Spotlight: Jean Kelley

September 28, 2011 | by Maximillian Corwell

Interviewer: Maximillian Corwell

1.  As an aspiring musician, especially as many of our readers may not know much about you (yet), tell them a little bit about your musical vibe and direction.

Our music is in Pop/Rock/Soul vein, and soon we will be bringing on a strings and horns element that will add a UK pop sensibility to our sound.

2.  How old were you when you started getting into music?  Was there something that influenced you to pursue this as a career?

I’ve been singing since I was 3 years old, as the story goes, I stood up in a shopping cart at and belted out “Blue Moon of Kentucky” blissfuly unaware of myself.  However, I didn’t sing on stage until I was 12 years old, the way most kids start: talents shows and school performances. I’m sure that growing in Music City (Nashville) had its influence on me, but I knew from a very young age that this career is all I would ever want.

3.  You have a strong, sultry, and very dynamic voice.  Are you currently signed, or in talks with labels at this moment?

Well first of all, thank you! Having studied Music Business in college, I was warned against ever signing anything until it was right. I have yet to see deal that felt right, so right now I am on the happy path of my own making.

4.  Who are some of your favorite artists out there right now that are on the radio?  What are some of your favorite songs right now?

So many. I have always loved Nikka Costa, James Morrison, Amy Winehouse, One Republic, Adele and Natasha Beddingfield. Some of my new found favorite songs are Mumford and Sons “Little Lion Man” and Stiletto Effect “I’m in Love”.

5.  You aren’t gay yourself, but you have found a great home with many people in the gay community who have really embraced you and your music.  Have you always considered yourself a gay ally?

I love my gays and yes, I have always considered myself an ally. When I first began to pursue music as artist her in Atlanta in December 2009, I faced what most females deal with in this male dominated industry. My knowledge of the business prepared me for this reality to an extent, but not for the disappointment felt when opportunity after “opportunity” had be passed up on in order to maintain my moral high ground. It wasn’t until April of this year that I was introduced to Barry Brandon and the amazing Bedlam Presents crew. Never asking me to compromise personally or musically, they embraced me and quickly stepped forward to form a band. Members include songwriter JL Rodriguez on keys, Bobby Brandon on drums, Andrew Spring on bass and Jose Gabriel on guitar.

6.  Coming from Nashville, and now living in Atlanta, you have surely experienced a music transition.  Atlanta’s music scene is much different.  How have you dealt with the transition, and has the Atlanta scene influenced your musical direction at all?

The Atlanta scene was certainly a transition, but I wouldn’t say it impacted my musical direction. It just provided are larger, more eclectic audience.

7.  Where are you right now with your music, are you recording an album, touring, about to release any singles?

Right now I am in process of finding the right producer to record an EP and doing shows around Atlanta. Most recently we performed at Bedlam Presents: Queers, Cheers and Champs, Tasty Jams at IHOG with Cinch & The Aftermath and Levi Weaver and Tasty Jams at Vinyl with Gun Party and Ella Riot.  We are very excited for our next show over the Atlanta Pride weekend for Bedlam Presents: Fruits of Loom on Oct 8, 2011 at Primal 9pm-4am.

8.  Considering a career in music is a tough choice since so many people fail to make it big.  What are your goals with going into this type of career?

It’s true that you have to go somewhat blindly into this career path because all logical reasoning says that the odds are stacked against you. Knowing that, I tried to convince myself that I could be happy with something more stable. In the end, I couldn’t turn my back on a life long dream and just decided to abandon reason and give it hell. My goal is simple: Don’t get in my own way and don’t fear failure.

9.  To other aspiring musicians, do you have words of wisdom or advice?  What has been the hardest thing in trying to build a name for yourself so far?

If you really want this and you have that something that sets you apart from the rest, fight for it. The industry will tell you that you need to do things a certain way in order to be successful, but you’re success story is the one you are making right now. Ignore those who want you to play it safe. Music isn’t supposed to be reasonable. As far as building a name for myself, my biggest struggle in the beginning was simply that I hadn’t found my voice yet and therefore, didn’t know where I belonged. After a year of trial and error, I stumbled upon the right circle of supporters and everything starting flowing. Since then, I’m excited to say that word has been spreading relatively quickly.

10.  Having a support system is a huge thing as you try to build a business, brand, or any type of career that is off the beaten path.  Where have you found the most support?  

Growing up, my family and friends always voiced their support and belief that I could pursue this dream. Most recently, the support I have received from my Bedlam Presents family has been the most overwhelming. Barry Brandon (Event Promoter, Co-Founder of Bedlam Presents, Philanthropist, Documentarist, Lead Singer of Stiletto Effect and all around People Person) took me under his wing very shortly after meeting and introduced me to his network of talented, loving and supportive individuals.

11.  I hear rumors of a tour coming soon…. care to give some more details on that?

We are hoping to go on tour in the Spring. Still fleshing out the details on that.

12.  With such a strong voice, have you thought about going the reality show route?  American Idol, X Factor, The Voice… I’m just saying…

When I was younger, and less developed as an artist, I did audition for American Idol. As it turns out, I’m not much for cattle calls.

13.  What is on your iPod right now?

Adele, Pink, James Morrison, One Republic and an obscene amount of 80′s tunes.

Use some of this in the more info section… however you want to organize it. 

Stay up to date with our shows and related news by following me on Twitter: @JeanKelleyMusic, my Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/jeankelley.fanpage and keep an eye out for new music on my Youtube Channel: JeanKelleyMusic.