Born and raised in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Kelsey Kindall fell in love with performing on stage at an early age.
Following the prevailing path, she studied musical theatre in college and relocated to New York City upon her graduation. To find inspiration and reaffirm her humanity, she spent a year traveling to over ten countries, immersing herself in the local tongue and customs to gain a more varied and comprehensive perspective. She eventually returned home as a result of the pandemic, and it was then that she decided to pursue a music career. Currently residing in San Francisco, Kelsey attracted an organic fan base of over 60,000 streams and 25,000 listeners when she released her debut album. She connected with her now-producer, Will Duncan, on a dating app during this period. Even though they didn’t have a romantic connection, they had a clear musical chemistry. They started a fascinating collaboration and have since produced a steady stream of catchy, irresistible tunes that have a strong emotional connection with listeners.
What first got you into music?
I don’t really remember what was my first inspiration when it came to making music, other than the fact I was always writing songs or playing an instrument or making my family come to my “shows”’ at every birthday party and celebration. I feel like music was always just there with me, I gravitated to it as early as I can remember, and it was just such a big part of my life ever since I can remember.
Who inspired you to make music?
My parents weren’t super musical, but they saw how much I loved it, so they gave me every opportunity to pursue it. I had a mentor in college who really pushed me in my writing for theatre and made me feel like I was good enough to pursue songwriting as a career. I looked up to people like Sara Bareilles for her songwriting and loved that she crossed over into the theatre world when she wrote Waitress. I always wanted to have a career in both, so that showed me that there was a path there.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I love to describe my music as giving the villain a voice to share why she is the way she is, LOL. I do let a darker alter ego come out in my music, almost saying all the things I don’t get to say in real life, and the lyrics are really important to me. I also love to dance and have music that makes you feel sexy and empowered, so we lean into that vibe a lot.
What is your creative process like?
I work with one of the most talented people I know, Will Duncan, my producer and all-around creative partner. We matched on a dating app 3 years ago and since then have locked in musically but not romantically haha. But we are so in sync, we are also remote which makes it challenging sometimes, but our process changes from song to song. Sometimes I’ll get an idea and start a song, and he will add on and vice versa. Regardless, the few times a year we get to be in person in the studio, it’s magic.
If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to the next musical generation, what would it be?
I definitely don’t think I have “made it” in the music industry by the standards that are set, but I feel like I am so incredibly happy and content with where my career is. I am an independent artist who gets to release music whenever I want, I have such an incredible community that is invested and sells out my shows, and I have creative collaborators who believe in the work just as much as I do. My advice would be not to just give yourself milestones like “getting signed” or “getting famous”, but to cultivate a creative life for yourself and see that as just as much of a success, if not more.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Probably something along the lines of Platonic Soulmates, lol I have so many people in my life who have made me the person I am today, and I am so grateful for them, I would want to highlight how important it is to surround yourself with a community who wants to see you succeed.
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be, and your superhero name?
I would like to be able to make time slow down, I feel like life goes so fast!!
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Probably were you able to pay off your student loans or are we still pretending they don’t exist?
What would be a good theme song for your life?
The song Moonflower by Abbie Gamboa has grounded me ever since I heard it. I think it’s all about trusting that there is a greater purpose, and to really try to be present and give up trying to control everything about your life. When I do that I feel like I am so much more healthy and happy.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
I would just give her a big hug, and let her know that all her hard work is paying off, so she can relax a little.
Kelsey returns with her brand-new single ‘Whiplash’. Excerpted from her forthcoming four-track extended play, Goodbye Party, which explores the liberating sensation of putting pen to paper and turning away from the past. ‘Whiplash’ marks the project’s pivot, bringing listeners from denial and recklessness to awareness and strength.
The inspiration behind Whiplash comes from many of Kelsey’s experiences with confusing relationships and mixed signals. Knowing this is such a universal experience, she tried to navigate the power dynamic that goes into the tragic misinterpretation of modern dating. With a background in theater, Kelsey Kindall uses her comedic storytelling in between songs to captivate her listeners. She invites them to share this vulnerable space with her in a promising sound filled with joy, inspiration, and celebration.
On the single, Kelsey Kindall says, “We wanted to create a song that was addicting to listen to, fun to dance to, and powerful to sing along to. I love the early 2000s pop icons, and I feel like the pop scene is making a comeback with so many breakout women lately. I wanted to lean into that world and pay tribute to the pop icons while staying in a familiar alternative world where my music lands.”