Kendall Schmidt

BIOGRAPHY

of Big Time Rush, he helped build a pop culture touchstone that grew well beyond its television roots. In 2021, after a two-year negotiation with Sony and Nickelodeon, Schmidt and his bandmates secured full ownership of their name, masters, and artistic license. They followed that milestone by headlining three tours and selling out Madison Square Garden and Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome as a fully independent act.

Schmidt has consistently prioritized creative autonomy. Before BTR's independent era, he launched his own label, TOLBooth Records, and formed the alt-pop duo Heffron Drive with Dustin Belt to release Happy Mistakes. He has also steadily built up writing and collaboration credits alongside artists like Hilary Duff.

His solo work is a deliberate shift in direction. After years of writing stadium pop in crowded rooms, Schmidt opted for a more intimate approach. His solo catalog is stripped-back and grounded. These songs are crafted quietly at home, cutting vocals on the exact same gear he has carried from place to place for over a decade, usually working one-on-one with producer Adam Korbesmeyer. This current project allows him to flex his abilities beyond the music and serves as a broader creative outlet. As an avid photographer, Schmidt takes the leading role in building the visual world around his music, steering everything from his cover art to the aesthetic of his merchandise.

The music reflects a clear change in perspective. The arrival of "Shattered" and "Honeydew" in 2025, followed by "Any Less" in 2026, highlighted a self-described hopeless romantic who admits he finds it nearly impossible to write a spiteful track. Kendall is writing with deep sincerity and focusing on honest storytelling as he prepares to release a new wave of music and art soon.