Today we’d like to introduce you to Keli Nicole (Price).
Hi Keli Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Chesapeake, VA. Like many, I started singing in church with my parents and siblings. During my sophomore year of high school one of my choir members introduced me to a family friend. Missy Elliott. It was such a defining moment in my life that I remember it like it was a fairytale. She came to my parent’s house on a rainy Christmas night, driving a red luxury sports car. She invited me to sit in her car and audition for her. I can’t remember what I sung or what I sounded like but she seemed to enjoy it. She told me that once she secured her label she’d call me to have me join the team. About two years later, towards the end of my first semester at Elizabeth City State University she called and asked if I was ready to come to NY. Within just a few weeks, I started working in the studio with both Missy and Timbaland sing and writing. I’ve been working as a creative professional ever since.
My journey in music has included singers Tamia and Angie Stone, rapper Nipsey Hussle, artist Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, actor Columbus Short, producer Rodney Jerkins, the late great songwriter and producer LaShawn “Big Shiz” Daniels and many others.
The next part of my musical journey is starting off really beautiful! I’ve worked for other artists my entire career. This year I allowed myself the entire year to move forward with a few personal projects. I recently released my new single “I DO” on all streaming platforms. And soon, I plan to release “Love Keli” the EP, Book and Podcast. All of my upcoming projects tell stories of Music, Love and Healing. And there’ll be ALOT of special celebrity guests! I can’t wait to share. I hope you stay connected!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I’ve lived through many struggles.
The Music Industry is full of ebbs and flows. I had no idea. I went into my passion of music with no knowledge of the business I was in. I thought I’d always make the money I was making when I started in the industry. When I had my two children, I wasn’t able to travel as often as I needed to for work opportunities. (This was well before we could comfortably and affordably work from home.) For about two years after my children were born I didn’t work. There was a point where I relied on the State family support system. There were actually several points throughout my career where I needed help.
Less than a year before the pandemic, I had brain and ear surgery to fix and an issue with my hearing and migraines. When the excess cerebrospinal fluid was drained from my back, I was left temporarily paralyzed and had to learn to walk again. Being in pain and out of work for over six months presented a completely different set of challenges. The physical pain alone made me want to end my life. Not to mention the heartbreak of not being able to support myself or my family. I was prescribed psych meds to deal with the mental aspect of my pain. My doctors diagnosed me with depression and recommended I talk to a therapist while they weened me off of my meds.
Having to face personal, financial, physical, mental and emotional pain at the same time is painful. But getting thru it was one of the most gratifying moments of my life. Once I understood that I had to TRY every day, trying turned to doing and doing turned into succeeding. I decided to choose happiness, set boundaries, forgive myself and never stop trying.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve done some really great things with and for great people.
I’m a Grammy Award Winning Songwriter, Singer and Educator. (Soon to add “Author” to that list.) I specialize in songwriting, training vocalists, and vocal production. For the last ten years, I’ve worked mostly with foreign artists that want to cross over into the American Pop and Soul markets. One of the proudest moments just so happens to also be the one I’m most known for. I’m most known for writing Beyonce’s first single from her second album B’Day, “DejaVu”. We were honored with many awards including 3 Grammy Nominations and a Grammy win for Best Contemporary R&B Album. Another proud moment in my career was the opportunity to work with the late great Nipsey Hussle on what would be his last album, Victory Lap. I sang and arranged vocals on the song “Real Big” featuring singer Marsha Ambrosia.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Knowing how the business side of the Music Business and Music Publishing operates is key to how long a person works, survives and thrives. Music Business is incredibly important even in this streaming/YouTube/TikTok world. It’s not the same as “business” alone. The writing of contracts is different. The way pay rates and schedules are created and distributed are different. The way people communicate in certain parts of the industry is different. It’s important to educate yourself!
Pricing:
- Vocal Coaching (for performances & auditions) $200/hr
- Toplining/Songwriting $1500 day rate
- Artist Development/Consultation $750 day rate
Contact Info:
- Email: iamkelinicole@gmail.com
- Website: www.kelinicole.com
- Instagram: @iamkelinicole
Image Credits:
Klei Nicole at 94.7 FM in VA Keli Nicole and Timbaland on the Set of “Make It Hot” Rapper/Activist Nipsey Hussle, Keli Nicole and Producer Bink. Harrell at the studio working on Victory Lap. Keli Nicole w/Producers Charlie and Kenny Bereal taken by Adrian Sydney Keli Nicole, son Chris Price and actor Columbus Short
