kelsy karter

kelsy

karter

If Kelsy Karter isn’t already on your radar, it’s time to change that. We talked to the singer/songwriter about her debut album, creative process and more!

words by VANESSA SALLES photo by SARAH PARDINI

Tell us about your debut album, Missing Person! How long has it been in the works

and what does it mean to you to be releasing it now?

I started writing MISSING PERSON in 2018. I was in a very angry, dark place then and had a lot of pain to channel in some tunes. I didn’t have plans at the time to release an album but then, over the next year or so, it just started to form on its own. And as all the pain and sadness changed, the music started to as well. You can hear that in the music. It feels so good to get it out there now, as so many of those songs take me to a darker time. But they’re not mine anymore, they’re everyone else’s.

Any memorable moments while writing/recording that you can share with us?

There was a lot of crying in the first part of the process, haha. But everyday in the studio is a new experience. I guess one memorable thing I could mention is that I actually signed my record deal the night we were cutting vocals for “Devil On My Shoulder”!

Is there a track that you resonate with the most? What’s the story behind the song?

I’ve resonated with all of them at different times. But in the place that I am right now, I’d say “Goodness Gracious” and “Love Me or Hate Me” are the two I resonate with the most. I’m in a much better place now and these songs are my happy tunes on the record.

What has the reaction been from fans so far?

I’ve been absolutely buzzing from the response. I’m so happy the fans are digging it and feeling themselves in these songs too. I’m surprised by some of the favourites. Oh, and then Avril Lavigne shared it the other day! I cried so hard. Haha!

How would you describe your creative process?

There is a different process for everything I do. I’m very much a visual person though, so even when writing a song, I see pictures and draw a lot of inspiration from film.

When you think of ultimate career goals, what comes to mind?

Eventually directing films. Hosting/performing on SNL, and just making music and movies and touring and being with my fans and my family.

When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) are you inspired by?

Bowie brought theatre to music and that’s a huge objective of mine. Also James Brown and Mick Jagger... they taught me how to be a performer.

Which artist(s) are on your dream collab list?

I think everyone knows I’d love to work with Harry Styles. But other than him, I’d love to work with Jack White, Yungblud, Green Day, Miley Cyrus, The Strokes.