Interviews

Jean Kelley – Jean Kelley KickStarter

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By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound? 
A) My sound combines mostly live instrumentation with some fun synth elements and emotive vocals. The up-tempo songs are sassy and rockin’ and the slower songs are organic and soulful.  
Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

A) My musical influences are pretty diverse and include Celine Dion, James Morrison and One Republic. Oh, and I looooove me some British Pop music.  

Q) What made you decide to create a Kickstarter for your upcoming EP? 

A) It was actually at the urging of fans that I decided to launch a KickStarter. I don’t personally have the kind of money necessary to pursue music on a competitive level, so fans suggested that I launch a KickStarter to help me raise the money I would need to take this dream all the way. I am so grateful to them for believing in me and being so supportive. I couldn’t do this without them.

Q) What will the feel and vibe be for the EP? 

A) The EP will have a soulful, rockin’ vibe with pop sensibility. Some songs make you want to stomp your feet and others will make you feel the feels. This EP is bold and honest and I am so excited to share it with the world. 

Q) What is the song writing process like for you? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) It’s different every time. Sometimes I come up with lyrics and melody and then have to sit down with a guitar and start plucking out chords to figure out what I’m singing. Other times, I hear or play a piece of music and lyrics and melodies just start to surface. And sometimes I got nothin’…so I go watch Harry Potter

Q) We got to see you as a featured artist on “The Voice.” What did you take away from your time on the show? 

A) The best thing I took away from my time on “The Voice” was the impact I was able to make to empower others with my story and learning to truly trust my gut as an artist. You can’t ask for much more than that. Except maybe a career! 🙂

Q) Gwen Stefani was your mentor. Have you kept in touch? 

A) I wish! Haha! She’s a very busy lady. Same goes for Pharrell, minus the “lady” part. 

Q) How do you select the cover songs you perform? 

A) I just pick songs that make me feel something and then I mix them up and make them my own. It’s a lot fun. A couple of the songs I’ve covered are songs I had on my “wish list” for “The Voice.” Better late than never! 

Q) What can fans do to help with your Kickstarter campaign?

A) Fans can click this link  http://kck.st/1Trhf87 to help us spread the word and donate! You can share the campaign and link with your friends and family on social media. That’s a HUGE help. Every donation is an amazing gift and YOU get a gift in return! There are tons of prizes at every donation level that allow you to become part of the journey!

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way to connect with your fans?

A) Social media is crucial to independent artists because it allows music lovers and artists to find one another. It has allowed me to connect with fans that I would otherwise never have met and provides a platform to support and share what you love. Without it, I don’t think many independent artists’ careers could survive. 

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure fans know about your new EP and the campaign?
 A) The goal of making my music is to inspire and empower others to live their lives boldly. I can’t do that alone so I’m asking fans to be bold and be a part of this journey with me. We have until August 11th, 2015 to hit our goal or all donations will be returned to the backers and this project won’t proceed.  I’ve always believed that if the talent and determination are there, money shouldn’t get to be the gatekeeper between us and what gives our lives purpose. I need your help to make something amazing happen.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) I just want to say thank you. You don’t have to care, but you do and that makes me a fan of you. This has not been an easy road, but in the last year, I have been blown away by the support my fans have shown. Thank you for believing in me. I will make you proud.

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