Meet Kelso.

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelso.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelso. below.

Kelso., thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I’m a strong believer in the theory that who we surround ourselves with becomes a large part of who we are. Music has always brought me a community, but these days, I ensure that those surrounding me also encourage me to think outside the box, to push boundaries, and to not be afraid of showing people the real me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

In May of last year my dog, Ollie, and I moved from Chattanooga, TN to Nashville to further a music career. I had decided to move in October of 2023, when I was still trying my hand at touring as a solo artist. Between the time the decision to move was made and May rolled around, I had…accidentally formed a band. I say accidentally because I had come to terms with going it alone and was fully prepared to do so. However, after hiring 2 friends of mine, that I had played music with in the past, to play one, singular show with me, the 3 of us felt a spark when on that stage that night and we all knew it was something we had to explore. And so, the band was born.

We like to say that we play…

“The Folk Punk Blues”

KELSO., as a band, is now known for high energy and interactive live shows, as well as a sound that brings soulful melodies and alternative rock/folk rhythms together, with a layer of singer/songwriter lyric style overtop. KELSO. consists of Katina Goad on bass, Brett Ives on percussion, and frontman Kelso, herself. Now that we’re operating out of Nashville, the great music city, we aren’t looking back anytime soon.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

#1 I would say would be the quality, humility. I was someone that always thought I was a generally humble person when it came to my music, but I also hadn’t really been tested in that area yet. For me, the test came a few years into my journey, and hasn’t stopped testing me since. This would be the wake up call that you never, ever, stop learning new things. Even when you think you are the most knowledgeable you can be, humility comes in when accepting, or simply listening to, someone else’s advice or opinion. Remaining humble allows you to learn something you may never have, arming yourself with that much more knowledge.

#2 would be to take the time to learn the basics of running a sound system. I can’t count how many times I’ve shown up to a gig and either the sound guy bailed or circuits got crossed somehow and we were left with a sound system, but no one to run it. After it happened once, I decided to start building friendships with the sound guys at each show we were lucky to have them at. Not only did I learn enough to run sound in a last minute scenario, but forming friendships with the people that can make or break how your audience hears you is priceless.

#3 BE FLEXIBLE. There is no way of ensuring that absolutely everything will go as planned at each show. And it’s difficult to prepare for what could happen with as many variables that usually exist. So the best way to be ready is to remind yourself to be flexible, think positively, and go with the flow. One thing I like to do is imagine myself when I go to concerts. If there are technical difficulties or any kind of “bumps” in the road, it’s not something I even bat an eye at. In fact, in some cases, it makes the show even more special, giving you the true live experience.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

A year ago I was working in an allergy clinic in Chattanooga, TN, while playing as many shows as possible on nights and weekends to try to save enough money to move to Nashville. So, sitting here having this interview, telling the story of how i achieved this, is a special moment for myself. What I see this as, as far as growth goes, is my learning how to trust and believe in myself. The last year has been one of the most difficult of my life, but has also been my favorite year to date.

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