Today we’d like to introduce you to Keely Ferguson.
Keely’s first song “Lovestory” featured on Big Sean’s “Finally Famous Vol. 1” mixtape garnered the attention of industry names like Kanye West & future collaborators like Eminem, Slaughterhouse, Royce Da 5’9” & Mr. Porter of D12. With 1 million+ streams behind her collaborations “Lovestory” would go on to be an underground classic that defined an important moment for the young artists. After countless nights in the studio creating with Big Sean, Keely was blessed with the opportunity to perform alongside him, Mike Posner and other rising artist.
Considering the idea that she might have better chances at success as an artist than a songwriter, Keely looked to her roots. Detroit’s “red zone,” one of the city’s toughest zip codes brought inspiration for “Eastside” a love letter to her neighborhood. It was eventually remixed to feature a hometown legend, Icewear Vezzo. Keely Ferguson still manages to surprise and delight listeners with her soft voice, playful lyrics, and experimental production. Determined to release timeless music with hard-earned and unshakable confidence, her music reflects her growth as an artist dedicated to empowering listeners by being an example of self-love and celebration.
Keely blazed local radio stations and stages. Opening for recording artists such as Monica, Keyshia Cole, Musiq Soulchild, Teyona Taylor, Day26, Adrian Marcel and BJ the Chicago Kid, receiving enormous support from the community. As a result, her name began buzzing throughout Live Nation and subsequently landed Keely her first world tour as support for Demi Lovato.
Her debut project, THE ELMNT, pulled together all of the lessons that the music industry, womanhood, and self-determination have taught her and put them into song form. Expanding to the UK and further in the US she continues to bring nostalgia, reality and fairy dust to every record she touches.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The journey has been very humbling! For every moment of success, there is an opportunity to be challenged. I’ve often heard I’ve had a smooth foundation from my parents, they gave me most of the tools I needed as a child to succeed in entertainment. The most challenging thing for me to grasp was the business of the music industry. I’ve been independent and signed to independent labels my entire career and the market has changed so much over the last ten years but sticking to my niche sound has helped me to navigate through it all. I’ve grown so much and I wouldn’t trade the journey if you asked.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
Aside from performing and recording music the humanitarian has been seeking sunshine from my heart. I was active in the Detroit Public school system. I took my education from music schools, camps and private lessons, beauty training from Aveda Cosmetology institute, and Damon’s House for behavioral enrichment and personal experience to empower youthful entertainers and musicians. Music is one of the most powerful sources for setting boundaries, creating bonds, developing character and identity. Yet it has been the most neglected personal development.
“I’d like to bring music back to the community. Building a sense of belonging and community through music therapy. Music has helped cultures find its voice, literally and metaphorically. It teaches welcomed individuality, helping all participants to be together in different and better ways. To project alternative messages about themselves to connect with those outside their immediate environment.”
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’ll always write and record new music but I really look forward to providing services to others who want to express themselves. It’s extremely empowering to create and I want to help anyone with an ear and vision whos willing to be disciplined enough to make change. I’ve always stood on the principle “It’s not what you know its what you teach” and I just want to share my knowledge and flavor with everyone I can reach.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://smarturl.it/TheElmnt
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keelyferguson/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Breann White, Michael Alexander
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