Daily Inspiration: Meet Kelsey Blackstone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Blackstone.

Hi Kelsey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My mom likes to tell me that I was singing since before I could even talk. It feels so innate and natural to me – and it always has – so I believe her. I started receiving classical training on piano and cello when I was a child and continued that work for many years… so music in all forms has consistently been a huge part of my life. I’ve always loved performing and have been so inspired by many other great musicians who’ve paved the way for women in the music industry. As a kid, I used to spend hours listening to the biggest voices in pop/rock: Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Janis Joplin, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato, etc. Those hours have stuck with me and definitely influenced the music that I make now.

I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t include the fact that my parent’s support and music tastes have gotten me here as well. I’ve been lucky to always receive musical encouragement from my family and to have been exposed to many different genres of music through them as well. Listening to 70s rock classics with my dad growing up, for example, has had a profound impact on me – not just in what I want my music to sound like (I do love retro rock influences), but even more so, how the artists of the 60s/70s were able to create entire communities and movements through music. To use it as a power to bring people together and inspire peace and love is something I’ve always admired/wanted to recreate in my own musical career.

I’ve been writing songs now for several years, using my piano skills to help me flesh out melodies, riffs, and chords. There’s still such a high that I get from bringing a new song into my band and creating our own soundscape to match the energy of the song. It always reminds me that I’m lucky to work with some very talented musicians. This past year has brought a lot of success to my band and music, including performing at our first major music festival (Maine’s longest-running festival, Harry’s Happening), being featured on my first Spotify editorial playlist for my song ‘When I’m With You’, and going on our first tour (a 2.5-week North-east/Mid-west tour that included sold out shows and performances at some of each cities most iconic venues). I’m extremely grateful for the traction my music has been receiving and am looking forward to continuing down that path as I move from Boston (where I’ve lived for the past six years), to Nashville, TN. Sharing my music with the world is what brings me the most joy, knowing that I get to connect with others and unite us in the healing love that music always provides.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every artist I’m sure has a list of challenges that they’ve faced along their journey. Some of the obstacles that I’ve encountered are ones that are probably pretty relatable among other artists: unrealistic comparison with other musicians, imposter syndrome, social media fatigue, and feeling a lack of inspiration and motivation. It’s widely known that no path is linear, but even while logically understanding that, I do put a huge amount of pressure on myself to be making strides that at times, are not possible with my resources. It’s also tough to balance all the work with my life outside of music since I do believe it is important to have both. I try my best to take each low moment, though, and learn from it. I try to remind myself why I’m doing what I’m doing and that growth is happening even outside of superficial metrics like followers, downloads, or likes. Sometimes the growth is in areas that I don’t even recognize yet, until later on. I remember that I need to be patient with myself and keep the faith that this is going to work out for me in the best way and at the best time. Trust, patience, and extreme belief in myself are what I’ve learned are important to keep close to me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve received vocal training in jazz, rock, pop, and music theatre, so my vocal sound is a bit of a mix of all of these. I really enjoy singing in different genres, and I’ve found that it influences my songwriting in interesting ways as well. My music presents heartfelt sentiments and modern synths with a retro, groovy flair. My sound is rich with excitement, passion, and the kind of infectious energy that makes you get on your feet to dance with your friends.

As an award-winning songwriter and avid performer, my seven-piece band and I love to give our audiences an entire experience – not just a song. Weaving our world with colors, bubbles, sass, and fun, I use vibrant nostalgia with contemporary soul to create my own sound. For the past year and a half, I’ve also started my own tradition at all live shows, where I give mini bubble wands to every audience member (thousands have been given out at this point)!

What started as a fun idea is something I’ve become somewhat known for locally. I enjoy giving these tokens of appreciation because it is something you can only get from being in person at one of my live performances.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
A list of what makes me happy: performing, hiking, running, tanning at the beach, going for long walks, watching Survivor, spending time with my loved ones, cooking yummy meals with my partner and our friends, catching up with my twin sister Janna, and traveling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kelseyblackstone.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyblackstone/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelsey.blackstone.52?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kelseyblackstone
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/394uQRigSFiNSRbA9dismJ?si=Og6VPe3DRoOvZszIM0ouNw

Image Credits
Taken by Sammelansonvisuals, Photodystopia