In my quest of always wanting to find fresh new talent, I often stumble upon some fresh and exciting Artist. This week’s artist shines a spotlight on my Afro-Punk, Downtempo, Alternative and R&B crowd. Born in 1983,” Kelela” is an American singer and songwriter.
This Ethiopian American has been based in the Los Angeles area since 2010, where she got her start singing Jazz standards in cafes on the west coast. Then in 2008, she joined an Indie band “Dizzy Spells were she tried her hand at singing progressive metal.
Now, after listening to some of her work, you can surely hear the progressive metal as well as some of those melodic jazz flows in her music. Kelela’s style is more like something you would hear from “Solange” and “Erykah Badu”, after practically listening to everything she’s ever recorded. I would have to say that her style is more of a soulful mixture of that progressive metal meeting the complexity of a jazz standard. I mean the richness that every track gives the listener is so raw and true to form. She is definitely a true Avant Gard artist providing a completely different spin on what is deemed as traditional R&B. While being in LA, she has also had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing artists, like hooking up with “Teen-girl Fantasy” and being featured on the group’s album entitled “Tracer” lending her vocals on the track entitled “EFX”, which led to her meeting “Prince William” from the record label “Fade to Mind”, being on this album also allowed Kelela to offer her amazing gifts to other well known artists alike.
In 2013 she released a mixtape entitled “Cut 4 me” that was available for download for free. You heard right, free download. Now, she’s back with a brand new single entitled “A Message”, off her brand new EP entitled “Hallucinogen”. Off of the re-released “Cut 4 Me”. Available in our aStore!!
I’m definitely feeling this track with its pulsating bass and Kelela’s melodic flows it is sure to stir the sexual side in you. This is truly a sexy a song with its grime, deep-house, overt techno and dubstep sounds throughout the mix, it’s got something for everyone. While it appears that Kelela hasn’t been on the scene that long, she has been putting in work here and overseas. But don’t just take my word for it. Check it out for yourselves. I advise you to check out her collection of work on “Soundcloud” and “Spotify” you won’t be disappointed. Remember guys, to show your support for all artists, but especially those Indie Artist, cause you know as well as I know they just don’t get the same exposure as the so called mainstream artists receive. So, until next time remember to play your favorite artists loud and hard.
L.Boogie is a music blogger, traveler, and music festival enthusiast. Follow me on Twitter: @LBoogie252005!
