Kelly Rose – Ignite

By starrymag | January 26, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I think my sound mixes catchy pop melodies with honest emotions. There are definitely elements of early 2000s pop, but some more modern lyrical influences like Taylor Swift and Julia Michaels. I want my music to be able to make you both dance and cry. I feel like some artists get categorized as either they make happy or sad music, which I don’t want to happen to me.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I grew up on Britney Spears and NSYNC and so my love for Pop music stems from there. I think my biggest musical influence is the songwriter, Max Martin. Most of my favorite songs are written by him. He has such an amazing talent for pop hooks.

Q) You’ve been compared to a mix of Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa. How does that make you feel?

A) It’s very flattering. I love their music so much. I think Taylor is one of the greatest songwriters and Dua created one of my favorite albums of all time with Future Nostalgia. Their music is on repeat for me all of the time, so it’s such a great compliment.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Ignite.”

A) “Ignite” is about the vulnerability of admitting that you need someone. I wrote “Ignite” during a time I was questioning the what if’s of a relationship that I had moved on from. I felt like nothing compared to the feelings I used to have for them and if we got together one more time that we could make it work.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think everyone can relate to wondering if you’ve made the wrong choice and that pain of missing someone. You can’t help but wonder if you should still be together, since you used to be so strong and can’t let go of your feelings for them.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) I wanted to focus on the message of the song and not distract with too many different scenes. I knew I wanted a rose on fire to represent igniting love and the sparks you feel with someone. I also wanted the lyrics to speak and my solo shots to represent the loneliness you feel when you are questioning the breakup, along with the hope of getting back together.

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

A) My process is different every time! I can write to tracks, but I actually prefer starting songs on piano or guitar. Most of the time I play some chords on piano and start freestyling melodies. I usually focus on finding a good chorus melody or something that inspires me and then figure out the lyrics from there. I love building a song from scratch!

Q) Keith “Ten4” Sorrells lent a hand with the production on “Ignite,” but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

A) I actually wrote “Ignite” first on piano from verse to chorus. I sent it to Keith and gave him ideas of how I wanted it to sound so he built upon the original piano chords I had. After I write a song on piano, I can usually have an idea of what type of production I want on a song, even if it’s just a simple piano idea. I tell the producer what I hear in my head, and we take it from there to see what works.

With “Ignite,” I knew I wanted a darker ballad, so Keith built upon some sounds I like and nailed it. He incorporated all of the piano and moody synths I thought would work but also expanded on my ideas and added an awesome heavy 808 drop in the chorus which makes it so unique.

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) I’m currently focusing on singles, but I’m considering an EP! I love telling individual stories with each song though, so I’m really enjoying highlighting each song with a theme and lyric video.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I performed at The Grammy Museum a couple of years ago and that was definitely a highlight for me because you’re surrounded by so much musical history. I also loved when I performed at Laserium. They programmed a special light show to my songs while I was performing, and it was so cool to have that additional element.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I would love to collaborate with Dua Lipa. She is my favorite artist, and her voice is so unique.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them

A) I’m really into Alec Benjamin’s Narrated For You album right now. The songs have more of a chill pop vibe but with some very catchy melodies. I really love relaxing songs like that, which also get stuck in your head.

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

A) I think it’s a great way to take your career into your own hands and connect with people one on one. Especially during a pandemic! You can connect with fans so easily without the barrier of location. It’s great to feel that support.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you! It means a lot when people tell me they enjoy my music. I put a lot of thought and effort into my work, so to know that it connects with people just makes it that much more rewarding!