages that were both inspiring and thought-provoking, but his sense of humour left everyone laughing while his personal and professional anecdotes were fascinating. Feedback was unanimously positive, with most people saying they’d have liked him to have spoken for longer.
Lorraine Gailey, Hearing Link