Introducing an indie artist you should know about… Keely.

Keely is a 23-year-old born and raised in the Appalachian holler (as she puts it herself), with a unique sound rooted in R&B and neo-soul. Keely says, “I make music because it’s a way to talk without talking. Not everyone can access therapy, but that’s why we have music.“

Keely draws her unique storytelling skills from the folk and country classics she grew up being surrounded by, being raised in a close-knit and incredibly musical family. Her siblings are also songwriters (see: Elijah Dax).

Now based in Nashville, T.N., the spirit of Keely’s music is a reflection of her personality and experiences to date. The energy of her artistry is a reflection of her personality – and her continued journey.

“My inspiration for releasing my latest song, Unheard with Jen Miller, was a conversation with my friend Jen about my recent life experiences,” the singer says. “I felt unsafe and confused at that time of life. She’s an artist/producer, so we used one of her beats and channeled the feeling into that song.”

Watch the video premiere of “Unheard” by Keely (prod./ft. Jen Miller) here:

1) Tell me a bit about yourself. List your titles or things ya do. Don’t be humble.

I’m a 23 year old artist.  I write songs, arrange vocals/harmonies, and sing.

2) How did you first get intro’d into the music industry?

I grew up in a musically gifted family so I’ve always been around music, but got intro’d to actually creating my own songs and sound through friends and family doing their thing in the industry.

3) What’s your favorite and least favorite part of being a musician?

I think my favorite part is the amount of healing that can come from the music you create. My least favorite part is keeping up with my social media in order to grow an audience. That part can be tiring to me sometimes.

4) Tell us about your 2021.

This year has been one for growth as an artist with a lot of behind the scenes work. I’m gonna release a couple of songs before the end of the year and create some content doing what I love. I’m also in the midst of creating a large catalog of the best songs I’ve made so far with my producer and homie, Peter Eddins. So the rest of this year is looking like a lot of grinding and creating for what’s to come.

5) What’s your golden nugget of advice for anyone trying to get into the music industry? Or one thing you’ve learned that’s surprised you?

If you want to do it because you love doing it, then you should. Try not to think too hard about the outcome and just keep creating because of how it makes you feel and what it does for you. That helps me. 

Keely

6) Who are 3 female or GNC artists you’re really digging right now?

Tiana Major9

Jazmine Sullivan

Lennon Stella

7) What is the most beautiful song there ever was? 

This is a hard question, but i think an incredibly beautiful song is Lost One by Jazmine Sullivan. That one hits the spot every time. 

8) What keeps you going on a hard day?

Car rides, music, deep breathing and good memories.

9) Have you faced any challenges as a woman in music?

Hell yeah. In a room full of men, I have to work twice as hard to be acknowledged for my talent and art. Luckily, I’ve found incredible people to create with now. It definitely took some realization and experience though to figure out the environment I felt most confident and comfortable in and to pursue being in that room of people.

Keely

Keely’s next single Let Go is due for release 10/29/21. You can pre-save it here.