A QUICK CHAT WITH KEL
Can you tell me a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Paradise’?
I was inspired to write Paradise after a trip to the South Coast, NSW. I wanted to tell a story through my song and paint a picture of the feelings and emotions that we sometimes connect to places or people.
What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?
The biggest influence on my songwriting is probably whatever is happening with my life or in my relationships with people. I think this is a common influence that songwriter’s draw from and I find I write a lot of songs about however I’m feeling with whatever is going on in my life. Occasionally I can be inspired by movies, books or places and I end up writing more.
What’s the creative process like for you?
I usually have an idea of the sound first, I create some random chords on either piano or guitar and try to create a story or tie an emotion to the melody that’s in my head. Sometimes the process is very quick and if I’m in the mood I can write a whole song in the one night, or sometimes it takes a bit longer to craft a cohesive song with a melody that has stayed with me for a while
If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be?
Great question. There’s a lot of Indie Australian music that I love and is so well known by Australians - bands with an especially large presence at Australian live shows and festivals, and I feel like their music would be so well received in other countries but they aren’t as well recognised as they are here in Australia, so maybe some more opportunities for Artists and Bands to develop a larger listener base overseas.
What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?
Since I write about my life a lot, music becomes a bit of a form of therapy for me, so without it I think I would be emotionally confused. Sometimes I feel I can articulate how I’m feeling through music so without it I think I would feel very lost and misunderstood. Life would be bland.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with? Why?
Finneas, I think he is a great songwriter/lyricist/singer and he’s an amazing performer too. I like his approach to producing and repurposing interesting sounds on his tracks.
What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?
Write music that is true to yourself and that you enjoy first before writing for what others may enjoy.
Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met?
John Castle! He’s a great guy and an amazing producer. Even over zoom and phone calls I still had the best time recording Paradise with him. He has a talent for listening to what a song needs and brought my vision to life.
Any plans for a tour on the cards?
Eventually. It’s the goal! I just finished my debut release show for ‘Paradise’ and it was so much fun. I was lucky enough to play a couple of unreleased songs as well. So I would absolutely love to do a tour, especially when I have some more music out.