Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Rogers.
Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been singing since I first saw “The Phantom of the Opera” when I was seven years old. I realized that there were real people in that show, who got to go up on stage every night and sing. I realized that one day I could be a person like that. What a dream. I joined every choir I could throughout school, then went on to study theater and vocal performance in college, joining multiple bar bands along the way. Eventually I started writing my own music, and recently taught myself to produce as well. Now I’m here in Los Angeles; writing music and still dreaming about those people who get to sing on the stage every night.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If anyone says they’ve had a smooth road on their entertainment career, send them my way. Maybe some of their effortless luck can rub off on me. Pursuing dreams is a challenge because life just can’t help but get in the way. You’ve got to cultivate an internal fire to keep yourself motivated, but that flame can grow dim when smothered by life’s responsibilities. It’s difficult to point to one singular struggle. It would be more apt to mention a myriad of tiny set backs; little possibilities along the way that never came to fruition. I suppose it’s probably the road less traveled because of all the potholes and terrible terrain. The hope is that even if you’re not traveling down that road at the speed you’d hoped, that at least you keep moving, even if you have to crawl.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a singer, first and foremost. I’ve been in jazz choirs, classical choirs, a blues band, rock bands, given operatic recitals, and performed for Disney in Japan. I pride myself on being able to sing in many styles, but man do I love singing a good ol’ jazz tune. Four years ago I decided that I didn’t only want to write my own music, I wanted to be able to produce it as well. I didn’t want to be dependent on outside help to take my songs from a draft on the piano to a finished product. I took myself to the school of Youtube and learned how to produce and mix. Don’t get me wrong, I’m far from being an expert at either of these disciplines, but I’m so excited (and intensely intimidated) to continue learning. When anyone listens to my music they are listening to something that really has come from my own mind. I get to take credit for all of the successes and all of the… let’s be kind and call them “learning opportunities”.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Throughout my journey I’ve learned so much, but if I could pass on anything that might be valuable it would be this; jealousy is a waste of resources. With social media raging, especially living in a town where I personally know so many talented people with similar dreams to mine, it can be so easy to look at other peoples’ successes and feel jealous, bitter, less than. It’s a fool’s errand to give in to these feelings, truly a waste of time and energy. When I catch myself feeling that way I have to be honest; I’m not bitter towards them because of their achievements, I’m upset with myself for not taking steps I could have to show up for myself. Don’t be jealous. Keep your gaze forward and your mind focused on what you can do for you. The only person you’re competing with is yourself. No one else’s victories diminish your possibilities.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instgram.com/thekellyrogers
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KellyRogersMusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kellyrogerssings
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2cBSQVDKLBoQVDUNKFveE0?si=wPz_zQuTR0yHe7nU2LsELg
Image Credits
The photos were taken by Nabillah Nahim-Champagne, Candise Dalsing, and Patrick Ngyuen
